Russia and the Soviet Union

• What was the population of Russia in 1917?

  123 million
• Who ruled Russia during the discontent from 1905-1917?

  Tsar Nicholas II
• What does Tsarism refer to?

  The system of government ruled by the Tsar
• What is Russification?

  Forcing non-Russians to adopt Russian customs
• What does autocracy mean?

  Ruled by one person with complete power
• What is the Orthodox Church?

  A branch of Christianity in Eastern Europe
• What is haemophilia?

  A hereditary disease preventing blood clotting
• What is subsistence farming?

  Growing enough food for personal consumption
• What does industrialisation refer to?

  The process of developing key industries
• Who makes up the aristocracy in Russia?

  The highest social class
• What are Subject Nationalities in the Russian Empire?

  • Over 100 ethnic groups in Russia
  • Non-Russian groups resented Russian rule
  • Opposed adopting Russian customs
• Why did the Russian Orthodox Church hold power?

  It was tightly linked with the Tsar
• What was the Tsar's intention regarding governmental positions?

  Only decision makers held governmental positions
• What was the role of the secret police in Russia?

  To imprison or kill all opposition
• What percentage of the Russian population did the aristocracy account for?

  1%
• How much land did the aristocracy own?

  Over 25% of the land
• What type of farming did Russia rely on?

  Subsistence farming
• What were the consequences of poor agricultural methods in Russia?

  Frequent famines occurred
• What was the state of Russia's industrial sector at the end of the 19th century?

  It was developing with rising industries
• Who worked hard for Russia's industrial expansion?

  Count Witte
• What did Count Witte introduce to improve living conditions?

  Reforms to aid economic progress
• What percentage of Russians were peasants?

  80%
• What was the diet of the peasants like?

  Consisted of bread, cabbage soup, porridge
• What were common issues faced by peasants?

  Starvation and disease during famine
• What was the life expectancy of peasants?

  40 years
• What conditions did town workers face?

  Poor diet and overcrowded slums
• What happened to trade unions in Russia?

  They were banned
• What occurred during the Lena goldfields strike in 1912?

  Troops shot dead more than 200 strikers
• What was the Tsar's response to the events of 1905-14?

  He became less popular and more isolated
• What was the significance of Bloody Sunday?

  It led to a loss of faith in the Tsar
• How did the Russo-Japanese War affect the Tsar's popularity?

  It caused widespread disappointment and anger
• What was the October Manifesto?

  A promise of freedom and a national parliament
• What was Stolypin's approach to dissent?

  He executed critics of the Tsar
• How did the Tsar manipulate the Duma?

  He could close it if he disagreed
• What rumors surrounded Rasputin?

  He was involved in orgies and drug use
• What was the impact of industrial unrest on the Tsar's popularity?

  It further decreased his popularity
• What was the general sentiment of the Russian people during this period?

  They were unhappy with the Tsar's rule
• Which political group opposed the Tsar and was founded in 1903?

  Social Democratic Party
• What were the two factions formed by the Social Democratic Party?

  Bolsheviks and Mensheviks
• What did the Bolsheviks believe regarding the revolution?

  They wanted a quick revolution led by a small group