Topic 2

• In what year did Russia go to war on the side of France and Britain?

  1914
• How did the war initially affect the tsar's popularity among Russians?

  It increased the tsar’s popularity as many Russians felt patriotic and proud of their country.
• What was the impact of early defeats in the war on the tsar's popularity?

  Early defeats led to the tsar becoming more unpopular.
• How many Russians were lost at the Battle of Tannenberg in August 1914?

  122,000 Russians
• By the end of 1915, how many men had Russia lost in the war?

  2 million men
• Why did people blame the tsarist government during the war?

  Because there were not enough weapons and supplies for the army.
• What fraction of the Russian army had no rifles?

  1/3 of the army
• What were some of the shortages faced by soldiers during the winter?

  Soldiers did not have warm uniforms or boots and did not have enough to eat.
• What significant decision did the tsar make in 1915 regarding military leadership?

  The tsar appointed himself commander-in-chief of the Russian forces.
• Why was it a mistake for the tsar to appoint himself commander-in-chief?

  It meant all defeats would be directly blamed on the tsar.
• How much did the war cost Russia?

  17 billion roubles
• What economic issues arose from the war in Russia?

  The printing of money led to inflation and price increases while savings lost all value.
• What action did the government take that reduced its tax income?

  The government banned vodka.
• What happened to Russia's most important economic area during the war?

  The Germans captured it.
• What was the impact of sending 15 million peasants and workers to fight in the war?

  There were not enough workers in Russia, leading to factory closures and unharvested crops.
• How many workers were sent home in the first 3 months of the war?

  150,000 workers
• What was the Progressive Bloc?

  A group formed by some members of the Duma that was very critical of the tsarist government.
• Who ruled Russia in the tsar's absence while he was fighting?

  The tsarina ruled in his absence.
• Why was the tsarina unpopular during her rule?

  She was German and came under the influence of Rasputin.
• Who was Rasputin?

  A peasant monk who had mystic healing powers.
• How did Rasputin influence the tsarina?

  She became dependent on Rasputin and his advice.
• What was the public perception of Rasputin among the Russian people?

  The Russian people disapproved of Rasputin due to rumors about his behavior.
• What happened to Rasputin in 1916?

  He was murdered.
• What caused further food shortages in 1916/17?

  A severe winter caused further food shortages.
• What was the result of the tsar being away at war during 1916/17?

  There were a series of revolts against his rule.
• What significant event occurred on 23 February 1917?

  Thousands of women marched in protest about bread rationing.
• How many people marched through Petrograd between 23 and 25 February 1917?

  250,000 people
• What was the response of the tsar to the protests on 25 February 1917?


  The tsar ordered the police and soldiers to end the unrest.
• What was the outcome of the police's actions during the protests on 25 February 1917?


  Some opened fire on the protestors, killing 50 people.
• What did the mutiny of the Pavlovsky soldiers signify on 26 February 1917?

  It indicated a shift in loyalty from the tsar to the protesters.
• How many soldiers joined the Pavlovsky soldiers in the mutiny?

  The number reached 150,000.
• What was the effect of the mutiny on the tsar's rule?

  It made the downfall of the tsar almost certain.
• What happened to the Petrograd Soviet during this time?

  It became increasingly powerful as soldiers declared their support for the revolution.
• When did the tsar abdicate?

  On 2 March 1917.
• Why did the tsar abdicate?

  He did this on the advice of his senior army officers.
• What condition did the tsar set for his abdication?

  His brother, Grand Duke Michael, would take over.
• How did the revolutionaries react to the tsar's condition for abdication?

  It was very unpopular with the revolutionaries who threatened civil war.
• What was Grand Duke Michael's response to the tsar's condition?

  Michael refused to take over.
• What form of government did Russia become after the tsar's abdication?

  Russia became a republic.
• Who led the Provisional Government after the tsar's abdication?

  Prince Lvov