The New Constitution

• With Russia facing a general strike in October 1905 and demonstrations in major cities and peasant uprisings, Nicholas II asked Witte to draw up an "October Manifesto."

  • This was a response to the crisis and focused on the demands of the liberals who were becoming increasingly strong.
• The October Manifesto was published on 30 October 1905 and granted freedom of speech, religion, assembly and organisation.

  • It also proposed the formation of an elected national assembly to be called the "Duma" which would have the power to approve or reject proposed legislation.
• The vast majority of liberal opposition to the Tsar were then prepared to call off their support for revolutionary activities of 1905 and negotiate.

  • The liberals did not support violent rebellion and did not want to be too close to the more extreme demands of the SRs and the Marxists.