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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 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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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
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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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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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)
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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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Red Hard questions and havent come up before, Yellow Very unlikely questions
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2.
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Red Hard questions and havent come up before, Yellow Very unlikely questions
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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Red Hard questions and havent come up before, Yellow Very unlikely questions
4.
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5.
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6.
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7.
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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Red Hard questions and havent come up before, Yellow Very unlikely questions
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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Red Hard questions and havent come up before, Yellow Very unlikely questions
9.
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Red Hard questions and havent come up before, Yellow Very unlikely questions
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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