History EOY

Causes of Political change in Russia - early 20th century

Peasants & working class discontent

• Intro: Horrendous living & Working conditions, discontent in yrs before 1905: riots, illegal strikes, protests. Increased industrialisation and urbanisation had led to major social and economic problems for workers and peasants

• Peasants: famine = common occurrence, not enough to feed themselves and forced to provide surplus grain for whole population. Peasants = 82% population.

• Working class: working + living conditions terrible, poor sanitation, little to protect workers’ rights, early 1900s = decreased amount of jobs, leaving many without income

• Middle class: even middle class industrialists were unhappy as they had no say in how the country was governed and wanted a constitution

number 1 cause of revolution

For decades, Russia was plagued by structural issues that created a revolutionary atmosphere. By 1917, these long-term problems, compounded by the failed reforms after the 1905 Revolution, resulted in a volatile society.

• Peasant "Land Hunger": Despite the emancipation of serfs in 1861, peasants remained poor, overburdened with debt, and sought to take land from the wealthy elite.

• Industrial Worker Discontent: Rapid industrialization brought workers to cities, where they faced appalling living conditions, low wages, and dangerous working environments.

• Rigid Autocracy: Nicholas II refused to share power, ignoring the need for democratic reform and alienating both the working class and liberal reformers.

number 2 cause of revolution

Russia's involvement in World War I acted as the primary catalyst that exposed and deepened the systemic weaknesses of the empire, forcing the transition from monarchy to provisional government and finally to Bolshevik rule. [1]

• Military Failures and Leadership: The army suffered massive defeats and heavy casualties. Tsar Nicholas II's decision to take personal command in 1915 made him directly responsible for these losses.

• Economic Collapse and Shortages: The war effort crippled the economy, resulting in severe shortages of food and fuel in the cities, alongside rampant inflation.

• Widespread Discontent: Soldiers, workers, and peasants became disillusioned with the "pointless slaughter," leading to mass mutinies and supporting the push for revolutionary change.

key dates of colonisation