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.
• Who assumed command of the Russian army in 1915?

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

  Military defeats like the Lake Naroch Offensive.
• Why was the government in Petrograd being left to Tsarina Alexandra disastrous?

  She was unpopular and influenced by Rasputin during a time of severe hardship.
• What were the conditions like on the home front in winter 1916-17?

  Atrocious, with bread rationing and lack of fuel.
• What did the Russian people focus their anger on as life became intolerable?

  Nicholas II
• When did strikes and rioting break out in Russia?

  8th March 1917
• What were the initial demands of the strikes and riots?

  First for bread, then for the abdication of the Tsar.
• How did Tsar Nicholas deal with 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 Russia like under the Provisional Government?

  The government was limited by compromises and faced demands to end the war.
• Why couldn't the Provisional Government resign from the war?

  Because 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?

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

  Vladimir Lenin
• How did the Bolsheviks win power?

  By advocating for immediate control and promising "peace, land, and bread".
• 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 several countries and had to recognize Ukraine's independence.
• 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 clear 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.
• What happened on 24th September 1918?

  Bulgaria asked the allies for a ceasefire.
• 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 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 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?

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

  A constitutional monarchy with the Kaiser still as head of state.
• Why did Ludendorff resign?

  Because Wilson's terms made it clear Germany would have to surrender if rejected.
• What was the purpose of Wilson's 14 points?

  To outline a vision for peace and promote democracy and self-determination.
• What happened on 28th October 1918?

  Germany became a parliamentary democracy.
• Despite reforms in Germany, how did the country appear to citizens?

  Little seemed to have changed; the Kaiser was still head of state.
• What happened on 3rd November 1918 that sparked the German revolution?

  A naval mutiny in Kiel.