Downfall Tsarism – Nicholas II 1894-1917
Inevitable?
1. State of the peasants
2. State of the proletariat
3. Revolutionary opposition:
Liberals, SR’s, SD’s
4. 1905 revolution
5. Duma period
6. Stolypin’s economic
reforms
What about Nicholas II 7. WW1: Rasputin,
and his role? Petrograd, Bolsheviks?
8. February 1917
Tsar’s Wedding Cake
Tsar
Nobility 1m = 1.1% We rule you
Clergy 1m = 1.1% We fool you
Army 5m = 5%
We shoot you
Middle Class 0.5m = 0.25%
We eat for you
Proletariat 3m = 3.7%
Peasants 17m = 85% We work for you
Russian Peasant circa 1900
‘God was too high and the Tsar too far away’
• Emancipation had not freed peasant from their
land. Mir had replaced landlord.
• Taxation was a heavy burden: 1/5 annual wages
• Yet revolutionaries of 1870’s had found ‘little
desire to revolt or oppose the Tsar’
• BUT by 1900 peasants were taking matters into their own hands.
Evidence = large number riots fuelled by hunger, population rise,
shortage land, agitators flowing into villages from towns, questioning of
Orthodox church, Emancipation had freed up movement of labour, land
seizures grew 1890’s, crop failure 1901, major peasant uprisings 1902,
peasant discontent in army caused major problems in 1905… but would
this/ did this lead to revolution??
Did the peasants want a Revolution?
Tsarist Russia
Tsarist Russia
Were the Peasants Revolutionaries? NO
Evidence:
•Stolypin’s reforms/ Peasant Bank was allowing economic growth
and private enterprise, modern farming was coming,
•Most landowners were becoming capitalist farmers
•Was decline in peasant disturbances just before 1914
•Peasants had much to gain from supporting the government
•Peasants would become the basis of a new democracy
‘Then, as a thunderbolt, came the terrible WAR of 1914, and
progress changed into destruction’
Were the Peasants Revolutionaries? YES
By 1900 peasants were taking matters into their own hands.
Evidence:
•large number riots fuelled by hunger
•population rise, shortage land, poor farming methods, poor harvests
•agitators coming to villages from towns using propaganda
•questioning of Orthodox church
• 1891 FAMINE (2m died), crop failure 1901, major peasant
uprisings 1902, peasant discontent in army caused major problems
in 1905
•By 1900 I in 2 peasants households had members who had left to
work in cities. They were becoming influenced by the revolutionaries
and their propaganda
•The peasants made up the army soldiers – they suffered most
during WW1.
Russification Policy
• This was the policy of the Tsar and his government to
unite people around one culture, language etc
Russification Policy
BUT it failed:
Evidence for the decline of the Tsarism
In this world there is a
tsar, hunger is his name.
Evidence for the decline of the Tsarism
They stretch out their
hands for life.
Evidence for the decline of the Tsarism
Kosa 1906.
Evidence for the decline of the Tsarism
Bee 1906.
The Proletariat Industrial workers) in 1900
Were they revolutionary? Bolshevik?
• There were 8 main industrial areas
in Russia by 1900: St Petersburg &
Moscow most important.
• 1860-1914 urban population
trebled but permanent dwellers only
from 11 to 14%. St Petersburg
though had 90% of permanent
proletariat. High % were women,
young (50% 20-29)
• Working and living conditions
terrible, labour laws were brutal,
pitiful wages, 60 hour weeks
The Soviets (or workers committees)
• Soviets were workers committees in factories. They began to organise
opposition to the Tsar and government
• Strikes become a feature of life: 1893 19 call ins of army – 1902 522.
Soviets had formed as strike committees. Government was quick to
suppress strikes using the army. 1905 proved the disruptive power of
the workers. By 1914 strike rates were as high as 1905.
• Petrograd: had the most radical Soviets (metal workers). Their strikes
were motivated by economic demands and political ones for radical
change. They wanted to remove the Tsar. Propaganda was strong in
cities.
• And add to that the pressures of WW1…
TASK 1
Title: Russia in 1900
Write ONE paragraph that explains: (use the bullet points as
sub headings)
• The structure of Russia by classes and the Tsar’s power
• The state of the peasants
• How the peasants were controlled (role army, church etc)
• Russification policy
• The state of the Industrial workers
Make sure you include the words AUTOCRACY, TSAR
NICHOLAS II, OKHRANA, MIR, ORTHODOX CHURCH,
PROLETARIAT, SOVIETS
Make sure you have a few simple FACTS as evidence
TASK 1
Russian Political Parties in 1900
1. Liberals: industrial middle classes, bourgeoisie, Westernising ideas,
wanted representative Duma (though not of workers and peasants) &
constitution. Formed Union of Liberation (1904), Supported Tsar in
1905, lost faith when Duma failed, by 1914 saw that Nicholas II
needed to be removed but not necessarily Tsarism itself– happy for a
constitutional monarch. Did not intend the 1917 October revolution
they helped create but the February (liberal) one.
Who? Sections of factory owners, army, landowners: powerful group
2. Social Revolutionaries: grew out earlier revolutionary movements,
anarchists, political terrorists alongside moderates. Chernov formed party
(1901). Wanted a fully Socialist society based on peasants. No desire to
see development of capitalism or proletariat. Wanted de-centralised
peasant co-operatives.
Who? Intellectuals, landowners, peasants, workers: the largest popular
following of all parties. Elections would have given them power.
3. The Social Democratic Party – The Russian Marxists
By 1800’s many intellectuals looked to Marxism.
In Russia a small proletariat was in the factories
They wanted REVOLUTION
In 1903 in London they split into 2 factions:
a. Mensheviks – who wanted an evolutionary and gradual
path to Marxism in Russia. Were willing to work with
other parties to achieve this.
b. Bolsheviks – led by Lenin who in ‘What is to be Done’
suggested that it was OK to use Revolution to strike at
the Tsar (Russia) through the Proletariat led by the Party
(the Vanguard of the Revolution). He refused to work
with the Mensheviks.
Mensheviks had the most worker support until 1917 and it
is hard to argue that the Bolksheviks had great support
until 1917. 1917 is when the Bolsheviks gained most
support.
TASK 2
Title: Political Parties in Russia
Write a short paragraph about the different political parties
in Russia circa 1900 (use the bullet points as sub
headings)
• Include each one and their aims
•Highlight Lenin’s party: the Bolsheviks
•Why were they all a threat to Tsarism?
Tsar Nicholas II
But, why were these demands for change not being dealt
with?
We always have to revert back to Nicholas II and the
system of Tsarism – Autocracy, Orthodoxy, Nationalism.
Was it a system unable to or unwilling to change??
‘The writing was on the wall
even before the war broke
out…Tsarism was a
deadlocked political system
drifting heavily toward
destruction.’
Manning (1982)
Tsar Nicholas II
The key political role played by the ‘inadequate’ Tsar
Nicholas II. Became Tsar in 1894.
• Tsar’s believed they were descended from God and
could rule with absolute power and no government
(called Duma). Thought that reform was ‘senseless
dream’. Thought Russification was correct.
• Saw any reforms as threatening the very nature of
Tsarist supremacy by weakening power. His key
supporters were the rich landowners, the army
generals/officers and the Orthodox Church who
wanted NO changes to their power in Russia.
• BUT, by 1900 he was under pressure to reform and bring in a western
style democratic government or DUMA.
Evidence for the decline of the Tsarism
Key events in the Tsar’s decline:
• 1904-5: Russo-Japanese War
• 1905: Bloody Sunday and 1905 Revolution
• 1905: October Manifesto: forced to create a DUMA
• Rise middle class who wanted a western government (but with him as
leader)
• The rise of key Political parties who wanted change
• WW1 1914-17: failure as a war leader. The Rasputin affair. Loss of army
as his main support.
Why did war with Japan break out in 1904-5?
Land Disputes Japan attacks Under estimation
Japan believed Russia Japanese attacked Russians believed
wanted to gain land in the Russian fleet of they would win
the far east port Arthur War would deflect
They had disputes over attention from
Korea and Manchuria domestic problems
What were the consequences of the war?
Beginning Military Result to Russia
Early patriotism and Army defeat in 1904 Humiliation
support of the Tsar and 05 Forced to negotiate a
War was a distraction Total destruction of peace treaty (Treaty of
from domestic Russia's main fleet in Portsmouth) and lost
problems May 1905 added to influence in the far east
discontent at home
The 1905 Revolution: Bloody Sunday Jan 09
• Background of disaster Russo-Japanese 1904-05 war and the terrible
conditions peasants and workers. Losing the war created a dreadful
impact on army and navy.
• In response to the terrible conditions in St Petersburg due to the war a
peaceful march, led by Father Gapon (actually a police spy) went to the
Winter Palace
The 1905 Revolution: Bloody Sunday Jan 09
• The demands were NOT revolutionary AND
still showed support for the Tsar. They asked
for: 8 hour working day, elected assembly,
freedom speech. Women and children were
amongst the marchers. They carried icons of
the Tsar
•150,000 marchers were fired on by soldiers
• 200 died, 800 wounded
• Tsar blamed
The 1905 Revolution: Bloody Sunday Jan 09
Danger
Immediate impact 1905
REVOLUTION
• General strikes in support of workers across Russia.
Soviets were formed. ½ million workers on strike.
• Sailors on Battleship Potemkin mutinied
• All Russian Peasants Union demanded land
• 3000 Peasant uprisings against landlords
• In Moscow street fighting between workers and army.
Bolsheviks involved.
• A middle class KADET party was formed to fight for
democracy
• Plehve (Minister of Interior) was assassinated
Kustodiev ‘death walks the streets’ 1905
The 1905 Revolution
Immediate result 1905
•Tsar forced to sign Treaty
Portsmouth with Japan to stop the
war
•Tsar forced to sign the OCTOBER
MANIFESTO which promised a
Duma to the Liberal party.
•The Army and middle class then
crushed the revolution.
Importance 1905
• It was a spontaneous revolution by workers and
peasants. 1905 was the ‘Dress Rehearsal’ for
1917. ‘The revolutionary education of the
proletariat made more progress in one day than it
could have made in years of drab existence’ Lenin
in 1905.
• Original march was NOT anti Tsar. But turned
into that after Bloody Sunday. From that moment
the Proletariat were anti-Tsar BUT Army still
supported Tsar.
• Tsar forced give October Manifesto to create a
Duma. 1905 weakened Tsarism and now
depended on support middle classes in Duma. Its
failure alienated them form Nicholas.
• Trotsky led Petrograd Soviet in 1905
• ‘War is the locomotive of history’ Trotsky
The 1905 Revolution
The 1906 Fundamental Laws
“I have a constitution in my head, but
as to my heart, I spit on it.”
-Nicholas II
•One year later the Tsar recognised
the Duma BUT
•The Laws said that the Tsar had to
approve all laws, only he appointed
ministers and he could abolish the
Duma when he wished.
•Democracy had not been achieved
and the Kadets looked to replace the
Tsar with a different monarch.
TASK 3
Before you start: how should a good paragraph in an P
essay be organised?
E
E
This is essential for Paper 4 (May 2017)
L
TASK 3
Title: The 1905 Revolution
Write a longer paragraph about the 1905 Revolution.
Include:
• It’s causes including Russo-Japanese War
P
• Bloody Sunday 09 Jan 1905: what happened
E
E
• The results of 1905 and its importance
L
Failure of the Duma 1905-1914
The Failure of the Duma Period
Failure of attempts to strengthen Tsarism
Recap: Russia after 1905
Nobility and Orthodox Church
Currently supported the Tsar. Did not want a revolution as it
threatened their positions. Some were turning to Liberal ideas.
Liberals
Were happy with the October Manifesto and the promise of some
power through the DUMA . Currently supported the Tsar.
Proletariat (workers)
Generally anti-Tsar after 1905. Were crushed by army who
continued to support the Tsar. Soviets in factories coming under
influence revolutionaries.
Peasants
Under continuing pressures of food shortages, land shortage,
inflation prices. Were kept under control by force.
Failure of the Duma 1905-1914
The Failure of the Duma Period
Failure of attempts to strengthen Tsarism
Recap: Russia after 1905
Nobility and Orthodox Church
Currently supported the Tsar. Did not want a revolution as it
threatened their positions. Some were turning to Liberal ideas.
Liberals
Were happy with the October Manifesto and the promise of some
power through the DUMA . Currently supported the Tsar.
Proletariat (workers)
Generally anti-Tsar after 1905. Were crushed by army who
continued to support the Tsar. Soviets in factories coming under
influence revolutionaries.
Peasants
Under continuing pressures of food shortages, land shortage,
inflation prices. Were kept under control by force.
Failure of the Duma 1905-1914
Failure of attempts to strengthen Tsarism Overview
The 1906 Fundamental Laws
“I have a constitution in my head, but
as to my heart, I spit on it.”
-Nicholas II
• One year later the Tsar recognised
the Duma BUT
• The Laws said that the Tsar had to
approve all laws, only he appointed
ministers and he could abolish the
Duma when he wished.
• Democracy had not been achieved
and the Kadets looked to replace the
Tsar with a different monarch.
Failure of the Duma 1905-1914
October Manifesto 1905
•Duma was formed and promised some power to pass laws
•Franchise was widened to include middle class, promise
freedom of speech
•Duma to have 2 chambers: first was elected. Second
appointed by Tsar and could veto laws passed by lower house
Failure of the Duma 1905-1914
BUT when Duma met:
•Tsar took back most of its powers for himself. He passed the
FUNDAMENTAL LAWS which said all power belonged to the Tsar
and no law could be passed without his approval
•Tsar could appoint and dismiss ministers who were nopt
responsible to the Duma
•The Tsar could dissolve the Duma
•Article 87 said the Tsar could issue decrees ‘in exceptional
circumstances’ when the Duma was not sitting
Conclusion: Tsar remained an Autocratic ruler with no constraints
on his power and Liberals saw the need to replace Nicholas II
Failure of the Duma 1905-1914
There were 4 Dumas
•Apr – June 1906: Tsar dismissed when Liberals demanded a full
democratic parliament
•Feb-June 1907: Tsar closed when army were criticised
•1907-1912: Dominated by rich and nobility who all supported the
Tsar. No liberals in Duma. Repressed workers.
•1912-1914: Nobility dominate. Repressed workers. Ended at start
WW1
Conclusion: Liberals did gain some experience to take over in 1917
when Tsar abdicated.
TASK 4
Title: Failure of the Duma 1905-14
Write a paragraph about why the Duma failed. Include: P
• Duma failures E
E
• Write a small conclusion:
L
Industrialisation: attempts to strengthen Tsarism
• Important economic leader who
helped industrialise Russia rapidly to
make Russia one of the fastest
growing economies by 1914
• Built the vast Russian railroad
system
• Created better school system that
supported commerce
• 1896: placed Russia on Gold
Standard which brought huge foreign
investment
Sergei De Witte
Finance Minister 1892
• Reformed farming and created
Primeminister 1905-06
Peasant Bank to help peasants buy
their own land
Industrialisation: attempts to strengthen Tsarism
• Economic growth rates averaged
9 per cent from 1894–1900 and 5
per cent from 1900–1914. These
were huge rates of change.
• Industrial growth was centred
on armaments because Tsar
Nicholas II wanted to protect
Russia’s position as a great
power. However, oil, textiles,
minerals and iron and steel were
the industries most affected by
economic growth Sergei De Witte
Finance Minister 1892
Primeminister 1905-06
Industrialisation: attempts to strengthen Tsarism
Even though the Russian economy was growing fast, it was still
a long way behind Britain, Germany etc
Genuine attempts at reform: Stolypin’s reforms 1905-11
Key reformer who tried to modernise
Russia to grow support for the Tsar
•Monarchist who supported Nicholas II
•Wanted a modern and efficient Russia
BUT not a democracy
•Focused on land reform to build peasant
support for Tsar
•Led suppression of the workers in 1905
Revolution
Pyotr Stolypin
Primeminister 1906-1911
Noose = Stolypin’s
necktie
Genuine attempts at reform: Stolypin’s reforms 1905-11
Success Failure
Did create a new prosperous Land reforms needed time.
but small group of peasant Stolypin said 20 years
farmers called KULAKS
Loans through Peasant Bank to Reluctance peasants to
buy land. Agricultural output modernise. By 1914 only 10%
improved land owned by peasants. Few
large farms.
Crushed Soviets from 1905. No laws for working conditions.
Reduced opposition to Tsar Unions made illegal.
Continued railway growth Repressed and executed 2000
revolutionaries by 1911
Stolypin was assassinated in 1911 and perhaps the Tsar’s last
hope to strengthen his rule ended
Genuine attempts at reform: Stolypin’s reforms 1905-11
Conclusion:
• Definite industrial expansion &
Russification
• Ironically spread revolutionary ideas
as he improved the railways
• Aimed at economic reform to
suppress revolutionaries but the
workers discontent remained.
• Whilst created some rich peasants
Sergei De Witte
most remained poor and landless Primeminister 1906-1911
TASK 5
Title: Failure of the Duma 1905-14
Write a paragraph about why the Duma and
industrialisation failed. Include:
• Duma failures
P
• Reforms of de Witte
E
E
• Reforms of Stolypin
L
• Write a small conclusion: How far was industrialisation
and agricultural reofrms successful in modernising and
bringing stability to Russia?
Impact of WW1
Impact of WW1
Key points:
•WW1 was the final catalyst that led to the downfall of the Tsar
•WW1 made worst all of the political, economic and social
conflicts and situations that were in Russia since 1900
•As Trotsky said: ‘War is the locomotive of history’
Impact of WW1
1. The Army
• There was a great patriotic support for the war in 1914.
The Tsar as a member of the Triple Entente entered the
war against Germany and the Triple Alliance. 15m men
mobilised between 1914-17.
• August 1914: Heavy losses. Battles Tannenburg and
Masurian Lakes were heavy defeats losing 250,000 and
750,000 casualties. By 1917 50% army died (8.5m men)
• Dec 1914: Poorly equipped. Only 2/3 soldiers had rifles,
untrained soldiers sent into battle, 1 surgeon every 10,000
soldiers. Defeats lowered morale, led to desertion.
Impact of WW1
Tsar blessing the
troops (1916)
• Tsar decided to go to the Front and take charge. Tsar now
received all the blame for defeats.
• Many deserters returned home to countryside or went to
cities to join revolutionaries wanting change.
Impact of WW1
2. Economic and Social Problems
• By 1914, despite rapid growth Russia remained the
poorest of the Great Powers with the average wage only
30% of British worker, 40% German.
• Agriculture employed 77% of its population
• 70% industry located in the major cities especially
Petrograd
Impact of War
• War brought series ‘shocks’ to the economy
• Agriculture: Army Mobilization took 15m men from
countryside – affected agricultural production badly. Yet
the military and cities had to be fed……hunger was the
result
Impact of WW1
2. Economic and Social Problems
Impact of War
•German successes took 6% of farmland. Importantly 11m
Russians became refugees – another impact of food
demands.
•Peasants kept food for themselves. Army and cities starved.
•Industry: Change to wartime economy meant all available
government money paid for armaments. Government had to
print money which meant its value decreased. Gained huge
debts from borrowing money.
•Raw materials did not reach Russia because of the war.
Impact of WW1
2. Economic and Social Problems
Impact of War
•Transport: Decline in services like railways meant
breakdown in communications and transport of weapons and
food. By 1916 Railway system fell apart, could not supply the
cities.
•Huge Inflation: 6% monthly to 1917, ruble only worth 30%
its pre war value by 1917)
•Price rises: 200% by 1916.
Impact of WW1
2. Economic and Social Problems
Impact of War - Summary
Army
defeats
Worker and Economic collapse
bring loss of
peasant leading to social
morale and
Unrest problems
desertion
Hunger
Leads to political unrest
Impact of WW1
3. Political Problems
Weakness of Leadership – Rasputin
•Tsar’s wife Alexandra was German.
Gained nickname the ‘German Spy’
•Their son (Alexis) suffered from
haemophilia.
•Rasputin was a monk who ‘healed’ their
son. He gained enormous influence over
Tsar and Tsarina. When Tsar went to
Front he effectively run Russia with
Alexandra.
•This removed political power from
nobility. In Dec 1916 they murdered
Rasputin. From that moment the Tsar
never trusted the nobility.
TASK 6
Title: The Impact of WW1
Write a paragraph about:
P
E
• Decline army
E
• Social and economic problems
L
• Rasputin and his influence
• Write a small conclusion: Why was Russia ready to
remove the Tsar in 1917?
Events of the Revolution: The autocracy collapsed in the
face of popular demonstrations
1917 The February Revolution
•Feb 22 20,000 steelworkers on
strike
•Feb 23 Women take to the
streets to demonstrate
•Feb 25 Now over half of
Petrograd is on strike
•Feb 26 Tsar orders troops to fire
on crowds- 40 killed
•Growth Duma & Petrograd
Soviet
Events of the 1917 February Revolution
• Feb 26 Tsar closes the Duma
• Feb 27 Soldiers mutiny and
establish the Petrograd Soviet
with workers and sailors
• Feb 28 Tsar returns to
Petrograd
• March 1 Tsar loses support of
army
• March 2 Tsar abdicates
• March 3 Grand Duke Michael
refuses throne
Results of February revolution
The Tsar abdicated. No one else in the royal family
would take over the throne. The weak middle classes
were left to form the Provisional Government. The
powerful workers Petrograd Soviet also existed.
The Provisional The Petrograd
Government Soviet
1. A 12 member A council of 2,500
government led by Dual Power deputies.
Kerensky Determined to share
power with the
2. Planned to rule until
Provisional
elections could be held
Government
Enter Lenin
stage Left………..
