The 1905 Revolution
History: KS3, topic 17.2.2
The 1905 Revolution
Tensions in Russia reached a particularly tricky point in 1905. An uprising against the Tsar in 1905 very nearly turned into a revolution.
Russo-Japanese War
- Nicholas II lost the Russo-Japanese War in 1904. The battles mainly took place in the province of Manchuria and in Korea.
- This fuelled people's view that he was a weak leader.
Peaceful demonstrators
- At a demonstration led by a priest, Father Gapon, Tsar Nicholas II'is Cossack forces were ordered to fire on the peaceful workers' protest, killing many of them.
- This caused widespread rioting and striking.
- Every electricity worker in Moscow and St Petersberg went on strike in response to the killings.
- On the battleship, 'Potemkin' sailors rebelled.
- Workers and sailors organised themselves into 'Soviets' to represent their interests.
Result
- Nicholas was almost overthrown but managed to hold on to power.
- Nicholas created the Shidlovsky Commission to pacify workers and also published the October Manifesto.
Test yourself on The 1905 Revolution
Which war did Russia lose in 1904?
Who led the peaceful workers' demonstration in 1905?
What happened to the crowd of demonstrators in 1905?