Russia: Tsardom and Communism

• What fraction of the world's land surface did the Russian Empire cover in 1905?

  1/6th
• What was the population of Russia in 1905?

  125 million
• What type of government did the Tsar of Russia have in 1905?

  Autocratic
• Who advised the Tsar in 1905?


  A Committee of Ministers chosen from the rich nobles
• What was banned in Russia under the Tsar's rule in 1905?


  Political parties
• What was the role of the Okhrana in 1905 Russia?


  To remove all opposition groups
• What percentage of the population did the nobles represent in Russia in 1905?


  0.1%
• What did the emerging middle class in Russia demand in 1905?


  A say in how the country was run
• What percentage of the Russian population were peasants in 1905?

  80%
• What were common issues faced by peasants in 1905 Russia?


  Poor living conditions and food shortages
• What was the condition of industrial workers in Russia in 1905?


  Poor working conditions and low wages
• What was the Tsar's family situation in 1905?


  He was a family man with a wife and five children
• What was the Tsar's belief regarding his rule?


  He believed he was chosen by God to rule
• What did the liberals in Russia want in 1905?


  A parliament (Duma)
• What was the goal of the Social Revolutionaries?


  To seize power by revolution and redistribute land
• What did the Social Democrats follow?


  The teachings of Karl Marx
• What was the difference between Mensheviks and Bolsheviks?


  Mensheviks wanted a large party, while Bolsheviks wanted power with a core elite
• What were the main causes of the 1905 revolution?


  Peasant discontent, industrial worker strikes, middle class demands, Russo-Japanese War, and Bloody Sunday
• What was the outcome of the Russo-Japanese War for Russia?


  Russia suffered a humiliating defeat and lost land
• Who led the crowd during Bloody Sunday?


  Father Gapon
• What happened during Bloody Sunday?


  Troops opened fire on a peaceful crowd, resulting in many deaths
• What were the consequences of Bloody Sunday?


  It led to widespread protests and strikes across Russia
• What was the significance of the October Manifesto?


  It established an elected parliament (Duma) and regained middle class support
• What was the Tsar's response to the Duma's left-wing majority?


  He passed the Fundamental Laws to restore his autocratic power
• What was the impact of Stolypin's reforms?


  They aimed to secure the loyalty of peasants through agricultural reforms
• What nickname was given to the hangman's noose during Stolypin's repression?


  Stolypin's necktie
• What was the economic situation in Russia by 1914?


  There was an industrial boom, but little improvement in living conditions
• What were the main reasons for unpopularity of WWI among Russians?


  Military defeats, poor preparation, and economic hardships
• What happened to the Tsar's son, Alexis?


  He suffered from haemophilia
• How did Rasputin influence the Tsarina?


  She relied on him for advice, particularly in ministerial selections
• What led to the February Revolution in 1917?


  Food and fuel shortages, along with extreme cold, caused discontent
• What were the key events of the February 1917 Revolution?


  Protests on International Women's Day, army mutiny, and the abdication of the Tsar
• What was the Provisional Government's main problem after the February Revolution?


  It did not represent the people's desire for peace and stability
• What was the impact of the Milyukov Note?


  It committed Russia to an offensive war and led to the loss of Liberal support
• What was Lenin's slogan that gained support in 1917?


  'Bread, Peace and Land'
• What was the outcome of the June offensive against Germany?


  It was a failure and led to army desertions
• What happened during the 'June Days' in 1917?


  The Provisional Government suppressed Bolshevik demonstrations, damaging its reputation
• What was the significance of General Kornilov's attempted coup?


  It led to the arming of the Bolshevik Red Guards
• What was Lenin's prediction about the Provisional Government in April 1917?


  He predicted its failure
• What was the economic condition of Russia after World War I?


  The economy was near collapse with high inflation and famine