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.

Illustrative background for Emergence of revolutionary groupsIllustrative background for Emergence of revolutionary groups ?? "content

Emergence of revolutionary groups

  • The Socialist Revolutionaries (a radical political party) began to grow in popularity among peasants and poor workers living in cities.
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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.
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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.
Illustrative background for The 1899-1902 Russian recessionIllustrative background for The 1899-1902 Russian recession ?? "content

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.

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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.
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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.
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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.

Jump to other topics

1Empires East & West: 1000 AD

1.1The Rise & Fall of Ancient China’s Empire

1.2The Medieval Greatness of the Byzantine Empire

1.3The Golden Age of the Islamic Empire

1.4The Politics & Power of the Holy Roman Empire

1.5Medieval Religion

1.6The Influence of the Church in Medieval Times

1.7How Religion Tested the Power of Kings

1.8Dynastic Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.9Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.10Revolts, Rebellions & Rights

1.11Medieval England & Her Neighbours

1.12European Renaissance

1.13Norman Conquest & Control

1.14Historical Skills

2The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

2.1Anglo-Saxon England

2.2The Contest for the English Throne

2.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

2.4King John

2.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

2.6The Black Death

3Worldviews

4The Empire of Mali: 1076-1670 AD

5The Renaissance & Reformations: 1500-1598 AD

6The British Empire: 1583-1960 AD

7The Peasants' Revolt: 1381 AD

8Religion in the Middle Ages

9Slavery: 1619-1833 AD

10The English Civil War: 1642-1660 AD

11The Industrial Revolution: 1750-1840 AD

12US Independence: 1775-1783 AD

13The French Revolution: 1789-1815 AD

14The British Empire: 1857–1930 AD

15Suffrage: 1840-1928 AD

16World War 1: 1914-1918 AD

17The Russian Revolution: 1917 AD

18The Inter-War Years: 1919-1939 AD

19World War 2: 1939-1945 AD

20The Cold War: 1947-1962 AD

21Civil Rights in the USA: 1954-1975 AD

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