Liberalism - 1904-1914

• In 1904, the Union of Liberation declared their intention to work for the establishment of constitutional government in Russia and organised a series of society banquets for the winter of 1904-05.

  • These banquets would allow leading liberals to meet under the pretence of a social event as anything too overtly political would gain the unwanted attention of the Okhrana.
• Liberal groups in Russia by 1914 were becoming better organised and unified with clear objectives.

  • However, no liberal was talking about removing the Tsar.
  • They wanted a constitutional monarchy where the Tsar ruled but consulted the people's representatives.
  • Largely from middle class and noble backgrounds, liberals opposed violence or direct action.
  • In many cases, they feared rule by the people and were not connected to radical groups meaning that suppressing them would not stop other opposition.