Section 4

• What was one of the main causes of the revolution in Russia by 1917?

  World War I had been going badly for Russia for many years.
• Why did Tsar Nicholas make a mistake by becoming Commander-in-Chief of the army?

  He was blamed for all military failures.
• How did Tsar Nicholas's indecisiveness affect his rule?

  It contributed to his inability to effectively lead the Empire.
• Who was left in charge of the government in Petrograd during the Tsar's absence?

  Tsarina Alexandra.
• Why was Tsarina Alexandra unpopular with the Russian people?

  She was influenced by the mystic Rasputin.
• What dire conditions were present on the home front during the winter of 1916-17 in Russia?

  There was bread rationing and a lack of fuel.
• What was the compulsory requisitioning system introduced in Russia?

  It forced people to hand over their grain.
• How did the economy's switch to war production affect consumer goods in Russia?

  There was a shortage of consumer goods.
• What was the impact of the ban on vodka sales in Russia?

  It caused resentment towards the affluent who could still afford expensive drinks.
• By how much did most goods grow in price during the inflationary growth in Russia?

  By around 400%.
• How did the government pay off war debt in Russia?

  By printing roubles.
• What happened to food distribution in Russia during the crisis?

  Food was produced but was difficult to distribute and exchange.
• What did peasants do with their foodstuffs during the crisis?

  They stopped selling them and kept them for themselves.
• What was the result of the dire situation in Russia regarding political ideologies?

  Communism and radicalism grew.
• What event occurred on 8th March 1917 in Russia?

  Strikes and riots broke out in the cities.
• What did the people initially demand during the strikes and riots in March 1917?

  They 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 put down the strike, but the soldiers refused.
• When did Tsar Nicholas abdicate?

  On 15th March 1917.
• What replaced the Romanov dynasty after Nicholas's abdication?

  A Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet.
• What was the compromise made by the Provisional Government with the Petrograd Soviet?

  It was severely limited in its power to retain control.
• What did the people demand regarding the war after the abdication of Tsar Nicholas?

  They demanded the end of the war.
• Why was it strategically important for the new government to continue the war?

  Exiting the war would be seen as a betrayal of the Allies and a disaster for strategy.
• Who led the Bolsheviks upon returning from exile?

  Vladimir Lenin.
• What was the Bolsheviks' promise that gained them support from suffering citizens?

  'Peace, Land and Bread.'
• What happened on 18th June 1917?

  The 'June Defensive' failed.
• What occurred on 4th July 1917?

  'The July Days' protests occurred.
• Who became Prime Minister on 8th July 1917?

  Kerensky.
• What was 'The Kornilov Affair' on 25th July 1917?

  Kornilov carried out an uprising against Kerensky.
• What was the outcome of the Kornilov Affair for the Provisional Government?

  It weakened the Provisional Government significantly.
• What happened on 8th November 1917?

  The Bolsheviks stormed the Winter Palace.
• How was the Bolshevik takeover described?

  It was a bloodless coup.
• What happened to Tsar Nicholas and his family on 17th November 1917?

  They were executed.
• When did peace negotiations between Russia and Germany begin?

  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 regarding territorial losses for Russia?

  Russia lost rights to Poland, Lithuania, Riga, Estonia, and part of White Russia.
• What did Russia have to recognize as part of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk?

  Russia had to recognize the independence of Ukraine.
• What was Lenin's focus after signing the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk?

  Resolving Russia's domestic problems and consolidating his position.
• What was the situation in Germany at the outbreak of World War I?

  The Kaiser and military advisors held almost all political power.
• What was the turning point in Germany during the winter of 1916-17?

  Rationing became necessary due to the British Naval Blockade.
• How many people did the German Board of Public Health claim died of starvation due to the blockade?

  763,000 people.