OCR A-Level History - Russia 1894-1941 (1905-1918)

Success of the Dumas

Politically, Russia was stable by 1914. This measure enabled initial appeasement but also the ability to retain ultimate power. Democracy had not been implemented which meant some liberals were aggrieved by the deception.

What caused 100,000 deaths in 1910?

Cholera outbreak, St. Petersburg

Lena Goldfields Strike

1912; strike provoked by harsh working conditions and workers were shot at by the Imperial Russian Army. Stimulated revolutionary feeling.

Food shortages from WWI

food requisitioning and a number of transport problems meant that the bread ration fell by 25% by 1916 - during a period of rising population.

Prices rose by 400% compared to start of war.

The Tsar's main mistake

Taking control of the Army as commander in chief. This left Alexandra and Rasputin acting head of governance, causing much discontent. the 'Progressive Bloc' formed in government to put pressure on the Tsar to take control.

The fourth Duma

this event is infamous for putting pressure on the Tsar to abdicate as head of state, and the members went on to form the Provisional Government.

Soviet Order No.1

Outlined the principles of the Provisional Government, a moderation measure before a constituent assembly could be held. This included the preservation of military discipline and the freedom of speech, press and assembly.

4 challenges of the provisional government

They were self-appointed - many were conservative as liberal groups were reduced in influence throughout the Duma process. Authority was shared with the Petrograd Soviet who opposed many propositions. Continuity in the First World war was one of these issues, with the Soviet wanting peace and the PG wanting victory. The liberal rules put in places allowed the proliferation of protest groups, for example the Bolsheviks.

The April Theses

a set of stringent plans by Lenin on how the Bolshevik Party should proceed.

- demanded the overthrow of the PG

- proposed abandoning a coalition government

- called for Soviet seizure of power, true power to the workers.

'Peace, Land and Bread'

The July Days

Kerensky emerged successful for quelling the threat of the Kronstadt rebellion when Lenin was pushing for the Soviets to seize power in revolutionary fashion - the Mensheviks and SR's refused to support this and the Bolshevik support diminished.

The Land Question

Lenin originally thought just workers could spark rebellion, but realised he could exploit discontent of the peasants too. By promoting 'Land to the Peasants' he succeeded where the PG had ignored.

Kornilov Affair

Kornilov had the intention of marching on Petrograd and shutting down the soviet, however this failed and the Bolsheviks emerged heroes as Kerensky gave them arms meaning they were the 'defenders' of Petrograd. The PG emerged looking susceptible to military action.

Lenin

Through his writings and oratory skill, this individual was a great influence on revolution as a theorist. He was able to persuade everyone in government that the validation of the Constituent Assembly was not going to be successful, and therefore the Bolsheviks remained leading power.

Third All-Russian Congress of Soviets

sanctioned the closure of the Constituent Assembly, proclaiming the establishment of the RSFSR.

The treaty of Brest-Litovsk

withdrew Russia from the First World War but granted a third of Russian land to Germany including grain producing regions.