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1896-1905 Causes of revolution - Coggle Diagram
1896-1905 Causes of revolution
Long Term
Government policies
Long term peasant grievances stemmed from lack of space and hunger, as well as high taxes, rural policies and redmption payments
Repression and lack of representation outside of Zemstvos led to reformist and revolutionary groups as well as dissaffection in the military
Russification angered national minorities, who made up most of the Russian Empire and Pogroms against Jews meant they were against the regime.
Government repression and response to uprisings only served to worsen things
Social and Economic factors
Urbanisation and industrialisation had resulted in poor working conditions and overcrowding in cities, generating disaffection in the urban communities.
Increasing literacy among the population meant that the working classes were more susceptible to liberal media
Population growth during the 1890s had placed a strain on resources and meant there was little food or space in rural communities
Reformist and revolutionary groups
There were several groups such as the Bolsheviks, Mensheviks, populists and others calling for revolution
The rise of extremism, with over 2000 assassinations in 4 years due to repression of free speech
The emergence of Marxism as well as urbanisation in Russia led to increased support for revolution
Tsar Nicholas II
Decisions
Continued repressive policies
Congratulated troops on putting down unrest
Encouraged Pogroms against Jews
Made the decision to go to war with Japan during economic depression and unrest
Refused to allow the Zemstvo to become more involved in politics
Personality
Stubbornly clung to the concept of Divine Right/ Ruling was God given
Adored his family but came across as uncairing to the general population
Was not a competent politician: E.G. Unwilling to make decisions, unwilling to engage, hesitant
Believed in the fundamental laws
Did not want to be Tsar/was not suited to it but felt he had to be Tsar
Economic problems
Witte's policy of industrialisation angered most workers as he ignored the agrarian population, which made up 70% of Russia
Witte's policy also meant that there were poor living conditions, low incomes and high outgoings
Poor harvests in 1900 and 1902 meant this hurt even more
1902-1904 widespread outburts of unrest in countrysides and cities
An international recession also caused low wages and unemployment which made the food shortage worse
Peasants: Taxes high and surplus grain sold abroad to make money for industry
Only one major railway, the Trans-Siberian railway meant that transportation of goods was slow and ineffective
Workers: Wages low and hours long to maximise profits as well as indirect taxes
The Russo-Japanese war
January 1904 to August 1905
Humiliation for the tsarist government as defeated by a small, upstart nation
War resulted in food and fuel shortages, rationing, high prices and increased unemployment.
The war was disastrous: Port Arthur fell in 1904 and the baltic fleet was destroyed at the battle of Tsushima
Russian army was poorly equipped and badly led. This fuelled criticism from opponents of the regime.
The 1905 revolution must be seen in the context of the Russo-Japanese war