Skip to main content

The 1905 Revolution


Work in progress


The Russo-Japanese War (1904-5)

Causes
  • Nicholas II had his eye on the Far East, which was an advantageous location in terms of military and trade. However, Japan was interested in the same area
  • He thought a victory in a small war would mean that people would stop criticizing his government
  • Wanted to unite Russia though patriotism
Events
  • Disaster
Effects
  • There were many more casualties than Nick-nick expected
  • Morale plummeted
  • Soldiers were deserting at an alarming rate
  • It was an embarrassment for Russia, such a large country, to be beaten by such a tiny country.
  • Supplies went into the war which led to shortages back home

Father Gapon and Bloody Sunday (January 1905)

Causes
  • People were upset by the terrible working conditions, long hours and low pay, overcrowding and food shortages
  • Oppression under the Tsar
  • Nicholas II (and Alex III) kept using forced to put down revolts which was killing a lot of people


Key events of the 1905 Revolution.


The Potemkin Mutiny and the setting up of Soviets.


The October Manifesto and reasons why Nicholas survived.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Impact of WW1 on Russia

Russian defeats on the Eastern Front 1914 - 1916 Morale plummeted further with the deafeats at Tannenberg and Masurian lakes. By 1914, 1 million had been killed, wounded or taken prisoner. This number rose to 8 million in 1917. Soldiers were told to take weapons from the dead, which resulted in even more deaths because so many were ploughed down by Germany's armies, which were better equipped. Very poor leadership led to more defeats Soldiers lacked weapons and boots, so many were exposed to the effects of the cold and blamed this on careless, unfeeling officers. Economic, social and political effects of the war on Russia. Economic Shortages meant prices rose quickly Long bread queues and starvation Shortage in industrial materials meant that factories had to close This left many people unemployed Social Tsar at the war front (1915) meant that the losses were blamed on him per

Problems facing Nicholas II

Weaknesses of Nicholas II as Tsar. Nicholas II was a great family man, but not that great of a ruler. He lacked the drive and imagination of his predecessors. Dismissed able ministers Encouraged unhealthy rivlary within his own cabinet Insisted on seeing ministers exclusively one-on-one (lack of communication) Wasn't comfortable outside military situations Appointed family members and friends as ministers (corrupt) Easily influenced, esp. by Rasputin Avoided important decisions Preferred a quiet, family life. Even he admitted he knew "nothing of the business of ruling" Thought he had a god-given right to be an autocrat, and refused any requests for reform. Blind to the negative effects of his policies Witte and industrial growth. Wanted to give new strength to autocracy through reform Encouraged foreign investment in industry to bring in capital Wanted ind

The Dumas and Stolypin

The attitude of Nicholas to the first four dumas. He refused to work with the Dumas because the people wanted change and this was deemed 'too radical' He kept changing who was in the Duma until they were moderate enough or shared enough of his views that it would be 'bearable'. He still had all the power, so he could dissolve the Duma whenever he wished The Duma had little or no power in proper affairs. They could not pass laws, appoint ministers or control important areas of finance such as military spending. The Duma elections clearly favoured the nobles, as they had 1 rep per 2000 people but the workers had 1 rep per 20,000 people . First duma: 1906 Second duma: 1907 Third duma: ? Fourth duma: 1912 The fourth Duma was by far the most successful. The Tsar even began to tentatively work with it, but the Dumas overall, had achieved little. The actions of the fourth Duma quickly