Modern History Soviet Union

Year 12 ATAR Soviet Union

What were the economic conditions in Russia in 1914?

Russia was largely agricultural, with a weak industrial base; the economy was backward compared to Western Europe, with widespread poverty among peasants.

Describe the political system in Russia in 1914.

Russia was an autocracy ruled by Tsar Nicholas II, with little political freedom and an ineffective Duma (parliament).

What were the social conditions in Russia before WWI?

Deep social inequality; large peasant majority, small urban working class, powerful nobility.

What was the role of the Duma before 1917?

A limited legislative body with little real power under the Tsar.

What was the political impact of WWI on Russia?

Exposed autocracy's weaknesses and fueled revolutionary movements.

How did WWI affect the Russian army?

Poor leadership, low morale, and heavy casualties weakened it.

What is a proletariat?

it refers to the industrial working class who owned little to no property who worked manual labor jobs

What was autocracy in Tsarist Russia?

Absolute power held by the Tsar with no constitutional limits.

Why was the Duma ineffective before 1917?

Limited powers and often ignored by the Tsar.

What was the social impact of the Russian Orthodox Church pre-1917?

It was a powerful group that supported autocracy and the tsar

How did WWI impact Russia internally?

Military defeats, economic strain, food shortages, and loss of confidence in the Tsar

Why was Tsar Nicholas II’s leadership criticized during WWI?

He took personal command of the army, leading to failures; seen as disconnected and ineffective.

What triggered the February Revolution?

Food shortages, military defeats, and public discontent with the Tsarist regime.

What was the significance of the February Revolution 1917?

Caused Nicholas II to abdicate (step down) from his position and be replaced by a provisional government

What happened to the Russian Provisional Government

They were overthrown by the Bolsheviks in the October Revolution in 1917