How was the Tsar able to survive in 1905?
OCTOBER MANIFESTO
CANCELLING REDEMPTION PAYMENTS
CONTROL OF ARMED FORCES
LACK OF LEADERSHIP OF OPPOSITION
Written by Sergie Witte to save the Tsar
Required as an earlier manifesto in August - 'Bulygin Constitution' had failed
Promised a 'Duma' - an elected assembly for the people with power to make laws
Promised Civil Rights such as freedom of speech, assembly and association
In November the Tsar reduced and then cancelled redemption payments
Split the middle class liberal opposition
Those who now supported the Tsar were known as Octobrists
Radical liberals known as the Kadets
Far left parties denounced the Manifesto
Caused an immediate drop in the amount of land seizures and less trouble in the countryside
Loyal Tsarist forces returned from the war with Japan
Nicholas recalled 100,000 troops to crush the revolution
All troops were awarded back pay and an improvement in conditions
This meant that they were loyal and ready to put down disturbances
Used to crush Soviets in cities
Done with the Okhrana arresting leaders and Martial law being declared
Army was supported by popular support against unrest - the Union of Russian People and the Black Hundreds
No clear leadership in opposition as many had fled the country
None of the protests were co-ordinated
Different sections of society did not work together
The Tsar had Sergei Witte to skilfully lead the defence of Tsarism