Modern History - The Romanovs

Revision for year 11 prelim modern hist test.

What is Marxism?

What is Marxism?

A social, economic, and political philosophy that analyses the impact of the ruling class on the working class – looking at the outcomes of uneven distribution of wealth and privileges in society. It was developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels It also promotes the idea of a socialist revolution to achieve a communist society; a classless utopia.

How long did the Romanovs rule for?

304 years

What were the two main parties in the Russian Social Democratic Worker’s party?

The Mensheviks, and the Bolsheviks.

What was Russia like before Romanov rule?

Russia was politically fragmented as well as economically and culturally underdeveloped.

What sort of government ruled the Russian Empire?

The Russian Empire was led by a tsarist autocracy, meaning the tsar had absolute power of the nation state.

What sort of relations did the Russian Empire have with foreign countries?

The empire invested in major economic projects, such as the Trans-Siberian Railway and relations with the Chinese Region of Manchuria. Further, Russia’s relationship with Japan depleted as the Russo-Japanese war occurred in 1904-1905. Russia’s loss defined the early 20th century, with it being the first occasion of an Asian power defeating a modern European power. It was disastrous as it displayed Russia’s weakness and corruption -- it marked the decline of Russian power.

What were the three major changes outlined in the October Manifesto?

The document promised freedom from all, especially in the loosening of censorship and the encouragement of Freedom of Speech. The document had also implemented the State Duma, a legislative body that held advisory or legislative proposals. The third proposal in the manifesto was the greater enforcement of power to the Duma; no law would take effect without confirmation from the State Duma.

How did Russia differ from the rest of the world?

Russia differed greatly from the rest of the world; under the reign of the Romanovs, Russia was isolated from the improvements made during the Industrial Revolution. As a result, the nation was economically and intellectually behind. Additionally, Russia continued to be an Agrarian society, allowing for famine to be common, especially in rural areas of Russia.

How did Tsar Nicholas come into power?

His father died unexpectedly, and at age 26, Nicholas took the position as Tsar of Russia.

How was Tsar Nicholas as an autocrat?

Due to the unexpected death and his sudden taking of the role of Tsar, as a leader Nicholas was ill-prepared and was heavily reliant on advisors and ministers. Nicholas had drew on political and cultural tradition, believing he had divine power to rule, and having absolute power.

What were major causes for the opposition of the Romanovs?

The major causes of the opposition was the rising of Marxism, the Russo-Japanese War, the 1905 Revolution and Bloody Sunday, the October Manifesto and the State Duma and Fundamental laws.

Why did the October Manifesto occur?

The October Manifesto occurred as a result of the 1905 revolution; the continued opposition to the autocratic system had demonstrated that the public wanted a change in the governing system.

How did the Russo-Japanese war influence a negative attitude towards the Imperial family?

The Russo-Japanese war left Russia feeling humiliated due to the great loss that occurred. Through this loss, Japan left Russia feeing demoralised and had added to the public’s growing anger at the failed policies of Tsar Nicholas.

Who led the Bloody Sunday march, and what did the demonstrators want?

Father Gregori Gapon had led demonstrators to Winter Palace, in hopes to present a petition to the Tsar. The petition declared for a guarantee of civil liberties, alleviation of poverty and income tax, and better working conditions.

How did World War 1 impact the Romanovs?

World War 1 had great impacts on the Romanov dynasty’s reputation. The Russian military was underprepared, with the military having scarce supplies. Russia had suffered massive human losses; additionally, the Tsar himself had taken a personal commandment, as a result, Russia’s losses were attributed to him.

How did Rasputin create opposition in the Romanov family?

When Tsar Nicholas left for WW1, Tsarina Alexandra was left in charge. The public was already suspicious due to her German heritage; however, her close connection with Rasputin had drastically impacted public perceptions. Alexandra had relied on Rasputin for spiritual guidance and advice on political matters, therefore giving Rasputin power over the family; the public generally disliked Rasputin for his promiscuous behaviour, and additionally for his promotion of people in the court who respected Rasputin and his advice.

How did WW1 cause discontent in Russia?

During world war 1, Russia suffered from food shortages, inefficient wages, crime and inflation, and fuel shortages. This discontent allowed for the anger to grow against Tsar Nicholas.

What event occurred in 1917 that caused great change?

The Russian Revolution.

How did the Russian Revolution create change?

During the revolution, discontent grew; factory workers had gone on strike due to pay disparities, therefore causing grief amongst the country. By 25 February, Petrograd was shut down, causing further chaos. The Tsar had by then ordered soldiers to shoot demonstrators. During this time, the government had collapsed. As a result, the State Duma called for Nicholas to abdicate -- on 2 March, Nicholas abdicated, and the Tsar would be replaced by the Provisional Government.

Did the Provisional Government actually create much change?

No, the Provisional government had little power, and therefore wasn’t efficient. The government had competing power with the Soviets, a group of representatives elected by workers in factories and barracks.

What was significant about the October Revolution of 1917?

The October Revolution had culminated in the Bolshevik party seizing power in Russia’s capital; this therefore lead to the forming of the Soviet Union, therefore implementing a communist system.

What was the term “dual power” refer to?

Dual power refers to the Soviets and the Provisional Government’s coexisting governing ability. The government controlled the state, whereas the Soviets held real power, as they were considered national representatives and had the ability to control their actions in the streets and factories and at the front.

What happened to the Tsar after he abdicated?

The Tsar and his family were arrested by the Provisional Government on March 7, 1917, and would be imprisoned at various locations across Russia.

How was the Imperial Family captured?

The Romanovs were intercepted on a train going to Moscow for Trotsky’s trial by a local Bolshevik group. Their capture would take place in the Ipatiev house in Ekaterinburg.

Why were the Romanov’s killed, and how?

The Romanov family were executed on July 17 due to fears that the white army would free the Tsar. The Tsar and his family would be executed in the basement of the house, one by one.

What debate is there surrounding the death of the Romanovs?

A debate surrounding the death is accuracy of Lenin ordering the execution of the Romanov family. Further, debate surrounds the death of Anastasia Romanov. There was belief that Anastasia had not been executed and had moved to safety in America, but there is not concrete evidence of such.