Imperial Russia and the Russian Revolutions

Flashcards covering key aspects of Imperial Russia, including reforms, modernization attempts, and the causes and outcomes of the 1905 and 1917 revolutions.

Who was Alexander II?

Tsar of Russia from 1855-1881, known for reforms such as the emancipation of the serfs.

What were the primary reasons for the Emancipation of the Serfs in 1861?

Economic need for industrial development, fear of military uprisings led by trained serfs, and a desire to reduce peasant uprisings.

What were the successes of the Emancipation of the Serfs?

Enterprising peasants benefited, 40 million serfs were freed, and there was a short-term reduction in peasant uprisings. Long-term, 85% became landowners within 20 years.

What were the failures of the Emancipation of the Serfs?

Worsened wealth and living standards of peasants, mir remained too controlling, economic modernization didn't occur, peasants stuck with redemption payments, and land allotments favored landowners.

What was the Zemstva?

Local parliament for rural communes established in 1864 as part of Alexander II's reforms.

What were the Dumas?

Set up in towns and cities to provide municipal self-government as part of Alexander II's reforms in 1870.

How did Alexander II's reforms lead to growth of opposition?

Conservatives displeased with liberal reforms, liberals pushed for further reforms, and it encouraged radical extremism against the state.

Who was Sergei Witte?

Minister of Finance from 1892-1903 who implemented state intervention policies to boost industrialization in Russia.

What reforms did Sergei Witte implement?

Foreign investment, the gold standard for the Russian Rouble, development of railways, and increased exports of oil and grain.

What was the impact of Sergei Witte's reforms?

Massive increase in industry but also peasant unrest due to seizure of grain, famine, and increased taxes.

What was Russification?

Policy of strict suppression of ethnic groups, enforcing Russian language and Orthodox religion.

What problems did Nicholas II face?

Economic problems (discontented working class), peasant issues (high debts, controlling mir), and the impact of Russification (increased uprisings).

What were the long-term causes of the 1905 Russian Revolution?

Economic and social issues, political factors, and the Russo-Japanese War.

What was the significance of the Russo-Japanese War for Nicholas II?

A defeat that weakened the image of the Tsarist regime and exacerbated economic problems.

What was Bloody Sunday (January 9, 1905)?

Unarmed demonstrators were fired upon by soldiers of the Imperial Guard while marching to the Winter Palace to petition Nicholas II.

What were the outcomes of Bloody Sunday?

Showed disregard for ordinary people, broke the social contract between the Tsar and the people, and started the active phase of the 1905 Revolution.

What were the key points of the October Manifesto?

Granting basic civil rights, allowing formation of political parties, and establishing the Duma as the central legislative body.

Why did Nicholas II survive the 1905 Revolution?

The Revolutionary groups were disorganized, there was loyalty and use of the army, the October Manifesto divided the opposition and solving economic problems by securing a huge loan.

Who was Peter Stolypin?

Prime Minister and Minister of Interior who aimed to create a strong, conservative peasantry to support the regime.

What was the impact of WWI (1914-1918) on Russia?

Poor leadership, a breakdown of the distribution system, and poor conditions at home.

Who was General Kornilov?

Led a revolt hoping to overthrow the Provisional Government (PG).

What were the key outcomes of the Kornilov Affair?

Kerensky and the PG's reputation was irreparably damaged, the Mensheviks and SRs were seen as incompetent, and the Bolsheviks were perceived as saviors.

What were Lenin's April Theses?

Called for a worldwide socialist revolution, land reform to the peasants, an end to the war, and an end to cooperation with the Provisional Government.

What problems did Lenin face in Russia (1917-1924)?

Political opposition, pressure to form a government, economic crisis, and problems with ending the war.

What was the Workers' Decree (1917)?

Outlined minimum wage, limitation on workers’ hours and the running of factories by elected workers’ committees.

What was the Decree of Peace (1917)?

Announced Russia’s withdrawal from WWI without payment of indemnities or annexations.

Who were the Reds in the Russian Civil War?

Fought for a Bolshevik form of socialism.

Who were the Whites in the Russian Civil War?

Loosely allied forces with an 'anti-Bolshevik' view.

Who were the Greens in the Russian Civil War?

Non-ideological peasant armies fighting to protect their communities.

What were the main aims of War Communism (1918-1921)?

To keep workers in cities producing essentials, to feed the population and to develop socialism.

What was Prodrazvyorstka?

Requisition of agricultural surpluses from peasants for centralized distribution.

What were the Social Results of War Communism?

bitter resistance by the peasantry, workers migration from city to the countryside and series of strikes and rebellions all over the country.

What was the Red Terror (1917-1918)?

Campaign of mass killings, torture, and systematic oppression to reinforce new measures.

What was the Kronstadt Rebellion (March 1921)?

Uprising against Bolsheviks due to bread rations, Bolshevik treatment of the peasantry, suppression and outcomes.

What were the Policies of the New Economic Policy (NEP)?

Replaced grain requisitioning with ‘tax in kind’, allowed national freedoms, removed ban on private trade, heavy industry was nationalized and trusts were made to manage their own budges.

What was done to help stabilize and address the agricultural concerns in Russia?

Abolished grain requisitioning and replaced it with ‘tax in kind’.

Why was the Kronstadt Rebellion such a shock to members of the Bolshevik party?

Kronstadt sailors came from peasant families, objected to Bolshevik treatment of the peasantry, and thought they were very red.