Chapter 13

• Why had the war been going badly for Russia?

  Due to poor training of troops, inadequate supply lines, and lack of imagination in generals.
• What was the consequence of Tsar Nicholas assuming command of the Russian army in 1915?

  Military defeats were often blamed on his poor leadership.
• What was the situation in Petrograd under Tsarina Alexandra?

  She was deeply unpopular and influenced by Rasputin.
• What were the conditions on the home front in Russia by winter 1916-17?

  Conditions were atrocious with bread rationing and lack of fuel.
• When did strikes and rioting break out in Russia?

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

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

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

  On 15th March 1917.
• What was the nature of the Provisional Government in Russia?

  It was limited by compromises made to retain power and relied on the Petrograd Soviet.
• What did the Russian people demand from the Provisional Government?

  They demanded an end to the war due to wartime privations and loss of life.
• Why did the Provisional Government continue to participate in the war?

  Kerensky believed resigning would be seen as a betrayal to allies and a strategic disaster.
• What does the term "Soviet" mean?

  It is the 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?

  Amnesty for political cases, freedom of speech, and arrangements for a Constituent Assembly.
• Who led the Bolsheviks?

  Vladimir Lenin.
• How did the Bolsheviks gain power?

  They promised "peace, land, and bread" and took advantage of the Provisional Government's weakness.
• 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?

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

  Russia lost territorial rights to several countries and had to recognize Ukraine's independence.
• Why did Russia accept the harsh terms of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk?

  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, highlighting 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?

  Allies received economic assistance from the USA, and Germany faced military challenges.
• When did Bulgaria ask the allies for a ceasefire?

  On 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 regaining initiative.
• What does the term "self-determination" mean?

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

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

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

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

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

  Evacuation of occupied territory, end of submarine warfare, and a fully democratic government.
• What was Germany's new government like in 1918?

  It was a constitutional monarchy similar to Britain, with the Kaiser still as head of state.
• Why did Ludendorff resign?

  He realized that rejecting Wilson's terms would lead to surrender.
• What happened on 28th October 1918?

  Germany became a parliamentary democracy with the chancellor answerable to the Reichstag.
• How did the general citizens perceive the reforms in Germany?

  Little seemed to have changed; the Kaiser remained head of state and military influence persisted.
• What sparked the German revolution on 3rd November 1918?

  A naval mutiny in Kiel.
• What was the outcome of the German revolution?

  Monarchical authority collapsed, and the revolution was mostly bloodless.