Imperial Russia HL

Who was Alexander II and what reforms did he implement?

Tsar of Russia (1855–1881); emancipated the serfs (1861), reformed the judiciary, introduced local self-government (zemstvos), and relaxed censorship.

What were the limitations of Alexander II's reforms?

Reforms were often inconsistent; emancipation left peasants with redemption payments and little land; political opposition increased.

What were the policies of Alexander III (1881–1894)?

Reversed many liberal reforms, promoted Russification, used repression through Okhrana, and focused on industrialization.

How did Nicholas II (1894–1917) contribute to the fall of the Romanovs?

Resisted political reform, mishandled the 1905 and 1917 revolutions, and lost public support due to WWI failures and association with Rasputin.

What role did economic modernization play under Alexander III and Nicholas II?

Significant industrial growth under Finance Ministers like Witte; however, rapid urbanization caused poor working conditions and unrest.

What were the causes of the 1905 Revolution?

Long-term social and economic inequality, peasant unrest, poor working conditions, and defeat in the Russo-Japanese War.

What were the consequences of the 1905 Revolution?

Creation of the Duma (parliament), limited constitutional reforms, but continued autocracy and repression under Stolypin.

Who was Stolypin and what were his policies?

Prime Minister (1906–1911); introduced land reforms to strengthen peasantry, suppressed opposition with 'Stolypin's necktie' (executions).

How did World War I impact the Russian Empire?

Massive casualties, economic strain, military defeats, and loss of morale; weakened the monarchy and intensified public unrest.

What caused the February/March 1917 Revolution?

War fatigue, food shortages, strikes, military mutinies, and the failure of Nicholas II to enact reforms.

What was the Provisional Government and what challenges did it face?

Temporary government post-February Revolution; faced opposition from Soviets, continued WWI, and failed to address key reforms.

What was 'dual power' in 1917 Russia?

The coexistence of the Provisional Government and Petrograd Soviet; led to political instability.

What were the causes and outcomes of the October/November 1917 Revolution?

Led by Bolsheviks under Lenin; overthrew Provisional Government and established Soviet rule.

What roles did Lenin and Trotsky play in the Bolshevik Revolution?

Lenin provided ideological leadership and strategy; Trotsky organized the Red Guards and led the actual seizure of power.

How did Lenin consolidate power after 1917?

Banned opposition, used Red Terror and Cheka, suppressed dissent, and signed Treaty of Brest-Litovsk to exit WWI.

What was the Russian Civil War (1918–1921) and who were the main sides?

Conflict between the Red (Bolsheviks) and White (anti-Bolshevik) forces; Reds won due to unity, leadership, and control of key areas.

What was War Communism and what were its effects?

Economic policy during Civil War; nationalized industry, grain requisitioning, led to famine and resistance.

What was the New Economic Policy (NEP) introduced by Lenin?

Reintroduced limited capitalism to revive economy; allowed small private businesses and markets, improved conditions temporarily.

How did terror and coercion shape Lenin's regime?

Use of Cheka, Red Terror, and suppression of uprisings (e.g., Kronstadt); created a one-party authoritarian state.

What were Soviet foreign relations like under Lenin?

Initially isolated; Comintern promoted world revolution; later sought limited diplomatic recognition (e.g., Treaty of Rapallo).