KT1 — The Revolutions of 1917

"Why were peasants discontented with the Tsar by early 1917?

They were poor and hungry for land, resented heavy taxes and grain requisitioning for the war, and the war took away their men and horses through conscription, leaving farms struggling."

"Why were town workers discontented with the Tsar by early 1917?

Food and fuel shortages, sky-high prices (inflation), long hours and poor living and working conditions led to growing strikes, especially in the capital Petrograd."

"What were the military effects of the First World War on Russia?

Huge defeats (e.g. Tannenberg and the Masurian Lakes, 1914) and massive casualties (over 1.7 million dead by 1917); soldiers were badly equipped, short of rifles, boots and ammunition, and morale collapsed."

"Why was the Tsar becoming Commander-in-Chief (1915) a serious mistake?

By personally taking command of the army, Nicholas II was now directly blamed for every defeat; he also left the government in the hands of the unpopular Tsarina Alexandra and Rasputin."

"What were the economic effects of the First World War on Russia?

The cost of war caused severe inflation as the government printed money; prices rose far faster than wages, and the railways broke down, so food and fuel could not reach the cities."

"What were the social effects of the First World War on Russia?

Severe food shortages and long bread queues in cities, hunger and cold (the bitter winter of 1916-17), and waves of refugees fleeing the war zones increased anger and suffering."

"How did the Tsarina and Rasputin damage faith in the monarchy?

While the Tsar was at the front, Tsarina Alexandra (German-born and distrusted) ran the government badly, frequently changing ministers, and was heavily influenced by Rasputin - destroying confidence in the Tsar's rule."

"What triggered the February Revolution in Petrograd (1917)?

On International Women's Day (23 February) protests over bread shortages combined with strikes; huge crowds filled Petrograd demanding food and an end to the war and the Tsar."

"Why was the mutiny of the Petrograd garrison so important in February 1917?

Soldiers ordered to fire on the crowds refused and joined the protesters instead; once the Tsar lost the army in the capital, he had no way to keep control."

"Why did Tsar Nicholas II abdicate in 1917?

He was away at the front, had lost the support of his generals and the Duma, and was advised he could not regain control; he abdicated on 2 March (OS) 1917, ending over 300 years of Romanov rule."

"What was the Provisional Government (1917)?

A temporary government, mostly former Duma members, set up after the Tsar's abdication to run Russia until elections could be held for a new assembly."

"What was 'Dual Control' (dual authority) in 1917?

Power was shared between the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet; the Soviet controlled the workers, soldiers and railways, so the government could not act without its support."

"What was Soviet Order Number 1?

An order from the Petrograd Soviet telling soldiers to obey the Soviet rather than the Provisional Government unless the Soviet agreed - which fatally undermined the government's control of the army."

"Who was Kerensky and why did he become unpopular?

A leading figure in the Provisional Government (later Prime Minister); his decision to continue the deeply unpopular war was disastrous and steadily lost him support."

"What were the main failures of the Provisional Government?

It continued the unpopular war, failed to give peasants the land they wanted, delayed elections, and could not solve the food shortages - so support drained away."

"What was the Kornilov Revolt (1917) and why was it significant?

Army commander Kornilov tried to march on Petrograd; Kerensky armed the Bolshevik Red Guards to defend the city, which boosted Bolshevik popularity, weapons and credibility."

"What was Lenin's April Theses (1917)?

Lenin's programme on returning to Russia, summed up in the slogans 'Peace, Bread, Land' and 'All Power to the Soviets' - simple promises that won mass support."

"What were the July Days (1917)?

A premature rising against the Provisional Government that failed; the Bolsheviks were blamed and temporarily suppressed, and Lenin fled to Finland."

"Why did support for the Bolsheviks grow during 1917?

Clear, popular slogans, the failures of the Provisional Government, the continuing war, the boost from the Kornilov Revolt, and Lenin's strong leadership all increased their support."

"What happened in the October Revolution (1917)?

Bolshevik Red Guards seized key points in Petrograd - bridges, the telegraph, railway stations and the Winter Palace - and overthrew the Provisional Government with little resistance."

"What was Trotsky's role in the October Revolution?

As chairman of the Petrograd Soviet he set up and led the Military Revolutionary Committee, which planned and carried out the seizure of power."

"What was Lenin's role in the October Revolution?

As Bolshevik leader he pushed for the timing of the seizure of power and gave the revolution its ideological direction and drive."

"Why were the Bolsheviks successful in October 1917?

The Provisional Government was weak and unpopular, the Bolsheviks were well organised under Lenin and Trotsky, they controlled the Petrograd Soviet and Red Guards, and their slogans had wide appeal."

"EXAM SKILL: What is the structure of the Russia paper (Paper 3)?

Q1: make TWO inferences from a source (4 marks). Q2: 'Explain why…' causation (12 marks) - choose one of two. Q3 (a,b,c,d): source usefulness and comparing/evaluating two interpretations (source + interpretation skills)."

"EXAM SKILL: How do you answer 'Explain why there was a revolution in February 1917' (12 marks)?

Give THREE reasons, each its own paragraph. For each: state the reason, give precise detail, and explain HOW it led to revolution. Strong trio: (1) WWI military disaster, (2) economic hardship and food shortages, (3) failures of the Tsar's leadership (taking command, Tsarina/Rasputin)."