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