17.2.1

Growth of Revolutionary Opposition

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Long-Term Discontent with the Tsarist Regime

There were a number of factors leading to long-term discontent with the tsarist regime.

Emergence of revolutionary groups

Emergence of revolutionary groups

  • The Socialist Revolutionaries (a radical political party) began to grow in popularity among peasants and poor workers living in cities.
Workers' poor living conditions

Workers' poor living conditions

  • Witte's policy of industrialisation meant that lots of workers moved to cities for work.
    • People often lived in cramped houses, but this was probably a better existence than living as a serf.
  • A quarter of a million people moved to St. Petersburg between 1890 and 1900.
  • With not enough housing being built, more and more people lived in a fixed number of houses and living conditions fell.
National minorities in Russia

National minorities in Russia

  • Russia contained a very diverse group of peoples.
  • The Slavs, the Finns, the Jews, and the Poles all lived in different areas, had different lifestyles and all wanted more power over their communities.
  • The Romanov Tsars' policy of Russification involved forcing everyone in schools to speak Russian.
    • This was hated by different local communities.
The 1899-1902 Russian recession

The 1899-1902 Russian recession

  • Between 1899 and 1902 the Russian economy contracted and industry struggled.
  • There were bad harvests, which meant there was not enough food.
  • Foreign investors stopped investing money in Russia.
  • Unemployment rose and as living standards fell, workers became more open to the ideas of communism.

Problems with Tsar Nicholas II and his Court

Tsar Nicholas II's coronation happened formally in 1896.

Autocratic rule of Tsar Nicholas II

Autocratic rule of Tsar Nicholas II

  • Tsar Nicholas II repeated his desire for an 'absolute autocracy' when he came to power and people were clamouring for Russia to adopt a constitution and parliament.
  • Nicholas II had a Ministerial Committee.
    • As Russia's Finance Minister, Sergei Witte implemented many reforms and became Prime Minister in 1905.
The character of Tsar Nicholas II

The character of Tsar Nicholas II

  • Tsar Nicholas II believed in divine right.
    • The 'divine right of kings' means you believe a king/tsar has been chosen by God to rule.
  • Tsar Nicholas II did not have much military experience but given his authority and belief in divine right, he decided to lead the military in World War 1.
  • Nicholas II was not a very talented leader or statesman.
Tsar Nicholas II's absence

Tsar Nicholas II's absence

  • Tsar Nicholas II spent lots of time in his Winter Palace and travelling to meet other royals.
    • Nicholas II was pretty disinterested in Russia's domestic affairs and the concerns of the people and peasants.
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1

Empires East & West: 1000 AD

1.1

The Rise & Fall of Ancient China’s Empire

1.2

The Medieval Greatness of the Byzantine Empire

1.3

The Golden Age of the Islamic Empire

1.4

The Politics & Power of the Holy Roman Empire

1.5

Medieval Religion

1.6

The Influence of the Church in Medieval Times

1.7

How Religion Tested the Power of Kings

1.8

Dynastic Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.9

Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.10

Revolts, Rebellions & Rights

1.11

Medieval England & Her Neighbours

1.12

European Renaissance

1.13

Norman Conquest & Control

1.14

Historical Skills

2

The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

2.1

Anglo-Saxon England

2.2

The Contest for the English Throne

2.3

Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

2.4

King John

2.5

The Magna Carta & Parliament

2.6

The Black Death

3

Worldviews

4

The Empire of Mali: 1076-1670 AD

5

The Renaissance & Reformations: 1500-1598 AD

6

The British Empire: 1583-1960 AD

7

The Peasants' Revolt: 1381 AD

8

Religion in the Middle Ages

9

Slavery: 1619-1833 AD

10

The English Civil War: 1642-1660 AD

11

The Industrial Revolution: 1750-1840 AD

12

US Independence: 1775-1783 AD

13

The French Revolution: 1789-1815 AD

14

The British Empire: 1857–1930 AD

15

Suffrage: 1840-1928 AD

16

World War 1: 1914-1918 AD

17

The Russian Revolution: 1917 AD

18

The Inter-War Years: 1919-1939 AD

19

World War 2: 1939-1945 AD

20

The Cold War: 1947-1962 AD

21

Civil Rights in the USA: 1954-1975 AD

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