Russian History - All Possible Essays Questions With Plans

Red Hard questions and havent come up before, Yellow Very unlikely questions
OCR B: Russia in Turmoil, 1900-1924 - All Possible Essays Questions with Plans
(By Harry Bojakowski and Scarlett Stock [04.2013])
1. 1905 1.
Why did Tsarism become so unpopular with some groups by 1905?
Throughout the centuries leading up to the 20 , Russia had been ruled by the Romanov dynasty via autocracy. This lead to large periods of stagnation and extremely old-fashioned ways while the rest of European was becoming modern. This, along with many other factors lead to Tsarism becoming so unpopular. Beliefs Actions/Events Circumstances Tsars Beliefs belief in royal Defeat in Russo-Japanese war Discontent of the workers 12+ working hours prerogative I will never agree Jan 1905 port Arthur fell and Strikes were illegal (only some to the representative form of Russian army defeated. Embarrassing and incompetent government supervised trade government and inadequate government. unions) Still used and believed in backward and classic ways of Proved how backward and oldOvercrowding in living fashioned they were compared conditions ruling Russia Though he was always right to the rest of the world Cholera outbreak every three politically Figes it became patriotic to years General long-term discontent Bad priories 45% annual be anti-government. and resentment towards the expenditure on army, only 5% Tsar. on education. nd Bloody Sunday 22 Jan 1905 Resentment from peasants, Problems with the peasantry workers and minorities didnt Father Gapon marched peaceful 1897 82% of the population were peasants, 0.5% were agree with the Tsar general protestors with a petition for dissatisfaction of all classes with the Tsar. ruling class their government and their Gunned down by imperial Failure of emancipation form open hostility towards it. guards 200+ killed. 1863 Peasants angry and thought Caused over 400,000 workers to For land and freedom average land was rightfully theirs go on stroke in Jan. had to pay redemption payments for 49 years finically Minorities didnt agree with Gapon: There is no God, there crippled russification wanted is no Tsar. independence Long term resentment. The long term underling factors and resentment led to the disastrous events occurring that just enhanced opposition to the Tsarist regime. However, if it was not for the fundamental beliefs of the Tsar, and hence therefore the opposition in the beliefs form various groups, there would not have been so much unpopularity in the first case. B->C->E
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2.
Why did Nicholas II commit the blunder that resulted in Bloody Sunday?
Intro It was all about the fundamental beliefs of Nicholas II. The circumstances he was operating in mattered. Nicholas Beliefs (were crucial): Nicholas Aims: Circumstances Belief in autocracy Desire to show his strength at a Banqueting campaign I am not ready to be Tsar. I moment where the regime is Demands for constituent know nothing of the business of under fire e.g. Russo-Japanese assembly by universal suffrage. ruling Tsar Nicholas II War. Over 70,000 involved with Zemstva in 1905 resented political constraints. Zemstvo Congress votes for law making Duma. Belief in Royal prerogative I Nicholas failed to recognise Increased peasant unrest, will never agree to the seriousness of the situation and terrorist activity, worker activity representative form of was absent from the winter and student unrest. government, because I consider palace Student banned from holding political meetings, violators it harmful to the people whom could be imprisoned without God has entrusted to me indefinitely. 1500 students Explanation: detail of his arrested and imprisoned. Explanation: Why beliefs intentions to stop a potential Worker activity 1901 student mattered? Why did they lead him to make the blunder? uprising and chose to tell his demonstration in St. P foiled by troops to fire into a crowd. army action. Beliefs are linked to the aims because his beliefs influenced what he wanted to achieve and therefore his aims. Beliefs are more important than circumstances because he reacted to different circumstances because of his fundamental beliefs. All linked however beliefs are more important. B->C->A
3.
Why was there a revolution in Russia in 1905?

For centuries there had been long term resentment towards the Tsar and his regime, however it was nd not until 1905 that there was actually an attempted revolution, sparked by bloody Sunday on the 22 of June. However, there is a combination of many beliefs, events and circumstances that lead to this inevitable occurrence. Beliefs Actions/Events Circumstances Tsars Beliefs belief in royal Russo-Japanese defeat the Peasant poverty failures of prerogative I will never agree government expected an easy emancipation form 1863 to the representative form of victory but instead got an average 49 years of redemption government embarrassing defeat like 1905 payments for land and freedom Russian Baltic fleet sunk in 2 82% peasants unrepresented Still used and believed in hours. backward and classic ways of Figes it became patriotic to ruling Russia Repressive Political be anti-government. oppositions arrested nd Peasants and workers bad Bloody Sunday 22 Jan 1905 Industrial discontent views of the Tsar general Father Gapon marched peaceful 12 hour working days dissatisfaction of all classes with protestors with a petition for Strikes illegal (only some were the government and their open the Tsar. gov supervised) St. Petersburg apartment 6 hostility against it Tolstoy Gunned down by imperial see why was it so unpopular guards 200+ killed. people per room, 16 people per Caused over 400,000 workers to household. go on stroke in Jan. Gapon: There is no God, there is no Tsar. Caused over 400,000 workers to go on strike in Jan The autocratic beliefs of the Tsar are by far the most important as the events that occurred stemmed from these beliefs because if it wasnt for the repressive measures by the Tsar, the circumstances would be different and then the peasants would have never have felt the need to protest on bloody Sunday and the Russo-Japanese war would have been a lot more successful, thus avoiding catalytic events that sparked the attempted revolution.
4.
How is the failure of the 1905 revolution best explained?

The 1905 revolution that was sparked by the actions that occurred on bloody Sunday can be seen by many historians as one that failed. Whilst there was much unrest and violence during the year, the political system and the Tsarist regime was not overthrown. Trotsky-although with a few broken ribs, Tsarism came out of the experience alive and strong enough Beliefs Actions/Events Circumstances Army backing the Tsar Army staying loyal with 1000 Lack of leadership from the supportive of the Tsar strikers killed in Moscow workers and opposition Tsar allowed concessions to the Nationalist groups like the uncoordinated outbreaks of army; pay and change to the Union of the Russian people violence in the cities and those who were not arrested Feld conditions of service fought off the revolutionaries with the black hundreds abroad to escape punishment Mutinies stopped after the war No clear leader Other political parties didnt take part because leaders were in exile Lenin wasnt in Russia and Stalin was in Siberia Liberals only wanted political reform and constitutional monarchy, but Trotsky wanted a complete overthrow of the Tsar. Groups had different agendas October manifesto opposition End of Russo-Japanese war no clear path of revolution melted away quickly demoralises, tired, hungry, Working class had no real Black hundreds came forward didnt have the energy or revolutionary ideologies after this was issued made resources to revolt. All wanted different things groups who supported the tsar More concerned with rebuilding (peasants redemption and believe in his regime. the country payments, minorities end to Tsars reluctance to give up Still some loyalty to protect the russification, workers power; Tsar could still veto any regime conditions) decisions made by the Duma Eg Potemkin mutiny wanted Liberals afraid of working left the Tsar in control with little to provoke mutinies in Black sea classes due to their arms and opposition. fleet but didnt spread. being potentially dangerous to the middle classes/intelligentsia. C->B&A
2. Duma Period 1.
Why did the Tsar dissolve the first Duma?
Intro During the 72 days of the firs Duma, there was constant political disagreements between the Tsar and the ministers. With this in mind, along with the fact that the Tsar had implanted his fundamental laws at the opening of the first state Duma, it was almost inevitable that the Tsar would one day dissolve it. Beliefs Actions/Events Circumstances rd Autocratic beliefs of the Tsar Fundamental Laws 23 April Tsarist roots with France, meant he believed that he was the 1906 God himself commands that they got a large loan form supreme ruler of Russia and obedience to his authority no the France government, this in turn meant that the power of appointed by God. This meant laws passed without his the duma was reduced even that any democratic approval. organisation such as a duma October manifesto said no law more so as they would not be was doomed from the can come into force without the able to have any finical hold beginning. state duma contradicts the over the government. fundamental laws fundamental laws said the Tsar could declare a state of emergency and rule without the state Duma. Democratic beliefs of the Duma After two months, there was an Tsar said: ministers will pay they thought that they would outbreak of violence and special attention to the be able to debate the important assassinations gave an excuse questions raised by the state issues in society such as the for the Duma to be dissolved Duma such as the preparation land question Vyborg appeal duma voicing of a law on universal primary Large variety of politicians form their anger at a government education and the imposition of different parties dominate that seemed to go back on its taxation on the more party were the Kadets and the promises demanded that the prosperous sections of society Labourists who were annoyed rights and power of the duma this shows the general because the October manifesto to be increased backwardness of Russia as a didnt grant a constituent Chief minister said the duma country the duma are calling assembly, and also their demands were inadmissible for primary education so it must demands of their Duma were and Nicholas II was reported as be the case that children arent too radical! saying curse the Duma. even attending primary school. Liberal deputies called for This also shows the relationship political prisoners to be between the government and released the duma basically says that the government has all the power and the Duma cant do anything about it! Due to the beliefs of the Tsar and the Duma meant that they meant in bitterness which leads to the Vyborg appeal and outbreak of violence and assassination, and that they were ever likely to come to an agreement at all. Autocratic beliefs lead to the fundamental laws meaning that they were never going to have any real power and therefore seem pointless. Circumstances seem to allow the Tsar to exercise his autocratic beliefs; otherwise perhaps he would have had to be more independent on the Duma. C->B->E
2.
Why were there political tensions in the Duma period?

Political Tensions can be described as disagreements and trouble in a society as a whole. From 1905 after the first revolution to 1917 Russia saw its first elected parliament, however it was dissolved three times resulting in four Dumas being formed during this time, each with very little power and influence. Beliefs Actions/Events Circumstances Autocratic beliefs of the Tsar Fundamental laws Supreme Government failed to please wouldnt recognise Dumas autocratic power belongs to the the peasants and there was no authority emperor of all Russia. Creates reform 1/3 of the councillors Refused to go to Tauride Palace political tensions as the Duma in the state council belonged to dislike the Tsar because they when it was opened a group called the united arent allowed to do anything Figes: The Tsar and the nobility opposed to reform authorities regarded each other and that he is going back on his and nicknamed the graveyard with the upmost suspicion; both promises made in the October of the Dumas hopes being reluctant to share its manifesto. stemmed from split beliefs. power with the other Eg first Duma dissolved Shown by 3500 strikes in 1914 because too radical, second Duma dissolved because they demanded control of the armed forces. nd Vyborg appeal 22 July 1906 Weakness of the October Belief in the Duma Lack of belief in the Tsar Called for people to rise up and manifesto (enhanced by the Splits within the duma itself refuse to pay taxes or give any fundamental laws and Duma not allowed to discuss more recruits to the army therefore autocratic beliefs) anything of significance passive resistance Figes: the Tsar held most of Stolypins land reforms were Lead to tensions as the Tsar the trump cards in the post not debated at all within the now openly opposed them and 1905 system. He was the supreme commander of the second Duma dissolved the first Duma, and This lead to the Vyborg appeal they were banned from running armed forces and retained the for election. exclusive right to declare war and make peace. He could dissolve the Dumas. OM seemed to be made just to end revolution and keep people happy he promised so much but delivered so little. (was very ambiguous and didnt get rid of the Tsars powers) Beliefs of the Duma and that they werent allowed to discuss anything of importance led to the Vyborg appeal. Autocratic beliefs led to fundamental laws. Both these events and beliefs therefore created circumstances that fuelled and sustained political tensions throughout the period. B->E->C
3.
Was the assassination of Stolypin significant in the collapse of Tsarism?/Was Stolypins death the main reason for the failure of agricultural reforms in Russia?
Intro Stolypins reforms were good ideas but the conservative attitude to the peasantry together with the beliefs of the nobility meant they would never be a success. Beliefs Actions/Events Circumstances Peasantry quality of land was Tsar refused to let naval budget Stolypins death after his poor and strip farming was pass as it went against the death in 1911 reforms slowed ineffective-Stolypin wanted to Tsars beliefs that it was the down and Tsar no longer felt included to encourage his set up land back which loaned sole right to control all military reforms. Therefore for money to peasants so they matters and he accused could buy land of the gentry Stolypin of trying to act like a Stolypin claimed that his and the crown solves problems Western PM. reforms would need at least 20 of subdivided land which was Tsar was suspicious of change years to implement when in inefficient. Therefore it was and therefore vetoed most of reality they were deemed just a Stolypins death that led to Stolypins reforms that were failure after 5 years. However if agricultural reforms as if he was passed by the Duma. Therefore reforms had progressed at the allowed to implement them his death was not the most same rate as before WW1 it they would have worked. important. would have taken 100 years to Peasants werent very create an agricultural m/c enthusiastic about changing to individual farms. If Stolypin had had the backing Nobility did not want Peasants actions rendered Stolypins reforms pretty of Russian people his reforms peasantry and other classes to useless as without the Cowould have led to a stable and be gaining power more prosperous society. Therefore Operation of the peasants, the threatening to him. United against nobility were a group who fixed problems of the subdivided land, over population and not their efforts against Stolypin being able to purchase land are and railed against him and his reforms in the Duma. Therefore not changed. his death was not the main reason. Tsars actions to not change anything or implement reform stemmed from his autocratic beliefs as he didnt want legislation passed which lessoned his power. Also, because of the beliefs of the peasants they did not co-operate or consolidate their strips and they did not leave the Mir. Stolypin showed he had good ideas in the way he developed large scale industrial farming, introduced agricultural cooperative and crated the peasants land bank, but because of circumstances such as time, together with the beliefs the agricultural reforms could never have been a real success. C->B->A
4.
Why was the Tsar reluctant/unable to keep to the terms of the October manifesto?
Intro After the attempted revolution in 1905, the Tsar introduced the October manifesto, however he was reluctant and to a certain extent, unable to keep to the terms outlined in the manifesto due to Beliefs Actions/Events Circumstances Tsars beliefs I will never Fundamental laws Drafted by Witte (PM) who agree to a representative for of legitimately counteracting to Nicholas hated so never wanted it in the first place forced to government because I consider the October manifesto. sign it to be harmful to the people Said all laws had to be Was seen as an influential and who God entrusted to me approved by the Tsar could Wouldnt go against own nature find a way out so why would he threatening political opponent agree. to the Tsar Limited participation of Minister of finance and peasants and workers in duma economy went bad so hated elections, therefore could not him even further and so act as a democracy. wouldnt want to endorse his ideas. Duma divided Duma Actions of the Duma were too October manifesto was vaguely Hard to stick to October radical wanted to resolve the written and ambiguous- was because so divided land question worried about inevitable that he was never them threatening his influence going stick to it, written with Pretended to be a democracy but still wanted an autocracy gave them menial things to that in mind we require the government Couldnt force the Tsar because discuss like the postal order to dutifully to execute its they were disunited in its aims discuss unshakable will 9 different parties Octobrists wanted manifesto, rightest Granted legal duma but didnt want duma at all. ambiguous statements allowed him to go back on this because it never limited him B->E->C
5.
Why did Russia still have a Tsarist government in 1914?

Through the Duma period from 1906-1914 there was many political tensions and disputes between the Duma and the Tsar, however for some remarkable reason the Tsarist regime had still clung on to power and was still exercising this by 1914. Beliefs Actions/Events Circumstances Tsar remaining in control of the Autocratic beliefs and resilience October Manifesto army end of the war in spet. of Tsar Appointed by god neutralised some opposition Supreme ruler of Russia civil freedoms such as freedom 1905 allowed loyal troops to I will never agree to the of conscience, speech, assembly return home and crushed and association granted mutinies in December representative form of Troops ad restored order to government because I consider Liberals and Octobrists happy it harmful to the people whom but Kadets not content (no plan villages God has entrusted to me for consistent assembly) Kept happy because their Splitting opposition and not demands were being met; enough against the Tsar increased pay and rations Tsar remained commander in chief of the army so therefore nobody could turn the army against him and try and revolt. No united opposition Fundamental laws Tsar able to Lack of Duma influence Due to fundamental laws, the Tsar everybody wanted different maintain the control had the power to appoint and things so people could not unite God himself commands dismiss the people in the state in a big enough force against obedience to his authority the Tsar. (peasants wanted land No laws passed without the council stat council could veto reform, workers wanted better Tsars approval any laws opposed by the Duma Voting was rigged Stolypin conditions) Tsar declares war and So many political parties in the concludes peace and decides on attended voting system for the third Duma to ensure that the Duma (min of 9 and all along treaties the political spectrum Tsar could declare state of higher class representation was Octobrists didnt want to go any emergency and rule without the weighted. further than the October Duma Could dissolve the Duma and st manifesto, rightest didnt stop opposition 1 Duma demands too radical so believe that there should be a dismissed in 2 months. Duma at all) Autocratic beliefs of the Tsar led to fundamental laws and October manifest to which reduced to dumas influence and neutralised opposition, and meant that the Tsar remained in charge of and had support from the army. B->A->C
6.
How would you best explain how Russia became involved in WW1?
On the 30 July 1914 Russia became involved in WWI and they mobilised their troops along the German-Austria borders. Beliefs Actions/Events Circumstances Germanophobia Ran Austria declared war on Serbia Russia hatred of Austria 1908 extremely deep in Russian because they blamed them Austria annexed BosniaHerzegovina (extending history for the assassination if Franz Ferdinand and was an influence over the Balkans = Scared of modern western opportunity to gain territory area in the SE with lots of Slavs. ideas Also Russia was Serbias ally and (Russias desire to make a great Worried about influence too Slavic empire. Russia was many wealthy farmers in Russia mobilised towards war and (Prominent in civil service) called France to mobilise too. humiliated again and this led to Worried about threat of nationalism in Bosnia and growing domination if the Serbia) German exports in Russias traditional markets. Triple Entente With France Wanted to rally support of the Actions of the Tsar and the and Britain since 1894 people Rodzianko (president Duma political parties put Combat triple alliance of Italy of the Duma) A war will be pressure on the Tsar Germany and Austro-Hungary joyfully welcomed and it will Octobrists leaders said 1871 Germany became more raise the governments diplomats had neglected their duty to protect the Baltic Slavs of a threat natural enemies prestige. Russia was ready for inevitable and seen as a threat for a long Ministry of trade and industry war with the German forces. time. statistics over 2/3 of strikers were political, not economic. 3500 strikes in 1914 B&C->A (could argue that beliefs were slightly influenced by the circumstances which then lead to the occurrence of catalytic events that sparked Russias involvement)
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3. February 1917 1.
Why did Tsarism collapse in 1917?/Why did revolution break out in February 1917?
It all began with bread Orlando Figes. However, by February 1917 discontent on the streets of Russia had come about due to many other factors and not just by bread alone. Whilst there was a lack of revolutionary movement in the countryside, in the streets of the cities revolution was rife; by February, protesters carried banners saying down with the Tsar!. Whilst this was sparked by various events that had occurred in the run up to February such as the Putilov strike, the main reason that there was a revolution in 1917 was because of the underlying beliefs such as the autocratic manner that the Tsar governed which in turn led to the creation of such circumstances, such as the war, which caused the events that sparked revolution. Therefore, whilst I will argue that the beliefs are by far the most important factor in contributing to the causation of the revolution, the role of circumstances and events cannot be ignored. Beliefs Actions/Events Circumstances th Tsars Autocratic beliefs Putilov Steel Works Strike 18 Unpopularity of Tsarism and determined to uphold Feb 1917 ling-term resentment autocracy 50,000 onto the streets and Bread shortages; eve of Ignored warnings (Rodzianko starts off a general strike revolution average women had th 14 Feb very serious biggest and most revolting to wait 40 hours a week in th outbreaks of unrest were 200,000 on streets by 24 Feb bread queues Inflation in Moscow in the imminent) spreads strikes start in first 2 years of the war, a box of Rodzianko said only major Moscow with 30,000 workers concessions by government matches went up by 500% rising up in Petrograd, 45,000 Average working hours 11 could preserve imperial power do the same shouting down hours a day Tsar ignored this and with the Tsar dissolved the Forth Duma Huge hatred and support railed Made things worse instead of against the Regime making things better didnt organisation and unity for the act in time to neutralise first time (contrast to situation spontaneous outburst in 1905) Refusal to reform Lack of Duma Support - Tsar Alienation of the Progressive Problems in the Army 1915 away so unpopular Tsarina in Tsar became commander in block Werent listened to by Chief Bad at handling war and charge the Tsar; tried to advice the Ministers dismissed for worked 400 miles away Tsar on ways to help the war effort but continuously ignored Solider deserting mutiny on agreeing with them th Rodzianko said to her on the 12 members refused to dissolve the 26 Feb 60,000 soldiers th 14 Feb: there is not honest deserted led to the Provisional Committee led to the SR Gave crowds weapons man left in your entourage; all member Kerensky to call for the Tsar couldnt declare martial the decent people have either Tsar to step down law been dismissed or left th Alternative source of authority By 26 Feb, all but a few Weak government internally for Russia for the first time. thousand of the 150,000 could have avoided revolution Petrograd Garrison had with right ministers. deserted In conclusion, the circumstances such as the war had an effect that tired the Russians and made them hate autocracy. The events such as the Petrograd Garrison made revolution even more likely and spurred on protesters even more, however, ultimately the Russians chose a revolution because of their beliefs and general hatred and resentment towards the Romanov Dynasty, which would have never been the case in the first place if it was not for the old fashioned, continuous autocratic beliefs of the Tsar. B->C->E
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2.
Why did Nicholas II have no choice but to abdicate?

With the on-going revolutionary movement and opposition to the Tsarist regime by March 1917, the nd Tsar soon found that he had very little choice but to abdicate and accepted this fact on 2 March. Beliefs Actions/Events Circumstances Alienation of the Progressive Loss of Support from the Army - Failure in WW1 embarrassment and made Block - Werent listened to by Solider deserting mutiny on th unpopular the Tsar; tried to advice the the 26 Feb 60,000 soldiers deserted Russia lost over 4 million men in Tsar on ways to help the war first year of the war; lost faith in effort but continuously ignored Gave crowds weapons system 12 members refused to dissolve Tsar couldnt declare martial law By 1916 Moscow was only led to the Provisional th Committee led to the SR By 26 Feb, all but a few receiving1/3 of food and fuel member Kerensky to call for the thousand of the 150,000 requirements. Tsar to step down Petrograd Garrison had Alternative source of authority deserted for Russia for the first time. Failures to reform Tsars autocratic Beliefs Nicholas decision to return to Fundamental laws and October impossible to create a Petrograd at time of Chaos th manifesto already disappointed constitutional monarchy with 28 Feb Tsar wanted to return to Petrograd but people Nicholas in charge Rodzianko advised Nicholas that No laws passed without Tsars Tsar I will never agree to a approval God himself only his personal abdication representative form of commands obedience to his government because I consider could save the Russian monarchy authority it to be harmful to the people Train held up by mutinous Bread shortages whom God has entrusted to People never satisfies and troops and people forcing him me impatient cant tolerate it to abdicate Wouldnt reform wouldnt Then at Pskov a group of anymore. change ways so just needed to generals from Stavka (high leave. command) and representatives of the old regime told Tsar of seriousness and advised abdication. B->C->A
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4. February to October 1917 1.

Was the Provisional Government doomed to failure?
The Provisional Government was formed form the Provisional committee after the Tsar stepped down. Russia at this point was in a very bad state facing many problems, and therefore required a strong government to govern the country successfully. So was it almost inevitable that they would fail? Beliefs Actions/Events Circumstances Views of the PG - always more Soviet order no.1 threatened Lacked legitimacy werent interested in a political authority elected in therefore cant st revolution rather than a social Issued 1 March by soviets sympathises with people and political upheaval. They Stated that solders would only No mandate to govern saw getting rid of the Tsar as obey the orders of the PG if Represented by only upper one of the last steps, rather they were approved by the class than the first. This explains why soviet; soviet in control of the People saw them as illegitimate although they introduced lots of army: limited military power as they just took control after measures very quickly, they the revolution would never be No threat or no power behind were mostly political changes them from the beginning. accepted doomed from the (for example an amnesty for start political prisoners, the granting of civil rights, preparing elections). Had no intention of taking any measures to appease peasants and workers. Peasants demands not met Address to the people of the War left the country in a bad whole world problem issued causing chaos wanted land way Left Russia virtually th 14 March, calling for peace reforms and other demands bankrupt dependant on led them to meet with weapons Government publicly accepted supplies and money from allies and attack manor houses and and therefore had to stay in the this and said they would work then take over land and house towards the end of the war but war forced them to sign demands: telegram from foreign minister Preoccupied with war revenge of the Serfs lost that became public pledged prevented them form dealing support of right wing and lower that Russia would fight till the with social and economic class because demands werent Germany was defeated. problems met resentment Lied violent demonstrations, Paradoxically needed to war to loss of support survive, but was also ruining Had to do this to avoid chances of survival brought bankruptcy. serious rift between Petrograd soviet that wanted peace and the PG - was only a matter of time before it was other thrown. C->B->A
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2.
Why was the PG unable to satisfy the demands of the peasants and the workers?
Intro The PG fell in 1917, and one of the reasons for this was the alienation of the working class in Petrograd and to a certain extent the peasantry in the countryside. The backdrop of 1917 was one of war, demonstrations and unrest in the countryside, accumulating in land seizures. The main demand from the peasantry was the land reforms and main demand from the workers was more economic rights. Both groups were united in their desire to end the war. Beliefs Actions/Events Circumstances End of the war demoralised Peasants view on the land and Countryside uprising from soldiers that are peasants the expectations of the workers May 1917, land seizures in the most of the soldiers were taken due to the emancipation of countryside began in earnest from the peasantry (about the serfs; they believed that the once the realised the Tsar was not coming back, and they were 80%). Therefore, the land was rightfully theirs. Workers expectations rocketed unlikely to be punished. We can continuation of the war brought during 1917 most of their see how this was connected widespread dissatisfaction to demands were economic, with the soldiers and the war, the countryside. However the height wages, 8 hour working because this got worse after the PG could not pull out of the war day and better living conditions. radicalised soldiers came home because it relied on the money The PG could not keep up with on Easter leave. sent form the allies otherwise it would be bankrupt. the increased political awareness and self-confidence. The PG was always more The July days were significant in Some groups of workers in interested in a political souring the relationship Petrograd were radicalised revolution rather than a social between the PG and the people before the February revolution and political upheaval. They to the extent that they would of Petrograd. This was because saw getting rid of the Tsar as have never given their support the rising (or workers) ended one of the last steps, rather with the PG using loyal troops to a government comprised of than the first. This explains why to supress the rising, killing or moderate liberals. For example, although they introduced lots of injuring 700 people. The soviet some of the workers at the measures very quickly, they was also punished for its Putilov steel works were were mostly political changes already quite organised by the involvement, and side-lined (for example an amnesty for socialist parties before the Feb. ending the Dual Authority. This political prisoners, the granting revolution. The wanted radical further made clear that PG of civil rights, preparing government had no intention of social and economic change, elections). which would never be delivered taking any measures on the PG did set up land commission by the PG. eland, or to help workers. but made little progress because it was such a huge task example stemming from circumstances Due to the certain demands posed and the reluctance to give them the demands because of their beliefs. Also, the beliefs of the PG lad to events such as the July days, and the beliefs of the peasantry led to such events such as the land seizures and uprisings. However, none of this would have been a problem for the PG if the circumstances had been different they would have been able to pull out of the war, reduce food shortages, etc. C->B->E
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3.
Why did the Kornilov revolt damage Kerenskys Government?

Intro The Kornilov affair had significant effects on Kerensky and his government. It damaged Kerenskys government as it showed his political weakness when it came to his standing between the left and the right and it also accentuated the fact that Kerensky was responsible for the chaos that had been caused because of this. Beliefs Actions/Events Circumstances The beliefs of the right Kerenskys Dismissal of Kornilov Deterioration of army discipline Kerensky had spoiled his Kerensky thought that soldiers suspected their relationship with the right. This Kornilov was planning a military officers of having supported the Kornilov revolt. This led to is because they remained coup and therefore was forced hundreds of officers being faithful to Kornilov and his to communicate with Kornilov brutal murdered or arrested by dismissal was condemned by after the Hughes Apparatus their own men. Significant as it the right. This would have transcripts to ensure what weakened his government as Kornilov actually wanted. The shows the soldiers were not the chaos caused by the fact that Kerensky refused this afraid to go against their Kornilov Revolt reduced meant that he only endangered officers and therefore not afraid support in Kerensky and almost his own position. This is of any revolution or uprising. proved to the right that because when the decision was Kerensky could not fulfil their made all his ministers resigned wants as a dictator. In addition, essentially making himself a those on the right now saw him dictator. as politically incompetent. Rise of Trench Bolshevism saw The beliefs of the Left The Kerensky becoming a dictator essentially created a vacuum of many tired and angry soldiers soldiers and the workers who turning their support and had defended the PG suspected power which therefore left the attention to the trench that Kerensky was involved and PG with little authority to do trying to implement his own anything. bolshevism to legitimize their own growing resistance to the counter revolution. This raised war. Shows a weakness in the suspicion and also fuelled government as they now had support for the Bolsheviks as even less support from their this was an opportunity for the Bolsheviks to repel people form troops, which meant they could Kerensky and his government. not protect themselves from any uprisings or revolutions. Beliefs could be argued the most important as it fuelled further polarisation between left and right, making it extremely difficult for the government to govern together. The beliefs of the left were what caused the soldiers to rebel against their officers and their government. Also the left wing beliefs of the soldiers meant they were attracted to trench bolshevism. The beliefs are the most important as they led on to the circumstance which prevailed during the Kornilov revolt and onwards, and also because the belief of the left led them to e angered by Kerenskys decision to dismiss Kornilov and became dictator. The events that occurred and the circumstances that aroused therefore only came about because of the beliefs. B->C&E
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4.
Why did Bolshevik ideas appeal to some groups of people in Russia/how would you best explain the appeal for Bolshevik ideology in 1917?
Beliefs Provisional Government beliefs Obsessed with political change rather than social; granted amnesty for political prisoners and civil liberties rather than doing anything for the peasants or workers. Set up a land commission but it was so slow and ineffective that it made no progress so did not appease the peasants. This caused them to seize manor houses and resent the Provisional government. There was no land reform and food shortages due to the 15million men being taken out of the farming industry to fight in the war food shortages became apparent. So alternative ideas like peace, bread, land which is what the peasants wanted, and different from the beliefs of the PG and the fact it fitted with the beliefs that the peasants to have their own land were welcomed. Alternative Ideas The fact that the people of Russia had been stuck with the autocratic beliefs of the Tsar (constantly let down after October manifesto and Fundamental laws God himself commands obedience to his authority)and the Romanov dynasty for centuries meant that now the Bolshevik party were offering freedom under the slogan peace, bread land and the fact they were finally being promised something they wanted was an incentive to follow the Bolsheviks. Lenin was a powerful leader that made them believe that he would fulfil these promises through persuasive, influential speeches. Therefore due to the new nature of Bolsheviks ideas delivered in a convincing way which was different to what theyd been told for centuries, this hope made them follow it. Actions/Events Actions of the PG Made mistakes- made people resent them and pushed them towards the Bolsheviks. address to the people of the whole worldmarch 1917 promised to end ww1 but when a telegram came out from the home secretary that Russia would fight until Germany was defeated this made people lose faith in the lying government. (needed money to avoid bankruptcy) July days where there were demonstrations against the gov, PG suppressed it violently with troops and killed 700 people. Made people more likely to follow alternative beliefs/authority. Circumstances Suffering of the workers and peasants 11 hour working days Redemption payments which would take generations to pay off Land question not solved Desperate- would follow anyone who gave them hope Bad economy Bread rations had gone down for 1 ounce per a day in March to of an ounce per a day in October for the people at home Fed up
Kornilov revolt Aug 1917 Attempted uprising of general kornilov-marches to Petrograd to

restore 'strong' government and crush the socialists. He has the support of many but not, as he believes, Kerensky, who turns against the coup and denounces the General. Kerenskys ministers resign leaving a power vacuum and him a dictator in the government, practically like the Tsar which left him to made bad decisions Kornilov has inspired troop disloyalty through this which made troops susceptible to trench bolshevism (where bolsheviks tried to inspire troops to support them. Wouldnt have gained so much support had this event not made kerensky unpopular, and got troops to be disloyal(what kerensky started)
WW1 Caused many more desperate conditions PG didnt leave WW1 Made people more hungry and angry so hope inspired them By 1916 moscow only receiving 1/3 of its fuel and food requirements First 2 years of the war box of matches in Moscow went up 500% First year of the war 4 million died lost own men; sad/angry
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October 1917 1.
Did the Bolsheviks take power due to actions of Lenin?
Figes The course of history is full of unexpected turns that can only be explained by the actions of great leaders. This is particularly the case of revolutions, when the tide of events can so easily be turned. The October seizure of power is a good example: few historical events in the modern era better illustrate the decisive effect of an individual on the course of history. Without Lenins intervention it would probably never have happened at all Beliefs Actions/Events Circumstances Lenin believed that the Kerenskys government had all Weakness of the PG - Political Bolsheviks were able to use to resigned and he now looked like polarisation towards the left the weakness of the PG stated a dictator. He issued decrees and the right increased even in circumstance one as which were largely ignored. This further by Kerensky after the meant that it was easy for Lenin Kornilov revolt. He convinced evidence that a democratic to urge a Bolshevik uprising and those on the right that the government like the PG would not be able to work with them, provide a strong leadership socialists were agitating for and therefore Lenin urged that character in comparison with further revolution, convinced they should take power. He said Kerensky. those on the left that in the aftermath either a collaborating with the Lenins April thesis with their soviet government or bourgeoisie was not going to slogan all power to the Kornilovism. There is no middle soviets was appealing to the get them the radical social course reforms they wanted. This is masses. The slogan particular crucial as it influenced many of appealed to the working class Lenins believes which in turn as they wanted radical change to their working conditions. This pushed for a revolution. provided a lot of support for the Bolsheviks that were crucial in them taking power. If it was not for Lenins beliefs and composure of this thesis then they would have never have gained so much support. Lenins beliefs enabled him to bring about events and therefore lead a successful uprising and take power, however if the circumstances were different and the PG was not so weak then perhaps, regardless of his strong leadership and socialist beliefs, there would never have been a revolution. C->B->E
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2.
Did the Bolsheviks take power due to the actions of Trotsky?

Intro Whilst Trotsky didnt even join the Bolsheviks until the last day of August, and was still unsure about taking power only a day before the uprising, he still played a fundamental part in the successful seizer of power and proved to be a vital asset to the Bolshevik leadership. Beliefs Actions/Events Circumstances The Beliefs of Trotsky he was Actions of Trotsky he was in It meant that when the MRC much organised and a powerful charge of propaganda and was formed, the Bolsheviks and influential leader amongst trench bolshevism. This was dominated it, and Trotsky was the socialist parties. This was important because the fact that the leader. MRC was very successful in being able to rise important because by late the Petrograd Garrison did not up against the Petrograd September, the Bolsheviks were hold out against the MRC, and able to gain a majority in both the troops at the front were not garrison. the Moscow and Petrograd keen to return in support of soviets. They gained this Kerensky may have been because they were very well influenced by the intense organised, and continued to volume of propaganda attend all the meetings when distributed by the Bolsheviks, workers and solider lost their instigated by Trotsky, amongst initial enthusiasm and attended the troops both in the city in small numbers. This was garrisons and at the front. instigated by Trotskys loyalty to the Bolshevik cause. LINK WITH C1. LINK WITH A2 Weakness in the other socialist (Along with Trotskys decisive It also allowed Trotsky to action after being let out of become chairman of the soviet, parties this was evident in the and allowed him to manipulate fact that Trotsky was allowed to prison on bail during the Kornilov revolt led to him hence which delegates were called to choose who attended the All taking over as chairmen of the the All-Russian Congress of Russia Congress of Soviets. Petrograd soviet.) Soviets, allowing the Bolsheviks to have a majority. It also meant that when the Bolsheviks claimed to be taking power in the name of the soviets, they were not completely fabricating, and showed up how the other socialist parties could not really resist them at this point. When they announced they were seizing power, the Bolsheviks had 2/3 of the seats. Without the beliefs of Trotsky, such as the organisation and his loyalty, his propaganda distribution would have not been so powerful and he becoming chairman of the soviet and head of the MRC would never have happened, which proved to be vitally crucial in the last stages of the Bolshevik seizure of power. B->A->C/B->A&C
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3.
Why was the Bolshevik leadership willing to follow Lenin into a revolution in October 1917?
1917 the Bolsheviks took power by revolting against the PG. whilst Lenin was crucial in the success of the revolution, it could not be done without the support of his own leadership, and Lenin was able to achieve this support by a combination of Beliefs Actions/Events Circumstances
Lenins influence and persuasion Lenins beliefs: didnt want to miss the opportunity. September 1917 Lenin history will not forgive us if we do not assume power Figes without Lenins intervention it would probably never have happened He managed to win his partys th support on 10 October with 10 votes to 2 (felt the time was right and convinced people). Was also worried about a counterrevolution from the right; political polarisation towards the left and right increased further in the PG and the PG became more right wing- worried this would mean less support for Bolsheviks and didnt want to compromise or leave it too late; Lenin either a soviet government or Kornilovism. There is no middle choice Beliefs of Kerensky- wanted to clamp down on Bolsheviks Forced them to act quickly in case he kept clamping down on their activity & reducing their influence. He was worried about a coup. He could have prevented the revolution and this worried Lenin; actions resulted from worries; th So on 20 October he transferred the bulk of the Petrograd Garrison to the Northern Front where Germans were advancing. He wanted an excuse to get potentially rebellious troops out of the capital. rd Also, 23 October Bolshevik newspapers Pravda and Izvestiya were shut down. Constituent Assembly elections. Scheduled for November 1917 Lenin knew he had to take power before this. They would have been more representative of the peoples wishes and have more legitimate authority and power than the PG and therefore it would have been difficult for the Bolsheviks to overthrow it. Lenin thought they wouldnt win a majority in the elections. Would have slimmed chances and reduced Bolsheviks influence = forced Lenin to act quickly. Support for the Bolsheviks rising. October 1917 340,000 members Dramatic gains in Duma city elections in Sept & Oct. Turnout was low but this played into the hands of the Bolsheviks; swing towards Bolsheviks in the Soviets (attendance decreased but because the Bolsheviks were disciplined and still went and voted and attended most regularly they got majority in the executive- who made the decisions). th By Sept 5 the Bolsheviks had 4/7 seats in the Petrograd Soviet Executive. They could now use the power to call for all power to the Soviets now. This situation gave them power & authority. --had enough political power = confident enough
MRC set up (Military Revolutionary Committee) th Set up October 9 1917. Organisation that intended to defend Petrograd from attack MRC run by three men (one being Trotsky) 48/66 member of the MRC were Bolsheviks Trotsky could organise the overthrow of the PG at Lenins orders Gave the Bolsheviks a legitimate military force since it acted on the authority of the Soviet Made a revolution feasible. Silly mistakes that helped the Bolsheviks to succeed-(Oct) After Kerenskys threat to transfer troops to the front there was a mutiny in the Petrograd Garrison against his orders. The troops transferred their allegiance to the MRC so now the MRC had full control of troops.
Weakness in the other socialist parties It also allowed Trotsky to become chairman of the soviet, and allowed him to manipulate which delegates were called to the All-Russian Congress of Soviets, allowing the Bolsheviks to have a majority. It also meant that when the Bolsheviks claimed to be taking power in the name of the soviets, they were not completely fabricating, and showed up how the other socialist parties could not really resist them at this point. When they announced they were seizing power, the Bolsheviks had 2/3 of the seats.
#Lenins beliefs because if he wouldnt have believed in it then nobody would have had faith in him and followed him, the events and circumstances were fortunate and just worked in his favour and enhanced his support. B->C&E
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4.
Why did Lenin urge a Bolshevik uprising in October 1917?/Why was there a revolution in 1917?
The Bolsheviks seized the winter palace on the 25 October 1917 and overthrew the Provisional Government. Why this happened at the time it did was a combination of Beliefs Actions/Events Circumstances Lenins beliefs: didnt want to miss Constituent Assembly elections. Support for the Bolsheviks rising. the opportunity. Scheduled for November 1917 October 1917 340,000 members September 1917 Lenin history will Lenin knew he had to take power Dramatic gains in Duma city not forgive us if we do not assume before this. elections in Sept & Oct. Turnout power They would have been more was low but this played into the Figes without Lenins intervention representative of the peoples hands of the Bolsheviks; swing it would probably never have wishes and have more legitimate towards Bolsheviks in the Soviets happened authority and power than the PG (attendance decreased but because He managed to win his partys and therefore it would have been the Bolsheviks were disciplined and th support on 10 October with 10 difficult for the Bolsheviks to still went and voted and attended votes to 2 (felt the time was right overthrow it. most regularly they got majority in and convinced people). Lenin thought they wouldnt win a the executive- who made the Was also worried about a countermajority in the elections. decisions). th revolution from the right; political Would have slimmed chances and By Sept 5 the Bolsheviks had 4/7 seats in the Petrograd Soviet polarisation towards the left and reduced Bolsheviks influence = right increased further in the PG forced Lenin to act quickly. Executive. They could now use the and the PG became more right power to call for all power to the wing- worried this would mean less Soviets now. This situation gave them power & support for Bolsheviks and didnt authority. want to compromise or leave it too --had enough political power late; Lenin either a soviet government or Kornilovism. There is no middle choice The failure of the PG. Beliefs of Kerensky- wanted to MRC set up (Military Revolutionary Silly mistakes that helped the clamp down on Bolsheviks Committee) th Forced them to act quickly in case Set up October 9 1917. Bolsheviks to succeed-(Oct) After he kept clamping down on their Organisation that intended to Kerenskys threat to transfer troops defend Petrograd from attack to the front there was a mutiny in activity & reducing their influence. He was worried about a coup. MRC run by three men (one being the Petrograd Garrison against his orders. The troops transferred their He could have prevented the Trotsky) 48/66 member of the MRC were allegiance to the MRC so now the revolution and this worried Lenin; actions resulted from worries; Bolsheviks MRC had full control of troops. th Trotsky could organise the So on 20 October he transferred overthrow of the PG at Lenins Secondly, the PG was unpopular. the bulk of the Petrograd Garrison to the Northern Front where orders All of the ministers resigned after Germans were advancing. He Gave the Bolsheviks a legitimate the Kornilov revolt (Aug 1917) so wanted an excuse to get potentially military force since it acted on the Kerensky basically became a rebellious troops out of the capital. authority of the Soviet dictator which meant the rd Made a revolution feasible. government was weak, unpopular Also, 23 October Bolshevik newspapers Pravda and Izvestiya and made bad decisions as it was were shut down. only really one person making them. Meant there was less loyalty to PG so easier for Bolsheviks to extend influence. --had a chance to gain support Without Lenins beliefs the Bolsheviks wouldnt have taken the step to actually organise an uprising. Yes the circumstances and events pushed it to happen at the time it did, and allowed it to play out as it did, but without Lenins decisive action nothing would have happened in the first place. And taking all of the other factors away Lenin could have still pushed for and accomplished a revolution without them which exemplifies why his beliefs which led to his actions were the pivotal factor. B->A (C catalysed)
th
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5.
How is the success of the Bolshevik rising of October 1917 best explained?/Why was the Bolshevik uprising successful?
In the lead up to the Bolshevik coup, the party and their leader, Lenin, managed to find the right time in history in terms of events and circumstances which led to them being able to assume control of Petrograd on the 25th October 1917, taking over from the failed Provisional Government. Beliefs Actions/Events Circumstances Lenins beliefs Trotskys actions PG failed (minimised opposition). Without his views it would have Head of the Petrograd Soviet & Pipes (about the attitude of Petrograd happened in the first place. organised arrangements for the allat the fall of the PG) the fall of the PG He argued against a coalition with other Russian congress of soviets and created caused few regrets; eyewitnesses parties in the Soviet and the Provisional the Northern Regional committee report that the population reacted with Committee = allowed the Bolsheviks to (allied with the Bolsheviks) which had complete unconcern. be strong and united (key qualities he the power to call delegates to the Because the PG failed to satisfy needs imprinted on the party) congress so Trotsky organised the (land question & leaving the constituent In Finland in March he was annoyed at military committees and soviets with assembly until November so key the Central Committee in Petrograd and Bolshevik majorities to send more decisions were put off too) = little wrote no rapprochement with other delegates (e.g. one provincial soviet was opposition for Bolshevik rising. parties allowed to send more deputies than the MRC was able to take over railroad Was him who urged it and he didnt whole of the city of Kiev where the stations, telegraph offices and banks want to wait for a majority in the allBolsheviks were quite weak). without any opposition or shots fired. Russian Congress of Soviets No Significant because when they Made it easier for them to success revolution waits for that announced the power seizure 2/3 of the because had the PG been successful Despite other fortunate circumstances seats in the all-Russian congress of there could have been some opposition. without his push nothing would have soviets were Bolshevik and so the happened. cabinet was Bolsheviks so Bolsheviks Organised, public speaking, popular laws could be passed easily and slogans (peace, bread, land and all takeover was accepted. power to the soviets) = by 1917 Secondly, created the MRC in oct 1917 membership was 340,000 by October= and 9/12 seats were Bolshevik and he caused the good timing as he pushed Trotsky was the head and they took for it. over the Petrograd Garrison. -these actions gave the Bolsheviks political and military power. Trotskys beliefs. Kornilov revolt. Funding from Germany. Without being determined and After Kornilov was sacked and revolted Bolsheviks got funding from the believing in the Bolsheviks he wouldnt against the PG in August Kerensky (PG German government have made the decision to become leader) felt he was in danger. So he Helped with propaganda chairman of the Petrograd Soviet after asked the soviets and the red guards German minister for foreign affairs in he got out of prison (propelling event (run by the Bolsheviks) to help- 25,000 December it was not until the gained control of the nations soviets) armed recruits were called to defend Bolsheviks had received from us a His beliefs led to his actions; Bolsheviks Petrograd. More military strength was steady flow of funds through various as a result of this had a 2/3 majority in at the Bolsheviks disposal. channels and under different labels that the all-Russian congress of soviets. And 40,000 guns were distributed to they were able to build up their main because he was in charge of the red workers and many ended up in the organ Pravdagot people to support guards and the MRC they had a huge hands of the red guards. them. military because he believed this was K revolt meant Kerensky was Given estimated 50million DM necessary for success. undermined and the new coalition He changed the tactics because he gained little support so the Bolsheviks thought theyd do better through got 49.5% in the Moscow municipal propaganda; 100,000s of free Bolshevik elections newspapers were distributed to troops And because of the revolt many leading asking them why they were fighting members (including Trotsky) had been Bolsheviks originally planned to bring let out of prison = strengthened down the PG via February methods Bolshevik position. (mass street demonstrations) but as the July Days proved this would clearly fail. Trotsky changed their tactics in September (whilst Lenin was in Finland) for secret coup. Without his beliefs and views on how to handle the situation his actions wouldnt have happened. Other single factors could be removed from the equation but the coup could have still been successful but without Lenin the party would have formed coalitions, waited, and lost direction, so this pivotal element was crucial and irreplaceable in the success of the uprising.
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Consolidation of Soviet Power 1.

Why did Lenin/Bolsheviks dissolve the constituent assembly?
Despite the centuries of struggling towards becoming a democratic society Russias first th constituent assembly was dissolved after just one day on the 6 January 1918 by Lenin, the leader of the Bolsheviks, for a number of different reasons. Beliefs Actions/Events Circumstances Actions of the Constituent Lenins beliefs. Constituent Assembly election th Assembly. (agitated Lenin- was 12 December theses; said he results. wanted abolition and that too ambitious and trying to take Bolsheviks won 175 seats (only Soviet power had cancelled out power away from the 24%) and SRs won 370 seats the need for a bourgeoisBolsheviks, and him) Threatened the authority of the th democratic assembly 5 January it finally met in the Bolsheviks government and Thought it was no longer showed a clear opponent; Tauride Palace needed since the people were worried about lack of support When a motion was put that represented in the Soviet for Bolsheviks (was apparent to the assembly should renounce government and the will of the whole country= undermined) the right to make laws and just people had already been confine itself to ratifying Also, Lenin claimed they had expressed since the October been rigged by SRs and Kadets decrees made by Sovnarkom revolution had been allowed to the Bolsheviks deputies and left and so thought they didnt take place SRs walked out pronouncing it really represent the view of the To hand over power to the people (made the claim that it counter-revolutionary (was Constituent Assembly would was irrelevant and unnecessary trying to restrict Bolshevik again be to compromise with stronger) power, or seen to be) the malignant bourgeoisie Didnt believe in compromisewanted one strong, decisive gov Support of the population for Actions of SRs during the Most people supported the SRs the Constituent Assembly. elections vote rigging didnt th 5 January unarmed want to participate in a demonstration marched to the government that they didnt trust. Tauride Palace to support the CA People believed a lot in this democracy (worries that it could overthrow the unstable Bolsheviks) Dangerous ideas worried Lenin The Constituent Assembly is the highest expression of the political ideals of the bourgeois society which are no longer necessary in a socialist state Despite all of the combination of factors resulting in Lenins beliefs, without his beliefs the dissolution would never have gone ahead and the CA may have remained.
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2.
Why did the Bolshevik government sign the treaty of Brest-Litovsk

Following the Bolshevik seizure of power in October 1917, a peace treaty must be signed in order to end the war with Germany due to the Bolshevik slogan of peace, bread, land and all power to the soviets. Beliefs Actions/Events Circumstances Beliefs of Lenin immediate German advance restarts Previous promises made by the peace, deemed it pointless of (actions of Germany and its April thesis peace, bread, Bolshevik Russia to fight forces) played a catalytic part land and all power to the Germany had given large in the signing of the treaty soviets amounts of money to Russia, so stemmed from Trotsky agitation This of course put pressure on and trying to delay the signing didnt want to upset them the Bolsheviks to sign the treaty Had a powerful argument that so propaganda could spread as a lot of support from the they would eventually get back Russia so inadequately Russian people was resting on the land prepared that the Germans these promises be seen like advanced 150 miles in 5 days. any other government if they Lenin called emergency sessions didnt keep to their promises. due to how inefficient the They promised they would end Russian army was being and the war and further solve many that the Bolshevik rule was problems to which ending the under threat war was a crucial step Agreed to sign the treaty with 7 On-going problems of the war Beliefs of Trotsky spread of votes to 5 propaganda showing that lack of command at a low level, food shortages, bankruptcy, Germany imposed a diktat made them look like victors demoralised soldiers, inflation, Trotsky had little loyalty to desertions if the Bolsheviks Russia as a nation, and was just could bring an end to all this focused on the spread or Marxism Trotsky agitated the Germans Due to the circumstances, such as the previous promises made and the on-going problems of the war, Lenin and Trotsky felt obliged to sign the treaty at some point. And the events that occurred in the last few days of Russias involvement of the war only catalysed the signing and enhanced that belief. Therefore, circumstances can be argued as the most important here as the beliefs that caused the inevitable signing stemmed from this, and the events that catalysed it also only came about due to the beliefs of Trotsky and to a certain extent, the circumstances of the war. C->B->E
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3.
Why did the Red Terror occur?/Why did Lenin preside over the Red Terror?
After being officially announced on the 2nd September 1918 the Bolsheviks embarked on a murderous few years called the Red Terror resulting in an estimated number of deaths from 50,000 to one million. The reasons why Lenin decided to instigate this measure culminate from a number of
Beliefs
Lenins beliefs Felt it necessary to secure the Bolsheviks power and authority and not allow counterrevolutionaries to succeed Was concerned for his safety and didnt want the success of the revolution to be compromised th especially after he was shot on 30 Aug 1918 by Fanny Kaplan he said it is necessary Was worried about counterrevolutionary groups in particular destabilising the already fragile st Bolshevik rule; 21 Feb Sovnarkom decree aimed the Red Terror at enemy agents, profiteers, marauders, hooligans, counterrevolutionary agitators and German spies which shows Lenins government was worried about these groups and felt they had to do something.
Actions/Events Attempted assassination of Lenin. th 30 Aug 1918 Petrograd Cheka leader Uritsky assassinated, and on the same day SR Fanny Kaplan shot Lenin Acted as a trigger/excuse for Red Terror (danger) Whilst recovering Lenin instructed it is necessary secretly and urgently to prepare the terror =for safety and authority.
Counter-revolutionary groups beliefs. Threatened Bolshevik rule as they didnt want the Bolsheviks in power; opposition agitators like the left SRs and Mensheviks (wanted the end of the Bolshevik gov? SRs angry that they were driven out of government after the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly) Greens wanted Bolsh out of government because they were made up of national minority groups who hadnt been granted independence The wealthier peasants (Kulaks) wanted the return of Tsarism because theyd lost their land (after November 1917 decree that took away all private land) Class traitors; middle classes and aristocracy wanted Tsarism back because this system wasnt ruling in their favour The main aim of the terror was to get rid of this opposition because they were against the Bolsheviks; 5th Sept 1918 Sovnarkom declaration all people are to be executed by fire squad who are connected with the white guard organisations, conspiracies and mutinies
Cheka set up Bolshevik Secret Police set up Dec 1917 Designed to crush political opposition Led by Dzerzhinsky (appointment significantespecially ruthless; weak leader could have stalled it/changed nature) Started to form departments in local areas January 1918 June 1918 reorganised into battalions up to 40,000 men (strength and local level made terror feasible- couldnt happen without this nature and organisation)
Circumstances Okhrana werent good enough. Cheka were more efficient than the Okhrana The Okhrana had a history of being Bolshevik enemies and used to arrest Bolsheviks (loyalty couldnt be guaranteed since they werent Bolsheviks) Cheka could be trusted with st more power; 21 February 1918 Sovnarkom document(part decree, part appeal to Cheka groups) entitled the Socialist Fatherland is in danger; asked Cheka to deal with opposition; but it wasnt passed through the courts (became an organisation with no legal basis) & allowed them to arrest anyone that was considered to be an enemy of the state Gave Bolsheviks more military freedom to exercise; if it was a legal body terror may not have happened. (underlying violence of the peasantry?)
Despite it being a combination of circumstances and events that led to Lenins beliefs, his reaction to those happenings was pivotal in the ordering of the Red Terror. Without his repressive beliefs he could have had a different reaction and it could have been avoided completely, which made his views the main reason why this occurred. C&A->B
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4.
Why did the Civil war occur?

The 7 of November marked the beginning of the Russian Civil war which would divide the country in terms of the Bolsheviks, and the counter-revolutionary groups including the Whites and the Greens. However, this happening occurred for a number of reasons Beliefs Actions/Events Circumstances People opposed the Bolsheviks Cossacks declaring independence. Dissolution of the Constituent th The Whites wanted the Tsar back 20 November 1918 under the Assembly. control of General Kaledin; allied January 1918 The Greens = groups of national minorities struggling for with Alexeev and Kornilov Hopes of reform, moving forward independence (unhappy with Began to assemble a Volunteer and change were crushed Army Proved the Bolsheviks werent Bolshevik rule which didnt give them independence) Grew to 4,000 prepared to share power SRs angry about being driven from Created opposition and military Pushed people into taking power by force government (Constituent Assembly force against the Reds (confident dissolved) enough to defy their rule) Bolshevik bid for absolute power Without this the army wouldnt made the Civil War likely; Peasants and working classes have been set up People werent willing to accept hungry (bad conditions) and blamed the Bolsheviks since they Went on to defy Reds e.g. their the rule of a minority party attack on Kuban SRs were angry at being forced out hadnt helped of government with a majority of Former army officers angry about 370 seats (created opposition with the Treaty of Brest Litovsk (March 1918) as they didnt have jobs other political parties) Landlords were angry at land reforms; those who worked on the land got greated unput into how that land was garmed through state collective farms and in November 1917 there was a decree issued which declared there is no privately owned land Foreign/Western countries helping. People were unhappy- food Allies hatred and motives. Opposition armies may not have problems. UK, USA, France and Japan feared tried if the allies didnt help (may Lenins motives of an international Discontent under the Bolsheviks; not have been strong enough/could would obviously face opposition revolution. have failed straight away) Struggle for food (famine) Wanted to prevent social upheaval 135,000 troops between Britain, in the West Breakdown in food supplies that France, USA and Japan had occurred during WW1 Churchill Bolshevism is not a Gave some aid persisted political ideology but a disease Angry because Bolshevik Russia Helped attack in places like Ukraine Failure of new regime to end and Port Archangel hunger dropped out of WW1 Had their own selfish motives Fuelled opposition/more During WW1 Lenins gov faced with reason/support for opposition loss of Russias main wheat supply which made them want to get area in the Ukraine to Germany involved; Port Archangel contained military material belonging to March 1918 bread ration in Britain and they wanted to protect Petrograd reached its lowest amount of 50g/day it Without fears and motives they Visitor to the city described it as entering a metropolis of cold, of wouldnt have helped and then the opposition might not felt as hunger, of hatred confident to start fighting Despite all of the reasons that propelled the country into a Civil war, it would not have occurred if the opposition to Bolshevik rule had been removed since this was the core of why people were willing to fight them B->E->C/B->E&C
th
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5.
Why did foreign intervention in the civil war fail?

There was very little consensus as to why the allies intervened in the civil war; Britains concerns were overwhelming military, while the French and the Japanese were more strategic and the USA was more concerned with the spread of Marxism. Therefore from the start it was almost predictable that they would fail against the strong organised forces of the reds. Beliefs Actions/Events Circumstances The Bolsheviks had a clear, The allies were hopelessly slow Geography The distances between the fronts made cocoherent ideology that was at making decisions. For understandable at a local level. instance, when the Poles fought ordinating of any serious threat of a Russian attack in 1920, the really difficult. With not many Foreign powers merely added French failed to organise a troops in the first place, to the confused mess that the counter attack and this meant frequent coherent attacks that white opposition had, and was needed were almost never related or connected with that the reds gained valuable Russian peasants or workers. and curial land. impossible. The Foreign powers that Desertions Substantial Power vacuum The defeat of intervened did so in small desertions amongst British and the Germans had created a power vacuum in the Crimea, number of troops. The French French troops. This was largely Ukraine and parts of Poland. sent only 12,000 men whilst the down to a general consensus that after four years of war, German troop had occupied USA sent even less. European forces were largely these areas, but the armistices As Figes puts it: it was a poor against the idea of another of 1918 saw them return to mans game of poker in that conflict. Events driven by Germany. example of events each country wanted influence in Russia, but was not willing to circumstances. driven by circumstances spend very much money or expose many sources to get it. Beliefs led to certain circumstances arising which in turn lead to certain events occurring. (events driven by circumstances which were fuelled by believes) B->C->E
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6.
Why were the Tsar and his family executed in 1918?

After the Tsars abdication in March 1917, Nicholas Romanov (as he was now referred to rather than the Tsar), was kept under house arrest with his family at Tsarskoe. However, the situation of the family grew worse in 1918 and Lenin eventually ordered the execution of him and his family in July 1918 in Yekaterinburg. Beliefs Actions/Events Circumstances The Bolsheviks had always been When the Royal family were Civil war and Bolsheviks hostile to the notion of a royal being held in Yekaterinburg, a insecurity The foreign powers family. They were the objects of white army was threatening to would have seen the Tsar as the capture the city. This led to the hate for those who followed legitimate ruler of Russia fear that the Romanovs would Marxist ideology. The Also, he needed to be executed fall into the white hands. Bolsheviks hated Tsarism and rather than bright to trail those who represented it. because he may be found The Czech legions were closing innocent rather than guilty and Trotsky Lenin thought that in before the murder. They therefore he would be the we should not leave the whites actually captured the town on legitimate ruler of Russia th a lie banner, especially under 25 July, 8 days after it took needed to be executed to avoid the present circumstances place. They had many more the risk troops than the Bolsheviks The Bolsheviks were very Murder can be seen as the surrounding the town and could wider picture development of worried that the royal family have done so many days would be captured by the the red terror and the Checka before, so it is not surprising whites. This was because the human life would be soon taken that they were executed. former Tsar or any of his family without any thought. members could provide a Felix Dzerzhinsky (head of the beacon to rally support to the Checka) told the press the white cause or be considered Checka must defend the the legitimate ruler of Russia revolution, and conquer then again by other European enemy even if its sword falls nations. This would have meant occasionally on the heads of the that the whites could negotiate innocent. for great help from forging powers in the war effort. C->E->B/C->B&E
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7.
Why did the red army win the civil war?

In October 1922 the Bolsheviks prevailed as the winners of the 4 year long Civil War which divided the country, but the reasons behind why the Bolsheviks were victorious was for a number of reasons such as
Beliefs Reds winning propaganda wars. Pravda effective in rallying support against the whites Easy for Lenin to portray allies as puppets of the whites Made it easier for the reds to recruit people Whites were ineffective and primitive with this method So never succeeded in winning the support of the native population; had 135,000 foreign troops (not backed by Russians)
Actions/Events Circumstances Trotskys methods. Size and strength of the red Travelled 65,000 miles during army. the war Recruited 50,000 former tsarist Ruthless against waverers officers; 5% of the 17,000 For 3years lived largely on an officers in Kolchaks army had armoured train going from front been trained before the war to front Fanatically loyal workers Defended Reds internal lines of March 1918 5 million strong communication 1918 introduced conscription; Strategies; prevented whites despite high desertions almost from maintaining regular limitless human resources. supplies, and denied the whites Whites forces had no more than of the opportunity to 500,000 at one time concentrate large forces in one More troops to call upon as location soon as they had control of Inspired uncertain officers Moscow and St His train carried printing Petersburg(main industrial hubs presses, a map room, a car, where weapons could be munitions and soldiers produced) =always prepared Lack of unity, organisation and Lack of commitment from Geography common beliefs in the Whites. foreign intervention Main white armies in southern No common goal Britain didnt fully commit Russia Ideologies stretched along the troops; figes compared it to a Don (denikin's army) had huge political spectrum poor mans game of poker fronts to defend; 120,000 (divisions/disagreements) All had divided views; USA had soldiers spread along 1,000 Even Kolchak (one of the economic intentions and miles in the Don leaders of the white army) had wanted to focus on protecting Siberia (Kolchaks- admiral of no idea what they were trying US property, Japan wanted to the SRs army against the reds to achieve apart from gain territory and influence in set up a government in Siberia salvation of Russia the East (pushed through but the leaders of Kolchaks Wanted to turn back the clock; Siberia advancing 2,100 miles), forces had to hold meetings in Kolchaks land commission was Frances aims were strategic and Paris) in favour of private property; concentrated on the South in Reds could isolate them as they represented the views of the the Crimea and protected Port never joined up with one gentry so would never agree of Odessa. UK had mainly another with land seizures (couldnt gain military concerns to look after Suspicious of each other and support of most of Russian its arms in places like Port didnt cooperate in military population with those views) Archangel. planning Didnt give enough aid, only troops Slow at making decisions; when Poles fought off a Russian attack France failed to organise a counter-attack until after a truce was signed =incompetent help Despite the fortunate circumstances that led to the Red victory, the actions of Trotsky in the organisation and communication of the Reds was crucial in them winning since even though they had the advantage in sheer size, this does not always mean success (as previously exemplified in the case of the Russo-Japanese war). Most other circumstances could have been removed but without organisation and dedication the whole mission could have fallen apart. A&B->C
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8.
Why was War Communism introduced/How would you best explain the introduction of war communism in 1918?
Once the Bolsheviks had established their hold on power, they needed to introduce a new economic system. This came in the form of the first ever attempt at a planned socialist economy. This took control of the industry, told factories what to produce and allowed them to focus all their supplies and money on the red army and their efforts at winning the civil war. Beliefs Actions/Events Circumstances Lenins centralisation taken Civil war feed army, needs Desperate situation from WW1 state would naturally want to supplies needs weapons and hyperinflation (money no take economy productions controlled value) Wanted more authority in industrial centres nationalised First 2 years a box of matches oil = could use all for army went up by 500% in Moscow regions and win war gave to workers and army Wanted an end to capitalism Communist ideology (socialism) Checka and the Red Terror Famine and failure of state Marx (communist manifesto) Sept 1918 capitalism Dec 1917-Jun1918 A from each according to his Successful Pipes Had produced an economy ability, to each according to his unrestrained brutality of Bolsheviks who prevented their which mainly existed with a needs from peasants to soldiers troops from retreating bartering system shortages in Hoarders punished for hoarding essential goods = black market arrested and shot without Pipes: inability to conceive political alternatives trial/sent to work camps had means to enforce this system grain requisitioning squads. Circumstances and the actions which stemmed from this influenced the beliefs of the Bolsheviks leadership and hence led to the introduction of war communism. C&E->B
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9.
Why was the NEP introduced?

21st March 1921 at the 10th party congress opening anno7unced by lenin Beliefs Actions/Events Circumstances Lenin Kronstadt uprising Feb-march Failure of war communism Believed it was a better system 1921 Led to bagging (bag men would change had become essential Angry at the lack of democracy take grain from countryside and and war communism. Thought this would be the trade it in the cities- money used solution as it would build up the Had always supported less) and a black market= bad working class so that a true revolution and the Bolsheviks so economic climate socialist society could be was shocking for them to rise up Led to famine 21-22. 5 million created against them. Historian Lyons died; gov didnt care about the taking one step backward to Kronstadt became the symbol deaths, just the fact the uprisings later take two steps forward of the bankruptcy of the were dangerous/threat to their Stemmed from WC not working revolution power. Shocked Bolshevik government- Inflation; fall in the use of knew something was seriously money; by 1921 90% of all wrong wages were paid by goods not Worried about unrest and lack money= sign of economy of support considering they collapsing were so close to Petrograd Peasants refused to grow extra (large industrial city at this wheat merely to see it time) requisitioned and given to the Red army, so the Cheka killed 1-2 million for hoarding and other related crimes Angry/upset people Actions of the Bolshevik Long-term economic problems Kronstadt sailors proclamation government WW1 1/3/ fuel and fuel a complete change is Repressive requirements Moscow got in necessary in the policies of the Currently believed in marxist 1916 government ideas from socialist manifesto 500%box of matches went up in Angry at the lack of democracy from each according to his the first two years of the war and war communism ability to each according to his Caused serious unrest in areas Lyons the sailors on the needs= thought this justified like the Tambov province battleships and in the naval requisitioning grain from garrisons were in the final peasants and giving it to red analysis peasants and workers in army- caused the suffering in uniform dissatisfaction of the countryside through lower classes (shown by thoughtless actions. workers opposition nationalised factories; decree on movement strike in 1921 calling nationalisation june 1918 for change) -all large industries under nationalisation (without compensation) caused controversy By 1920 3,700 businesses nationalised.
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10. How far were the new leaders of Russia true to their Marxist Roots?
Aims: control the country, stay in power, eliminate rivals ruthlessly, April Theses- lays out need for political control of Soviets and the nationalisation of economy and banks, Introduce socialism- Lenin'it is not our immediate task to introduce socialism' Bolshevik Beliefs Lenins Role (Actions) Circumstances Bolshevism- naturally elitist. Influence in NEP and signing The civil war- centralisation is Don't believe in the proletariat treaty of Brest-Litovsk- saw the only war- state command of of Russia. Some people have WW1 as last stage of capitalism. the economy- war communism advanced consciousness an Signing b/l was seen as a to fund civil war- v Marxist'access to the truth' others do betrayal of the revolutionnationalisation and banning not. Therefore the party will act abandoned the idea of a private trade.- bit were as the vanguard of the worldwide revolution- v fiercely pragmatic- land remains private proletariat. Therefore debated and Lenin had to resign property and there was a increasing centralisation (closed to get it through toleration of the black market. CA, Sovnarkom banned desire for power in Russia more Lack of Control and legitimacybourgeois parties e.g. Kadets important that Marxist theory= Bolsheviks in the minority after and then all other partiespragmatism and flexibility was only winning 25% in CA in democracy being destroyed at vital November elections- therefore expense of the party. always been willing to change have to rule by force- Trotsky Terror- Lenin believed in terror. ideas and red army, Checka IT WAS the dictatorship of the Role of Marxism LeninismLegacy of Tsarism e.g. tradition proletariat. Class war, Lenin is always been in Russia for 100s of years of a squeezing the counter dictatorial/centralised than centralised state- it was part of revolutionary forces on the traditional Marxism the traditional Russian way of internal front. Terror was an ruling essential component for the destruction of the old bourgeoisie. (mini conclusion- immediate aims meant ideology went out the window as they could not be satisfied by sticking to true Marxism- e.g. an army and not a people militia was needed to eliminate rivals ruthlessly.) situation in 1921, food shortage, 5 million dying, everyone moving out of cities in order to find food = NEP!- 'a temporary decision'- Zinoviev- totally pragmatic move It was Lenin who worked out the way to respond to the circumstances. Lenin was interested in power and holding onto in. Ideology was there to be manipulated. The aims were dictated by Bolshevik beliefs. These beliefs were not always traditionally Marxist as they did not believe in getting rid of state power but thought centralisation was still needed C->B->A
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Russian History - All Possible Essays Questions With Plans

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Russian History - All Possible Essays Questions With Plans

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Red Hard questions and havent come up before, Yellow Very unlikely questions

Why was there a revolution in Russia in 1905?

How is the failure of the 1905 revolution best explained?

Why were there political tensions in the Duma period?

Why did Russia still have a Tsarist government in 1914?

Why did Nicholas II have no choice but to abdicate?

4. February to October 1917 1.

Why did the Kornilov revolt damage Kerenskys Government?

Kornilov revolt Aug 1917 Attempted uprising of general kornilov-marches to Petrograd to

Did the Bolsheviks take power due to the actions of Trotsky?

Consolidation of Soviet Power 1.

Why did the Bolshevik government sign the treaty of Brest-Litovsk

Why did the Civil war occur?

Why did foreign intervention in the civil war fail?

Why were the Tsar and his family executed in 1918?

Why did the red army win the civil war?

Why was the NEP introduced?

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