Chapter 13 - The Collapse of the Autocratic Empires

• Why had the war been going badly for Russia?

  Due to poor training of troops, inadequate supply lines, and ineffective generals.
• Who assumed command of the Russian army in 1915?

  The Tsar.
• What was often blamed on Tsar Nicholas' poor leadership?

  Military defeats like the Lake Naroch Offensive.
• Why was Tsarina Alexandra's government in Petrograd disastrous?

  She was unpopular and influenced by Rasputin.
• What conditions were present in Russia by winter 1916-17?

  Atrocious conditions with bread rationing and lack of fuel.
• When did strikes and rioting break out in Russia?

  8th March 1917.
• What were the initial demands of the strikers and rioters?

  They demanded bread and the abdication of the Tsar.
• How did Tsar Nicholas respond to the strikes and riots?

  He ordered the Cossack militia to suppress them, but soldiers refused to shoot citizens.
• When did Tsar Nicholas II abdicate?

  15th March 1917.
• What was the situation in Russia under the Provisional Government?

  The government was limited by compromises and had to share power with the Petrograd Soviet.
• What did the Russian people demand from the Provisional Government?

  An end to the war due to wartime privations and loss of life.
• Why couldn't the Provisional Government resign from the war?

  It would be seen as a betrayal to the allies and a strategic disaster.
• What is meant by the term "Soviet"?

  A Russian word for council, originally a political organization for the working classes.
• What principles did the Provisional Government's proclamation on 15th March 1917 suggest it would be led by?

  • Immediate and complete amnesty for political and religious cases
  • Freedom of speech, press, and assembly
  • Arrangements for a Constituent Assembly based on universal suffrage
  • Substitution of people's militia for police
  • No intention to delay reforms due to military situations
• Who led the Bolsheviks?

  Vladimir Lenin.
• How did the Bolsheviks gain power?

  By advocating for immediate control and promising "peace, land, and bread."
• When did the Bolsheviks storm the Winter Palace?

  8th November 1917.
• What happened to Tsar Nicholas and his family?

  They were executed by the Bolsheviks on 17th July 1918.
• How did Russia exit the war?

  Through harsh peace negotiations with Germany in December 1917.
• When was the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk signed?

  3rd March 1918.
• What were the terms of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk?

  • Russia lost territorial rights to Poland, Lithuania, and others
  • Russia had to evacuate Finland and recognize Ukraine's independence
  • Germany could exploit the agricultural land given up by Russia
• Why did Russia accept the Treaty despite its harsh terms?

  Most citizens were war-weary and Lenin wanted to focus on domestic issues.
• Where was political power concentrated in Germany at the outbreak of war?

  In the hands of the Kaiser and his military advisers.
• How did the war affect Germany internally?

  The British naval blockade caused severe rationing and starvation.
• How was the division between the Kaiser and elected representatives evident in 1917?

  Socialist politicians called for a Peace Resolution, showing political division.
• Who was Erich Ludendorff?

  A celebrated German general with considerable power over the Kaiser.
• Why was victory for the Central Powers looking less likely from 1917?

  Due to superior economic assistance to the Allies from the USA.
• When did Bulgaria ask the allies for a ceasefire?

  24th September 1918.
• Why was an allied ceasefire with Bulgaria disastrous for the Central Powers?

  It left Austria-Hungary exposed to enemy penetration.
• What happened on 29th September 1918?

  Ludendorff admitted he had no hope for the German army's initiative.
• What is meant by the term "self-determination"?

  The right of people of the same race or cultural background to rule themselves.
• When were Wilson's 14 points announced?

  8th January 1918.
• What was the purpose of Wilson's 14 points?

  To outline a vision for peace and promote democracy and self-determination.
• What happened on 30th September 1918?

  A parliamentary government was established in Germany.
• What happened on 3rd October 1918?

  The German Chancellor wrote to Wilson asking for an armistice.
• What were Wilson's specific criteria for an armistice with Germany?

  • Evacuation of all territory occupied by Germany
  • End of submarine warfare
  • Guarantee of a fully democratic new German government
• What was Germany's new government in 1918 like?

  • A constitutional monarchy similar to Britain
  • Kaiser still head of state
  • Government and chancellor answerable to Reichstag
  • Described as a "revolution from above"
• Why did Ludendorff resign?

  Because Wilson's terms made it clear Germany would have to surrender if rejected.
• What happened on 28th October 1918?

  Germany became a parliamentary democracy.
• How did the general citizens perceive the reforms in Germany?

  Little seemed to have changed; the Kaiser still held power.