The condition of Russia in WW1 + the Feb Revolution

• What event marked the celebration of the Romanov Tercentenary in the Russian Empire?

  The 400th anniversary of the ruling House of Romanov
• Who was Tsarina Alexandra?

  She was a German woman and granddaughter of Queen Victoria
• What was Tsarina Alexandra's religious affiliation after her conversion?

  She converted to Orthodoxy
• What was Rasputin's influence on Tsarina Alexandra?

  He had a corrupting influence and was a religious figure
• What condition did Tsar Nicholas II's son Alexei suffer from?

  Haemophilia
• What were the economic conditions in Russia by 1916?

  • Only 3.5 million workers out of 115 million
  • Increasing expenditure and declining revenue
  • Government printing more money leading to hyperinflation
  • Shortages of food due to inflation
  • Transport system unable to cope with demand
• What were the social conditions in Russia by 1916?

  • Hunger became a constant reality for families
  • St. Petersburg changed to Petrograd
  • Land cultivation fell by 20% due to exodus of 15 million
  • Army supplied first, leading to food shortages and rationing
  • Increasing number of refugees
• How much did Russian debt quadruple due to World War I?

  Over 17 million roubles spent
• How many workers were on strike in Moscow in 1917?

  30,000 workers
• What was the structure of the Russian hierarchy?

  1. Tsar and his wife
  2. Royal court/advisers/ministers (3.7%)
  3. Clergy-Orthodox Church (1.1%)
  4. Army (5%)
  5. Nobility (1.1%)
  6. Workers (85% serfs, 4% urban workers)
• What were the 'pillars of autocracy' in Russia?

  The army, civil service, and Orthodox Church
• Why might the oppressive system of the Russian government lead to discontent?

  It left little hope for political change, leading to revolutionary ideas
• What were the biggest strengths and weaknesses of Russia during WW1?

  Strengths:

  • Industry improving
  • Largest economy in 1914

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Socially deep divisions
  • Politically unstable
  • Food and fuel shortages
• What was the outcome of the 1915 campaign in Galicia and the Brusilov Offensive?


  Food and fuel shortages plagued Russia
• What happened when Nicholas II left Petrograd to take command of the Russian army?

  Reports of fraternizing with the enemy began to circulate
• What contributed to the widespread dissatisfaction in Russia during WW1?

  Catastrophic Russian losses and economic hardship
• What were the causes of discontent in Russia by March 1917?


  1. World War I and army losses
  2. Long-term factors (e.g., Russo-Japanese War)
  3. Economic problems (e.g., inflation, food shortages)
  4. Social problems (e.g., famine, strikes)
  5. Political problems (e.g., Nicholas II's mistakes)
• Who was Alexander Kerensky?


  A lawyer who became involved in radical politics
• What role did Alexander Kerensky play in the Provisional Government?

  He was the only socialist in the Provisional Government and served as Minister of Justice
• What were the key events during February/March 1917 leading to the revolution?

  • 14th Feb: 100,000 workers on strike
  • 22nd Feb: 200,000 workers on strike
  • 23rd Feb: International Women's Day protests
  • 27th Feb: Military force used, 40 demonstrators killed
  • 2nd March: Nicholas II abdicates
• What was Soviet Order Number 1?

  It directed the military to obey only the orders of the Soviet and not those of the Provisional Government
• What was the Dual Authority system of government in Russia?

  • Existence of both the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet
  • Power was shared between the two
  • Provisional Government made decisions until elections could be held
  • Prince Lvov served as the first leader, followed by Kerensky
• What was the significance of the Petrograd Soviet in the Dual Authority system?

  It represented the interests of soldiers and workers
• How did the Provisional Government's inability to countermand Soviet Order Number 1 affect its authority?

  It undermined the Provisional Government's control over the army