Russian Revolution Background - Reading Questions

Identify the causes and combatants of the Crimean War.

Causes – Russian desire to expand into the Ottoman empire and “liberate” that land since they were the protector of the Orthodox Christianity and for the access the Black Sea, combatants – Russia vs. Ottoman Empire, Great Britain, France (trying to maintain balance of power), Sardinia (Italian unification), first war to show impact of modern weapons in war. Breakdown of EU power, competition over Middle east, Russian desire to expand into EU territories of Ottoman Empire.

What convinced Russian leaders in the 19th century that modernization was necessary, and what steps did Russian leaders take in the 19th century to reform?

After GB and FR join the Crimean War and harshly crush the Russians, Alexander II realizes Russia must modernize to compete with the West, begins abolishing serfdom in 1861, and starting to industrialize. Also threatened in WWI, established high protective tariffs, and the country was on a gold standard to strengthen Russian finances.

How did life change for Russian peasants after the abolition of serfdom in 1861?

After emancipation, land was owned collectively by a “mir” or agricultural commune, the mir acted as a local village government and became the mechanism for tax collection. Mir replaces power of lord, Czar – Mir – Peasant.

List and explain some of the political reforms enacted by Alexander II in Russia.

Abolished serfdom in 1861, creates local governments called zemstvos, eased off antisemitism legislation, decreased censorship, built railroads for economy, seized territory in far eastern Siberia, suppressed national movements about Poles Ukrainians and Baltic people which angered reactionaries.

Although Alexander III was considered a “reactionary” czar, what modern change occurred during his reign in Russia?

Industrialization (attempt)

During the early 20th century, Russia’s imperialist goals conflicted with the imperialist goals of what Asian nation, and what were the results of this conflict?

Japan, beats Russia in their conflict over Manchuria in the Russo-Japanese war (peace negotiated by Teddy Roosevelt in treaty of Portsmouth, inspires other non-Western territories to rebel against Western domination because Japan beating Russia was an example of a non-Western country beating a EU great power. Weakens Russian govt. which gives revolutionaries the opportunity to overthrow the govt.

What were the main causes of the Russian Revolution of 1905?

Russian upset with social/economic problems in Russia, Russian failure in the Russo-Japanese War. Peasants suffering from poverty and overpopulation, Bloody Sunday Massacre tipping point.

What “strategy” did Nicholas II use to “end” the Russian Revolution of 1905?

Compromises by issuing the October manifesto, granted civil rights to Duma.

As a result of the October Manifesto, on paper, Russia had what type of government? In reality?

On paper a constitutional monarchy/form of democracy, in reality an absolute monarchy.