Historical Study: European and World (Higher)
Later Modern History
Russia 1881-1921
A study of the development of opposition to autocracy in a
large multi-national state, the collapse of the tsarist regime and
the rise of the Bolsheviks during the years 1881-1921,
illustrating the themes of ideology, identity and authority.
1. An assessment of the security of the
tsarist state before 1905.
The structure of society; difficulties in
governing the Tsarist state; Tsarist
methods of control: Okhrana;
Russification; army; censorship; nobility;
church; terror and exile
1.
We are developing our knowledge and understanding of the
security of the tsarist state before 1905.
The structure of society:
I can describe the social structure of Tsarist Russia
I can explain why there was a large peasantry in Russia
I can explain why many people were discontented in Russia
Difficulties in governing the Tsarist state:
I can explain the problems of having a large number of different
nationalities/religions within the empire
I can describe the transport and communication problems in Russia
Tsarist methods of control: Okhrana; Russification; army; censorship;
nobility; church; terror and exile
I can explain how the Tsarist state used:
•The Okhrana
• Russification
•The army
•censorship;
•The nobility
• The church
•Terror and exile
To maintain security before 1905
1.
We are developing our knowledge and understanding of the
security of the tsarist state before 1905.
The structure of society:
I can describe the social structure of Tsarist Russia
1.
We are developing our knowledge and understanding of the
security of the tsarist state before 1905.
The structure of society:
I can describe the social structure of Tsarist Russia
The Nobles
Although the nobles were landlords owning vast country estates, much of their
time was spent in the city of St. Petersburg. Their life there was centred on
the Court of the Tsar. The nobility were firm supporters of the system of
autocracy. They feared any change to the existing system of government,
which might lead to plans for transferring some of their land to the peasants.
The CLERGY
Like the Nobles, the Russian Orthodox Church owned large amounts of land and
property. As a result the Church was enormously wealthy and privileged. The
wealth of the Russian church could be seen in its Cathedrals. The autocracy of
the Tsar’s was strongly upheld by the Russian Orthodox Church. A government
committee, the Holy Synod, which was headed by one of the Tsar’s ministers,
the Procurator of the Holy Synod, controlled the Church. One of the
Church’s roles was to teach respect of the autocracy through its bishops and
priests and its schools.
The MIDDLE CLASS
The Russian middle class was made up of merchant groups in the towns and
cities and the professional classes (lawyers, teachers, doctors etc). The lack of
widespread opportunities for education, the fact that industry was not
appearing on any large scale and the continuing concentration on agriculture
meant that the middle class tended to be very small in numbers.
THE FACTORY WORKERS
Industry in Russian expanded in the latter 19th century and the demand for
labour led to migration of peasants from the countryside to the new industrial
centres. Just as had existed in Britain during its’ period of industrialisation,
working and living conditions for the factory workers were very poor.
THE PEASANTS
The peasants made up the largest group in Russian society. Until 1861 the
majority of them were SERFS, attached to either the Tsar’s land or private
landowners. Peasants were bought and sold with the land they lived on. In
Russia a common way of describing property was to say it consisted of a certain
number of ‘souls’ referring to the number of serfs, rather than the number of
acres of land that it contained. The peasant population in Russia tended to be
illiterate, deeply conservative and resistant to change.
1.
We are developing our knowledge and understanding of the
security of the tsarist state before 1905.
Difficulties in governing the Tsarist state:
•I can explain why the Russian economy was weak (p.6)
•I can explain why agriculture was poor (p.6-7)
•I can describe the peasant problem (p.7)
•I can explain why the bureaucracy (civil service) was weak
and corrupt(p.8-9)
•I can describe the limited local government and legal reforms
(p.10)
•I can explain the problems of having a large number of
different nationalities/religions within the empire (p.12-13)
1.
We are developing our knowledge and understanding of the
security of the tsarist state before 1905.
You are going to do a paired reading exercise
Person with the longest hair in the pair will always be Person A
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Both read passage A
2. Person A summarises
3. Person A and B discuss and write down points
1. Both read passage B
2. Person B summarises
3. Person A and B discuss and write down points
YOU WILL HAVE 20 MINUTES FOR EACH OF THE PAIRS
1.
We are developing our knowledge and understanding of the
security of the tsarist state before 1905.
Difficulties in governing the Tsarist state:
•PASSAGE A I can explain why the Russian economy was weak (p.6)
•PASSAGE B I can explain why agriculture was poor (p.6-7)
Starting with your 2 o’clock date!
1. Both read passage A
2. Person A summarises
3. Person A and B discuss and write down points
1. Both read passage B
2. Person B summarises
3. Person A and B discuss and write down points
You have 20 minutes!
1.
We are developing our knowledge and understanding of the
security of the tsarist state before 1905.
Difficulties in governing the Tsarist state:
•A I can describe the peasant problem (p.7)
•B I can explain why the bureaucracy (civil service) was weak and corrupt(p.8-9)
Now your 3 o’clock date!
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Both read passage A
Person A summarises
Person A and B discuss and write down points
Both read passage B
Person B summarises
Person A and B discuss and write down points
You have 20 minutes!
1.
We are developing our knowledge and understanding of the
security of the tsarist state before 1905.
Difficulties in governing the Tsarist state:
•AI can describe the limited local government and legal reforms (p.10)
•B I can explain the problems of having a large number of different
nationalities/religions within the empire (p.12-13)
Finally with your 4 o’clock date!
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Both read passage A
Person A summarises
Person A and B discuss and write down points
Both read passage B
Person B summarises
Person A and B discuss and write down points
You have 20 minutes!
1.
We are developing our knowledge and understanding of the
security of the tsarist state before 1905.
Difficulties in governing the Tsarist state:
Explain why Tsarist Russia was difficult to govern.
Peer assessment
Development:
1. Start your argument each time by focusing directly on the question.
2. Use evidence to support your argument.
3. Argue the importance of this information.
4. Your argument must be balanced.
5. You should be aware of some alternative interpretations and debate,
although this would not be required for every factor in your
development.
How important was the Allied use of new technology in the victory over Germany by 1918?
Start your argument each time by focusing directly on the question.
"The Allied use of new technology was fairly important in the victory over Germany."
Use evidence to support your argument.
"The concentrated use of tanks in the final offensives of 1918 helped the Allied forces to make advances
beyond the Hindenburg line and forced the Germans to retreat away from their prepared defensive
lines."
Argue the importance of this information.
"Therefore, this was fairly important in the Allied final victory because it showed the German High command
that they had lost their ability to maintain their positions thus making it clear that defeat was inevitable
and forcing them to look for a way to end the war without total annihilation of their forces."
Use more evidence to support your argument.
"This, therefore, gave the Allies a definite battlefield advantage that they could exploit to the full and this led
to the defeat and capture of thousands of German soldiers near the end of the war contributing to the
Allied victory."
Your argument must be balanced.
"However, although the use of new technology by the Allies did lead to some exceptional victories its impact
was lessened by battlefield conditions and the reliability of some of the technology."
You should be aware of some alternative interpretations and debate, although this would not be
required for every factor in your development.
"Some historians believe that the use of tanks hindered the allied victory as some advances in 1918 which
were faced with little German opposition had to be stopped to allow supplies of petrol to catch up and
thus allowing the Germans to regroup."
1.
We are developing our knowledge and understanding of the
security of the tsarist state before 1905.
Difficulties in governing the Tsarist state:
Explain why Tsarist Russia was difficult to govern.
Peer assessment
Development:
1. Start your argument each time by focusing directly on the question.
2. Use evidence to support your argument.
3. Argue the importance of this information.
4. Your argument must be balanced.
5. You should be aware of some alternative interpretations and debate,
although this would not be required for every factor in your
development.
1.
The security of the tsarist state before 1905.
We are developing our knowledge and
understanding of Tsarist methods of control:
I can explain how the Tsarist state used:
•The Okhrana
•The army
•The bureaucracy (civil service)
• The church
• Russification
•Censorship
To maintain security before 1905
The Pillars of Autocracy
The Church
The Army
Loyal to
autocracy
Taught obedience
to the Tsar
Headed by
nobles loyal to
Tsar
Majority of
population
religious
1,000,000
strong
Controls primary
education
Controlled by
government
Tsar Head of
Church
Remained
loyal
Put down
strikes/riots
The Okhrana
Purpose to
infiltrate groups
opposed to the
Tsar
Special Powers
of arrest (26,000
political arrests)
The Civil
Service
PURPOSE to
maintain
authority of Tsar
across empire
26,000
informants in
industrial areas
PEOPLE within
the bureaucracy
were privileged
and did not want
to lose this
Organised
Unions to
concentrate on
social and
economic issues
POWER
controlled police,
militia, tax
collection and
movement
State Control Methods
Control Of
Peasantry
MIR used to collect
taxes, redemption
payments and keep
order
ZEMSTVA ACT 1890
reduced power of the
“elected” councils in
favour of the
aristocracy
CHURCH?
Control Of
Industrial workers
Okhrana used to
infiltrate unions
Army used to stop
strikes
State Unions set up to
address economic
rather than Political
grievances
Censorship
and Education
Newspapers, Books
and Journals
subject to
Censorship
University Statute of
1887
Church control of
Education
Russification:
The process of making all the Tsar’s subjects see themselves as being primarily
Russian, to unify the empire.
Russification was promoted for a number of reasons:
1. The Russian Empire, they thought, would be easier to run and control if there
was only one language and culture.
2. The Orthodox Church was closely involved. Protestants and Moslems were
expected to convert to Russian Orthodoxy and this would give Russia one
religion.
3. Russian Nationalists would be happy as it showed that they were the most
important people in the empire and that the national minorities were second
class citizens.
4. The people’s attention would be diverted from social and economic issues.
Rebellion in
Poland
Rise in
Socialism
across Empire
Rise in
Nationalism of
minorities
Effects of
Russification
Rise in Support of
Revolutionary
Parties
Loss of loyalty
to the Tsarist
Regime
Boycotts of
schools, courts
and church in
Armenia and
Georgia
How did the Tsarist State
maintain security before 1905?
Paired Exercise: Developing argument from the evidence
•
•
•
•
•
•
The Okhrana
The army
The bureaucracy (civil service)
The church
Russification
Censorship
With your partner you have 10 minutes to use the evidence
presented today (and from your textbooks) to write up
developed points for each of the 6 ideas above.
How did the Tsarist State maintain security before 1905?
Start your argument each time by focusing directly on the question.
The Okhrana was one of the reasons that the Tsarist State was able to
maintain security prior to 1905.
Use evidence to support your argument.
The Okhrana had special powers of arrest and imprisoned 26,000 people prior
to 1905 who were alleged to have opposed the Tsarist regime.
Argue the importance of this information.
This ensured that the Tsarist state remained secure as political dissidents
were arrested and imprisoned and unable to form an effective opposition to
the state. The fear of arrest would also have dissuaded others from joining
political movements that opposed the state.
Use evidence to support your argument.
Another way in which the Okhrana maintained the security of the Tsarist state
was through it huge network of informants.
Argue the importance of this information.
This ensured that the authorities were aware of potential threats to the state
and that they were able to intervene before the threat could escalate.
The Secret Police, „Okhrana‟
‟
The Secret police was set up to ensure loyalty to the Tsar and weed out opposition to the Tsar.
The Secret police would do this by spying on all people of society irrespective of class.
Would infiltrate opposition groups to find their key leaders, etc.
Large numbers were exiled however they were unable to completely eradicate all of the ideas opposing the Tsar.
The Church
The Church helped to ensure that the people remained loyal to the Tsar.
The Church preached to the peasants that the Tsar had been appointed by God and that they should therefore obey the Tsar.
The Church also ensured that the peasants were aware of the Fundamental Law.
Church a major influence in the lives of peasants, who made up 80% of the population − priests usually regarded as figures of
respect and trust − therefore extremely helpful to Tsar in maintaining control.
The Army
The Army was controlled by officers who were mainly upper class and therefore conservative and loyal to the Tsar.
The army ensured that the population and the peasants in particular were loyal to the Tsar. Most of the soldiers had been
peasants themselves, but had been taught to be loyal to the Tsar.
The army was used to crush insurgence and to enforce order in the country and loyalty to the Tsar.
Cossacks were particularly feared − Cossack regiments were often dispatched to potential trouble-spots − mere presence was
sufficient to restore order.
Civil Service
The Civil Service was set up to ensure loyalty to the Tsar and weed out opposition to the Tsar.
The Civil Service spied on all people of society irrespective of class with those showing any sign of opposition to the Tsar being
imprisoned or sent in to exile.
Large numbers of people were exiled however they were unable to completely eradicate all of the ideas opposing the Tsar.
The Civil Service mainly employed middle class people, which therefore ensured the loyalty of the middle class people in
general.
The Civil Service was responsible for enforcing laws on censorship and corruption as well as about meetings, which made it
very difficult for the revolutionaries to communicate.
Fundamental Law
This was used to impose the authority of the Tsar over the peasants as it stated "To the emperor of all Russia belongs the
Supreme and unlimited power. God himself commands that his supreme power be obeyed out of conscience as well as out of
fear."
Fundamental Law was therefore the basis of all Tsarist power.
Censorship
Censorship controlled what people were able to read which therefore meant the Civil Service could control what University
lecturers could say and also controlled access to schools as well as limiting books available in libraries. As a result the Civil
Service were able to prevent reading anti-Tsarist literature.
Russification
Russification was an effort to restrict the influence of the national minorities in the Russian Empire by insisting that Russian
was the first language.
The law and government of the country were conducted throughout the Russian Empire in the Russian language, which
maintained the dominance of the Russian culture over that of the minority cultures.
Due to Russification, discrimination of minority peoples became more widespread. There was State intervention in religion
and education by the Tsarist government over the minority people to ensure Russification.
The Tsarist state treated subjects from minority areas as potential enemies and inferior.
Zubatov Unions
The Zubatov Unions were used to divert the attention of the workers away from political change by concentrating on wages
and conditions in the factories
The Zubatov Unions reduced the chances of the workers being influenced by the revolutionary groups.
Unions in 1903 became involved in strikes and so were disbanded due to pressure from employers.
Revolutionary Groups Weak
There were various revolutionary groups like the Social Revolutionaries (peasants unhappy at the mir system), Social
Democrats (disillusioned and angry town workers) and Liberals who wanted a British style parliament). The revolutionary
groups alone were not powerful or popular enough to affect change. The revolutionary groups were further weakened by the
fact they were not very organised and they did not cooperate.
•How secure was the Tsar’s hold on power in
the years before 1905?
•How significant was the role of the Okhrana in
maintaining the authority of the Tsarist state in
the years before 1905?
Context
Question
How secure was the Tsar’s
hold on power in the years
before 1905?
Conclusion
Development
Make a judgement on how secure
the Tsar’s hold on power was before
1905
1905 revolution
Analysis of the reasons why the
Tsar’s power was secure/insecure
before 1905
Romonov power hold for 300
years
The Tsarist Autocracy
Context
Question
How secure was the Tsar’s
hold on power in the years
before 1905?
Conclusion
Development
Strengths
Challenges
•Church
•Army
•Okhrana
•Civil Service
•Censorship
•Fun. Law
•Weak Rev.
Groups
•Minorites from Russification
•Zubatov Unions disbanded
•Poor living and working
conditions of vast majority in
Russia
Question
Context
How significant was the role of
the Okhrana in maintaining the
authority of the Tsarist state in
the years before 1905?
Conclusion
Development
Question
Context
How significant was the role of
the Okhrana in maintaining the
authority of the Tsarist state in
the years before 1905?
Conclusion
Development
Introduction
INTRODUCTION
MARKS
CRITERIA
0
1
2
3
There is no attempt to establish context or relevant factors.
There is some attempt to establish context or relevant factors..
The introduction establishes the context and indicates relevant factors.
The introduction establishes the context and indicates relevant factors and demonstrates a solid
line of argument.
The introduction clearly sets the wider context, indicates relevant factors and has a clear line of
argument.
4
Argument
0-1
2-3
4 -5
6-7
8 - 10
The style is narrative and descriptive. There is little attempt to answer the question.
The style is mainly narrative and descriptive. There are some brief attempts to answer the
question.
The style demonstrated some analysis. There is the use of evidence to answer the question.
The style is analytical with the evidence used to support a line of argument. There the line of
argument is focused directly on the question.
The evidence in the paragraph is used to support the argument.
The argument is constant and balanced.
There is some awareness of alternative interpretations and/or historical debate.
Knowledge
Up to 6 marks
Conclusion
0
1
2
3
4
KU marks can be awarded for substantive points and points further developed which are
relevant and accurate.
CONCLUSION
There is no attempt to answer the question.
The conclusion makes a vague attempt to address the question.
The conclusion is a summary linked to the question.
The conclusion is clearly based on the evidence and is directly linked to the question.
The conclusion is balanced, summarises the argument and comes to an overall judgement
directly related to the question.
How significant was the role of the Okhrana in maintaining the authority of the Tsarist
state in the years before 1905?
INTRODUCTION
The Romanov dynasty ruled Russia for 300 years without any real
significant threat to their authority until the events of the ultimately
unsuccessful 1905 revolution. The Okhrana, the secret state police,
were very significant in maintaining the authority of the Tsarist state
in the years before 1905 as they were able to infiltrate and stop
opponents and set up the Zubatov unions to divert attention away
from political change to social and economic change. However,
there were other reasons why the Tsarist state maintained its
authority prior to 1905 and these include the influence and
conservatism of the Orthodox Church, the loyalty of the army and its
ability to suppress strikes and protests, the enforcement of laws and
censorship through a privileged and loyal civil service and the fact
that opposition groups within Russia were unorganised and failed to
cooperate. Russification was also used by the state to maintain
authority, however, it could be argued that instead of making the
empire easier to control it actually made minorities challenge the
Tsars authority across Russia.
How significant was the role of the Okhrana in maintaining the authority of the Tsarist
state in the years before 1905?
DEVELOPMENT
The Okhrana’s role was very significant in maintaining the authority of the
Tsarist state prior to 1905. The Okhrana had a huge number of informants,
approximately 26,000, and they spied on people all across Russia
irrespective of class or position. This ensured that authority of the state was
maintained as they were able to weed out opposition across Russia and foil
revolutionary or anti-Tsarist plots. The Okhrana was also very effective at
infiltrating opposition groups across Russia and most of the main parties
suffered from this. This helped to maintain the authority of the Tsarist state
as the Okhrana were able to identify the key people and leaders of the
opposition groups and imprison them or exile them from Russia. The
Okhrana was also instrumental in the setting up of Zubatov unions, named
after the Okhrana chief in Moscow Sergei Zubatov, to refocus the concerns
and anger of the working classes away from their lack of representation in
the government (political) to their economic problems (wages ) and social
problems (living conditions). However, the Okhrana could not eradicate all
opposition in Russia and many of its informants were later revealed as
double agents who had fed back misleading information therefore showing
that the Okhrana was significant in maintaining the authority of the state but
was at times compromised by its opponents.
How significant was the role of the Okhrana in maintaining the authority of the Tsarist
state in the years before 1905?
DEVELOPMENT
The Orthodox Church also played a significant role in
maintaining the authority of the Tsarist state before 1905. The
Church preached to the peasants that the Tsar had been
appointed by God to rule all Russia and they should obey the
Fundamental Law of the empire and him. This ensured that the
Tsarist state maintained its authority as the peasants made up
the vast majority of Russia’s population and they were very
conservative and supportive of the Tsar because of the Church’s
teachings. The church was also instrumental in the primary
education of the Russian population and again they indoctrinated
children in school with the Fundamental Law of the empire and
the Tsar’s place as the head of the Church. This ensured that
the authority of the Tsarist state remained secure as children and
adults believed the teachings of the Church. Priests were
regarded as figures of respect and trust and their conservatism
and loyalty to the Tsar was mirrored by their communities.
How significant was the role of the Okhrana in maintaining the authority of the Tsarist
state in the years before 1905?
CONCLUSION
Therefore the Okhrana was very significant in
maintaining the authority of the Tsar before 1905.
They were able to weed out opposition and identify
leaders and key people within these groups and direct
the attention of the workers away from their lack of
representation and focus their attention on gaining
better social and economic conditions. However, at
times the Okhrana was compromised by double
agents but this only became evident after 1905. The
conservatism and teachings of the church, the loyalty
and unwavering brutality of the army, the loyalty of the
civil service and the weaknesses within opposition
groups also played a significant part in maintaining the
authority of the Tsarist state before 1905.
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KNOWLEDGE
Up to 6 marks can be awarded
These are for substantive points and points further developed which are relevant and accurate.
STRUCTURE
0 marks
Up to 4 marks can be awarded
There is no identifiable attempt to establish context or relevant factor.
There is no attempt to provide an answer in the terms of the question.
1 mark
There is some attempt to establish context or relevant factors.
The conclusion may be implicit.
2 marks
The introduction establishes the context and indicates relevant factors.
The conclusion is a summary linked to the question.
3 marks
The introduction establishes the context, indicates relevant factors and outlines a line of argument.
The conclusion is clearly based on the evidence presented, and is directly linked to the question.
4 marks
The introduction clearly sets the issue in its wider context, indicates relevant factors and demonstrates a solid line of argument.
The conclusion is balanced, summarising the arguments and coming to an overall judgement directly related
to the question.
ARGUMENT
0-1 marks
Up to 10 marks can be awarded
The style is narrative and descriptive
There is little or no clear attempt to answer the question.
2-3 marks
The style is mainly narrative and descriptive.
There are some brief attempts to answer the question.
4-5 marks
The style demonstrates some analysis, though there may still be some narrative.
There is use of evidence to answer the question.
6-7 marks
The style is analytical, with the evidence used to develop and support a line of argument.
The line of argument is focused directly on the question.
8-10 marks
The evidence is integrated into a sustained analysis.
The argument is sustained and balanced, with some awareness of alternative interpretations and/or
historical debate.
• Tonight, in light of your own
self assessment and the
assessment of your peers
you will redraft this essay
and hand it in tomorrow.
• P.S. You are my favourite class and I’m
doing this for your own good
2. An evaluation of the causes of the 1905
revolution.
•Working class discontent
•discontent among the peasantry
•political problems-discontent with repressive
government and its policies
•economic problems
•military defeat in the war against Japan;
•Bloody Sunday
Revolution:
A radical change in government, a great upheaval.
The 1905 revolution was not a
revolution in the conventional sense
as the Tsar remained in power after
the events of that year. However, for
a period of time Soviets were in
control of parts of the cities and in
the countryside the peasants in
places rejected the Mir and formed
their own self-governing communes.
Events of the 1905 Revolution
Feb 1904
Russia and Japan go to war in the far east
Jan 1905
Port Arthur falls to the Japanese
Bloody Sunday massacre in St. Petersburg
Feb 1905
Peasant revolt in Kursh, Strikes spread across cities
and towns, SR’s assassinate Grand Duke
Mar 1905
Peasant riots in the Ukraine, central and north west provinces
May 1905
Milyukov leads Liberal groups to form “Union of Unions”
June 1905
Peasant Union formed, Mutiny on the Potemkin
Aug 1905
End of Ruso-Japanese War
Sep 1905
Mutinies amongst returning troops. Peasant revolts in Volga
Region. Formation of Soviets by workers in the cities
Oct 1905
October Manifesto issued.
Nov 1905
Reduction and phasing out of Redemption Payments announced
Dec 1905
St Petersburg and Moscow soviets stormed by troops
Feb 1906
Major strikes and disputes at an end
Using pages 30-40 of the Lynch textbook. Compile notes
in your own words under each of the 6 headings below.
Long term
Discontent of
Working class
Discontent of Peasants
Discontent with the
autocracy and its
policies
Causes of
the 1905
Revolution
Short term
Military defeat in
the RussoJapanese War
Bloody Sunday
Economic
Problems
2.
An evaluation of the causes of the 1905 revolution.
Discontent of Working Class
At the start of the 1900s there was industrial recession which caused a lot of hardship for he working class
The working class complaints were long hours, low pay, poor conditions, the desire for a constitutional government
and an end to the war with Japan
There was a wave of strikes in Jan 1905 with nearly half a million people on strike (10 times the number in the
previous decade)
In October there were two and half million people on strike as well as demonstrations carried out
Soviets were speaking for the workers and expressing political demands.
Discontent with Repressive Government and its policies
There was discontent amongst various factions in Russian society
The middle class and some of the gentry were unhappy with the government at the time
The middle class was aggrieved at having no participation in government, and angry at the incompetence of the
government during the war with Japan
There was propaganda from middle class groups, Zemstva called for change, the Radical Union of Unions was
formed to combine professional groups
Students rioted, and carried out assassinations
The gentry tried to convince the Tsar to make minor concessions
Political groups did not really play a role although they encouraged peasant unrest, and strikes in the urban areas
The Mensheviks had influence in the soviets and the Bolsheviks were involved in the Moscow Rising
Russification: The National minorities were aggrieved at the lack of respect for their culture language and religion,
and the imposition of the Russian language
The National minorities harboured a great desire for independence or at least greater autonomy and began to assert
themselves, such as Georgia which declared its independence.
Economic problems
Worsening economic conditions such as famines in 1897, 1898 and 1901 had led to shortage and distress in the
countryside. Urban workers conditions and pay also dreadful
Economic recession between 1899 and 1903 had also led to growing unemployment throughout the Empire.
Discontent amongst the Peasants
The peasants had several grievances such as Redemption payments, high taxes, Land, Hunger and poverty
There was a wave of unrest in 1902 and 1903, which had gradually increased by 1905
There were various protests like timber cutting, seizure of lords’ land, labour and rent
strikes, attacks on landlord’s grain stocks, landlords estates seized and divided up
There were claims that peasants should boycott paying taxes, redemption payments and refuse to be conscripted to the army.
War with Japan
The war with Japan was a failure and humiliation for the country and moreover this was compounded by the heavy losses
suffered by the Russian army
The war was initially to distract the public from domestic troubles by rallying patriotism
The incompetence of the government during the war made social unrest worse rather han dampening it
Troops suffered from low morale after the defeat and were complaints about poor pay and conditions
There were some sporadic but uncoordinated revolts although nothing too major
There were mutinies by troops waiting to return from the war and on the Trans Siberian Railway
In June there was the Potemkin mutiny although the planned general mutiny did not follow
Generally though most of the troops remained loyal (unlike 1917).
Bloody Sunday
22nd Jan 1905 Father Gapon, an Orthodox priest attempted to lead a peaceful March of workers and their families to the
Winter Palace to deliver a petition asking the Tsar to improve the conditions of the workers
Marchers were fired on and killed by troops
Many of the people saw this as a brutal massacre by the Tsar and his troops
Bloody Sunday greatly damaged the traditional image of the Tsar as the “Little Father”, the Guardian of the Russian people
Reaction to Bloody Sunday was strong and was nationwide with disorder strikes in urban areas, terrorism against
government officials and landlords, much of which was organised by the SRs
The situation was made worse by the defeat to Japan in 1905
There was the assassination of government minister Plehve.
October Manifesto
Middle classes
Placated
Army remained
loyal and War with
Japan ended
Peasants bought off
Failure of the
1905
Revolution
Soviets and
Industrial Workers
crushed
Restating of the
Fundamental laws
How important was working-class discontent in causing the 1905 revolution in Russia?
1.
In your groups you have 20 minutes to plan this essay:
QUESTION
CONTEXT
DEVELOPMENT/ARGUMENT
CONCLUSION
Look back at the plan we did last time!!!!
2.
Using your notes and the handouts I gave you last time work on
your own to identify evidence and argument/analysis for each of
the 6 causes of the revolution
3.
Start writing your essay (if you have time in class). This essay is
due on Monday period 1.
Remember 40-60 sentences for the essay
4-6 Introduction
6 x 6 development
4-6 Conclusion
Introduction
INTRODUCTION
MARKS
CRITERIA
0
1
2
3
There is no attempt to establish context or relevant factors.
There is some attempt to establish context or relevant factors..
The introduction establishes the context and indicates relevant factors.
The introduction establishes the context and indicates relevant factors and demonstrates a solid
line of argument.
The introduction clearly sets the wider context, indicates relevant factors and has a clear line of
argument.
4
Argument
0-1
2-3
4 -5
6-7
8 - 10
The style is narrative and descriptive. There is little attempt to answer the question.
The style is mainly narrative and descriptive. There are some brief attempts to answer the
question.
The style demonstrated some analysis. There is the use of evidence to answer the question.
The style is analytical with the evidence used to support a line of argument. There the line of
argument is focused directly on the question.
The evidence in the paragraph is used to support the argument.
The argument is constant and balanced.
There is some awareness of alternative interpretations and/or historical debate.
Knowledge
Up to 6 marks
Conclusion
0
1
2
3
4
KU marks can be awarded for substantive points and points further developed which are
relevant and accurate.
CONCLUSION
There is no attempt to answer the question.
The conclusion makes a vague attempt to address the question.
The conclusion is a summary linked to the question.
The conclusion is clearly based on the evidence and is directly linked to the question.
The conclusion is balanced, summarises the argument and comes to an overall judgement
directly related to the question.
Wider Context
The 1905 revolution in Russia was the first
serious challenge to the authority of the Tsarist
state in over 300 years of Romonov dynastic
rule.
Although not a revolution in the conventional
sense, as the Tsar remained in power, the 1905
revolution was the first time that authority of the
Tsarist state had been challenged with Soviets
set up in the major cities and communes
replacing mirs across the country.
CLEAR LINE OFARGUMENT
Working class discontent was the most
important cause of the 1905 revolution in
Russia.
Working class discontent was significant in
causing the 1905 revolution in Russia, however,
the massacre on Bloody Sunday was the most
important cause as it acted as a catalyst for
unrest across Russian society.
OVERALL JUDGEMENT DIRECTLY
RELATED TO THE QUESTION
Therefore, because of the strikes, protests and the setting up of
Soviets across Russian cities that occurred because of their poor
working and living conditions, working class discontent was the
most important cause of the 1905 revolution.
Therefore, working class discontent was an important cause of
the 1905 revolution because of the strikes, protests and the
setting up of Soviets across Russian cities that occurred because
of their poor working and living conditions. However, the
massacre on Bloody Sunday was the most important cause as
this made many people in Russia resolve to overthrow the
Tsarist state, especially amongst the working and middle
classes.
3. An assessment of the attempts to
strengthen Tsarism, 1905-1914
1.
2.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
3.
•
•
•
Nature of events of 1905
Measures used by the Tsar:
The October Manifesto and the Duma
Cancellation of Redemption Payments
Repression
Peace with Japan
Accommodation with the army
Relations with the Dumas
Fundamental laws
Russification;
Stolypin
repression
land reforms,
industrial reform.
An assessment of the attempts to strengthen Tsarism, 1905-1914
Compile a set of notes on one page on the 1905
Revolution as the teacher talks through the next 5
slides.
The 1905 Revolution
1.Causes of Revolution
2.Main Events
3.Reasons for Failure
4.Aftermath for Workers, Liberals and Peasants
Revolution:
A radical change in government, a great upheaval.
The 1905 revolution was not a
revolution in the conventional sense
as the Tsar remained in power after
the events of that year. However, for
a period of time Soviets were in
control of parts of the cities and in
the countryside the peasants in
places rejected the Mir and formed
their own self-governing communes.
Long term
Causes of
the 1905
Revolution
Discontent of
Working class
Short term
Military defeat in
the RussoJapanese War
Discontent of Peasants
Bloody Sunday
Discontent with the
autocracy and its
policies
Economic
Problems
Events of the 1905 Revolution
Feb 1904
Russia and Japan go to war in the far east
Jan 1905
Port Arthur falls to the Japanese
Bloody Sunday massacre in St. Petersburg
Feb 1905
Peasant revolt in Kursh, Strikes spread across cities
and towns, SR’s assassinate Grand Duke
Mar 1905
Peasant riots in the Ukraine, central and north west provinces
May 1905
Milyukov leads Liberal groups to form “Union of Unions”
June 1905
Peasant Union formed, Mutiny on the Potemkin
Aug 1905
End of Ruso-Japanese War
Sep 1905
Mutinies amongst returning troops. Peasant revolts in Volga
Region. Formation of Soviets by workers in the cities
Oct 1905
October Manifesto issued.
Nov 1905
Reduction and phasing out of Redemption Payments announced
Dec 1905
St Petersburg and Moscow soviets stormed by troops
Feb 1906
Major strikes and disputes at an end
October Manifesto
Middle classes
Placated
Army remained
loyal and War with
Japan ended
Peasants bought off
Failure of the
1905
Revolution
Soviets and
Industrial Workers
crushed
Restating of the
Fundamental laws
Aftermath of the 1905 Revolution
LIBERALS
Some satisfied with the
reforms.
Formed the Octobrist Party
For some the reforms did not go far
enough.
But they thought they could achieve their
goals through the Duma.
Formed the Kadets.
THE WORKERS AND THE SOVIETS
The workers and the Soviets gained very little.
They lost the support and finance of the other classes.
By December the Tsar was strong enough to use brutality to regain
control over the workers and Soviets.
THE PEASANTS
The peasants were bought off with the announcement that the
redemption payments had been reduced.
Any continuing resistance was dealt with by force.
Learning Intention:
We are developing our knowledge and understanding of the attempts to
strengthen Tsarism, 1905-1914
1.
•
•
The Dumas 1905-1914
Fundamental laws
Details of the 4 Dumas (43-48)
2.
•
•
Russification
Reasons behind Russification (12-13)
Reaction to Russification
3.
•
•
•
Stolypin (1906-11)
repression
land reforms (41-43)
industrial reform (14-18)
Learning Intention:
We are developing our knowledge and understanding of the attempts to
strengthen Tsarism, 1905-1914
Academic Task:
You are going to have 25 minutes to gather evidence on one of
the following topics
1.
•
•
The Dumas 1905-1914
Fundamental laws
Details of the 4 Dumas (43-48)
2.
•
•
Russification
Reasons behind Russification (12-13)
Reaction to Russification
3.
•
•
•
Stolypin (1906-11)
repression
land reforms
(41-43)
industrial reform (14-18)
Learning Intention:
We are developing our knowledge and understanding of the attempts to
strengthen Tsarism, 1905-1914
Academic Task:
You have 5 minutes to filter your notes
and delete irrelevant (score through)
information.
You will have 10 points/pieces of
evidence (or less) by the end of this 5
minutes.
Learning Intention:
We are developing our knowledge and understanding of the attempts to
strengthen Tsarism, 1905-1914
Academic Task:
You are going to have 15 minutes to share your evidence in an
expert group and decide on 6 points that you are going to teach
back to your home group.
These 6 points/pieces of information
must:
1. Be discussed and agreed
2. Relevant to the topic
3. In Chronological order
Learning Intention:
We are developing our knowledge and understanding of the attempts to
strengthen Tsarism, 1905-1914
Academic Task:
You now have 8 minutes back in your home groups to deliver
your information to the other 2 members.
1.
•
•
The Dumas 1905-1914
Fundamental laws
Details of the 4 Dumas (43-48)
2.
•
•
Russification
Reasons behind Russification (12-13)
Reaction to Russification
3.
•
•
•
Stolypin (1906-11)
repression
land reforms
(41-43)
industrial reform (14-18)
Learning Intention:
We are developing our knowledge and understanding of the attempts to
strengthen Tsarism, 1905-1914
Learning Intention:
We are developing our knowledge and understanding of the attempts to
strengthen Tsarism, 1905-1914
Learning Intention:
We are developing our knowledge and understanding of the attempts to strengthen Tsarism, 1905-1914
HW Questions (3 x 5 marks)
• How did Stolypin strengthen the Tsarist
State, 1905-11?
• How did Russification weaken the Tsarist
state, 1905-14?
• Did the Dumas strengthen or weaken the
Tsarist State, 1906-14?
4, An evaluation of the reasons for the
February Revolution, 1917.
• Role of Tsar Nicholas II
• Role of Tsarina Alexandra
• Political problems- discontent among the
bourgeoisie; discontent among the working
class; discontent among the peasants;
• The inherent weaknesses of the autocracy:
the impact of the first world war-military
defeat; economic problems
Revolutionary Parties did not play a
huge role in the February Revolution,
although their propaganda helped
undermine the loyalty to the regime
amongst the soldiers and workers.
1. Inherent
weaknesses of
the autocracy
Impact of WW1military defeat
3. Role of the
Tsarina Alexandra
Economic
problems
4. An evaluation
of the reasons for
the February
1917 revolution 2. Political ProblemsPeasant
discontent
4. Role of the Tsar
Nicholas II
Discontent among
Discontent
the working class
among the
Bourgeoisie
1. Inherent weaknesses of the autocracy
Impact of WW1- military defeat
Army and WWI
For the three years that the Russians were in the war they had little success due
to inefficient organization, huge casualties, and repeated defeats.
The failures of the war caused great discontent amongst the masses in the cities,
with growing criticism of the Tsar’s government. This therefore underlined the
failings of the governing bodies, as a result any loyalty to Tsar.
The loss of support of the army was important because in the past they were
ultimate upholders of the Tsarist system. They had become discontented and
there was disaffection amongst the soldiers, eg in Petrograd.
The Generals were becoming critical of the Tsar and were no longer prepared to
defend him by 1917.
4. An evaluation of the reasons for the February 1917 revolution
1. Inherent weaknesses of the autocracy
Economic problems
Food supplies grew steadily worse in the cities – production
fell because of the huge numbers of peasants in the Army –
food transport a problem, as railways concentrated on
supplying Army.
The price of basic foods increased rapidly, leading to growing
discontent and anger
4. An evaluation of the reasons for the February 1917 revolution
2. Political ProblemsWorking Class
The growing working class were
working and living in poor
conditions, with long hours and
poor wages as well as
overcrowded accommodation –
the war simply made existing
problems worse.
Middle Class opinion
Increasingly disaffected by
incompetence of Tsarist state
– Duma being ignored.
The Peasants
1. Due to the rise in population and the
failings of the Emancipation there was
growing land hunger.
2. The land question was still unsolved.
Many of the soldiers were peasants and
led the disaffection in the army with
many leaving to claim land.
3. Increased pressure on peasantry as
they were highly taxed to pay for
industrialization by paying “Surplus”
grain.
4. Stolypin’s Agrarian reforms were too
late and did not solve the problems.
4. An evaluation of the reasons for the February 1917 revolution
3. Role of the Tsarina Alexandra
Alexandra was a big influence on her husband and was a
firm believer in autocracy. She was German and this aroused
great suspicion amongst the Russian people.
Alexandra was strongly influenced by Rasputin, a monk or
preacher, who claimed he could cure her son of haemophilia.
Many of the autocracy that were the natural supporters of the
Tsar turned against him because of Alexandra and Rasputin
– meddled in key areas of government – appointment of
ministers. The Tsarist system was becoming discredited.
4. An evaluation of the reasons for the February 1917 revolution
4. Role of the Tsar Nicholas II
Nicholas II was seen as having narrow vision and was poorly
prepared to face problems. He was also indecisive but
obstinate. He had a firm belief in autocracy and that it was his
duty to uphold it.
He was politically naïve and did not really accept the role of
the Dumas created after 1905. Moreover, he made poor
judgments in the appointment and dismissal of ministers.
He ordered the mobilization of the army in 1914 and led the
army from the front therefore making himself personally
accountable for Russia’s poor showing in the war
4. An evaluation of the reasons for the February 1917 revolution
How important was Russia’s military failure in the First World
War in causing the collapse of Tsarist authority in 1917?
.
CONTEXT
QUESTION
How important was Russia’s military failure in
the First World War in causing the collapse of
Tsarist authority in 1917?
CONCLUSION
DEVELOPMENT
Evidence for the collapse of Tsarist Authority:
•Military defeat
•Economic Problems
•The actions of the Tsar
•The actions of the Tsarina
•The discontent of all classes in Russia
You will have 10 minutes for each of the main ideas
The role of Scribe will rotate around the group from #1 clockwise
1.Share your evidence in your groups
2.Come to a consensus on what is important
3.Record the evidence on your group sheet
4.I will photocopy the evidence sheets for each member so scribes must
write neatly!
1.
Evidence that military failure caused the
collapse of Tsarist Authority:
GROUP
SHEET
People of all classes discontented with Tsarist authority and
unwilling to support it any longer due to inefficient
organisation, large casualties and repeated defeats
The army was unable to uphold the authority of the Tsar with
large desertions and mutinies because of military failure
High ranking officers and the nobility no longer supported the
Tsar because of the military failure
Military failure increased economic problems as Russia lost
land and resources increasing food an fuel prices
2. Evidence that economic problems caused the
collapse of Tsarist Authority in 1917
GROUP
SHEET
Food supplies grew worse and this led people to protest for
change
Inflation on food and fuel prices led to protests and people
losing support for the Tsarist regime
3. Evidence that the actions of the Tsar caused the
collapse of Tsarist Authority in 1917
GROUP
SHEET
Led army from front and made himself personally responsible
for failure
Firm belief in autocracy led him to leave Tsarina in charge of
government
Ignored ministers and his police chief in Petrograd and did not
return to the city to address the concerns of the people
4. Evidence that the actions of the Tsarina caused the
collapse of Tsarist Authority in 1917
GROUP
SHEET
Discredited Tsarist regime through association with
Rasputin
Created instability within the government by repeatedly
changing important government ministers
5. Evidence that discontent of all classes in Russia
caused the collapse of Tsarist Authority in 1917
GROUP
SHEET
Working class-low pay, long hours and harsh working and
living conditions
Middle classes- Dumas ignored and incompetence of Tsarist
system becoming ever more apparent
Peasants- dissatisfaction because of land hunger across
Russia led to peasants deserting to stake their claim
5. An evaluation of the reasons for the
success of October Revolution, 1917
The inherent weaknesses of the Provisional
Government; Dual Power-the role of the
Petrograd Soviet; the decision to continue
the war; economic problems; political
discontent; the land issue; the appeal of the
Bolsheviks-propaganda, policies; the
leadership of Lenin.
• An evaluation of the reasons for the success of
October Revolution, 1917
1.The weaknesses of the Provisional Government
• Dual Power-the role of the Petrograd Soviet
• the decision to continue the war
• economic problems
• political discontent
• the land issue
2.The appeal of the Bolsheviks
• Propaganda
• policies
3.The leadership of Lenin.
4.The organistaion of Trotsky
Feb to October 1917
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Rote learning of events:
February
March
April
July
August
September
October
PAIRED NOTE TAKING EXERCISE:
The weaknesses of the Provisional Government (PG)
1.Both read section and take notes
2.Person A talks through their notes
3.Person B talks through their notes
4.Both create a shared answer to the question
PAIRED NOTE TAKING EXERCISE:
The weaknesses of the Provisional Government (PG)
1. Explain how the sharing of power with the Petrograd soviet
weakened the PG. (p86-87)
2. Explain how the decision to continue the war weakened the
PG. (bottom of 91-93)
3. Explain the economic problems faced by the PG and how
this weakened the PG. (throughout passage)
4. Explain the political discontent faced by the PG and how this
weakened the PG. (93-95)
5. Explain the land issue faced by the PG and how this
weakened the PG. (p.96)
PAIRED NOTE TAKING EXERCISE:
The appeal and determination of the Bolsheviks
• Explain how Bolshevik propaganda and policies
appealed to people (89-91, 96)
• Explain how the Bolsheviks gathered support after
the Kornilov revolt (97-98)
• Explain how the leadership of Lenin led to
Bolshevik success (99-100)
• Explain how the organisation of Trotsky led to
Bolshevik success (101)
To what extent did the Bolsheviks gain
power due to the weaknesses of the
Provisional Government?
1. Make a judgement on the extent to which the
weaknesses of the PG led to the Bolshevik gaining
of power
2. Assess the extent of PG weaknesses as a reason
for the success of the Bolshevik seizure of power
3. Assess the extent of other reasons for the success
of the Bolshevik seizure of power
QUESTION
February Revolution and the
Provisional Government
CONTEXT
To what extent did the Bolsheviks gain
power due to the weaknesses of the
Provisional Government?
CONCLUSION
DEVELOPMENT
1.
2.
3.
Make a judgement on the extent to which the weaknesses
of the PG led to the Bolshevik gaining of power
Assess the extent of PG weaknesses as a reason for the
success of the Bolshevik seizure of power
Assess the extent of other reasons for the success of the
Bolshevik seizure of power
February Revolution and the
Provisional Government
QUESTION
CONTEXT
To what extent did the Bolsheviks gain
power due to the weaknesses of the
Provisional Government?
CONCLUSION
1.
2.
3.
Make a judgement on the extent to
which the weaknesses of the PG led
to the Bolshevik gaining of power
Summarise your arguments
Ensure there is some balance
DEVELOPMENT
1.
Weaknesses of PG and how this led
to Bolsheviks gaining Power
2.
The appeal of the Bolsheviks
3.
Economic problems
4. Dual power-the PetrogradSoviet
Weaknesses of the Provisional Government
•The Provisional Government was an unelected government; it was a self-appointed body and had
no right to exercise authority, which led it into conflict with those bodies that emerged with
perceived popular legitimacy
•The Provisional Government gave in to the pressure of the army and from the Allies to keep
Russia in the War
•Remaining in the war helped cause the October Revolution and helped destroy the Provisional
Government as the misery it caused continued for people in Russia
•General Kornilov, a right wing general, proposed to replace the Provisional Government with a
military dictatorship and sent troops to Petrograd
•Kerensky appealed to the Petrograd Soviet for help and the Bolsheviks were amongst those who
were helped
• Some Bolsheviks were armed and released from prison to help put down the attempted coup.
Appeal of the Bolsheviks
•Lenin returned to Russia announcing the April Theses, with slogans such as “Peace, Land and
Bread” and “All Power to the Soviets” which were persuasive
• Lenin talked of further revolution to overthrow the Provisional Government and his slogans
identified the key weaknesses of the Provisional Government
•The Bolsheviks kept attending the Petrograd Soviet when most of the others stopped doing so and
this gave them control of the Soviet, which they could then use against the Provisional Government
•The Bolsheviks did not return their weapons to the Provisional Government after they defeated
Kornilov
• Bolsheviks were able to act as protectors of Petrograd.
Dual power – The role of the Petrograd Soviet
•The old Petrograd Soviet re emerged and ran Petrograd
•The Petrograd Soviet undermined the authority of Provisional Government especially when relations between
the two worsened
•Order No.1 of the Petrograd Soviet weakened the authority of the Provisional Government as soldiers were
not to obey orders of Provisional Government that contradicted those of the Petrograd Soviet.
Economic problems
•The workers were restless as they were starving due to food shortages caused by the war
•The shortage of fuel caused lack of heating for the workers in their living conditions
•The shortage of food and supplies made the workers unhappy and restless
•The Bolsheviks’ slogans appealed to them such as the workers control of industry.
The Land Issue
•All over Russia peasants were seizing nobles land and wanted the Provisional Government to legitimise this
•The failure of the Provisional Government to recognise the peasants’ claims eroded the confidence in the
Provisional Government
•Food shortages caused discontent, and they were caught up by revolutionary slogans such as “Peace, Land
And Bread”.
The July Days
•The Bolsheviks staged an attempt to seize power, rising in support of the Kronstadt sailors who were in revolt
•The revolt was easily crushed by the Provisional Government but showed increasing opposition to the PG,
especially from the forces
•The revolt also showed that the PG was still reasonably strong and able to crush opposition such as the
Bolsheviks who now appeared to be weakened.
6. An evaluation of the reasons for the victory
of the Reds in the Civil War.
•
Superior Red resources; unity of the Reds;
disunity among the Whites; the leadership
of Lenin; the role of Trotsky- organisation of
the Red Army; use of terror; propaganda;
effects of foreign intervention.
An evaluation of the reasons for the
victory of the Reds in the Civil War.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
superior Red resources
unity of the Reds
disunity among the Whites
the leadership of Lenin
the role of Trotsky- organisation of the Red Army
use of terror
propaganda
effects of foreign intervention.
An evaluation of the reasons for the
victory of the Reds in the Civil War.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
superior Red resources (p.129)
unity of the Reds (131-133)
disunity among the Whites (128)
the leadership of Lenin (139-141)
the role of Trotsky- organisation of the Red
Army(p.129-131) (141-143)
use of terror (131)
propaganda
effects of foreign intervention (p.127,134-138)
To what extent were divisions among the Whites the reason for Bolshevik victory in the Civil War?
Disunity among the White Armies
• The White Armies were led by a number of ambitious men, each eager to achieve power for himself. Denikin,
Yudenich, Kolchak, and Wrangel, led powerful forces, and received support from foreign countries. However, their
campaigns were never co-ordinated, and there was virtually no co-operation between the White Armies. The Bolsheviks
were able to drive back their armies in turn, when a co-ordinated campaign might have achieved success. Apart from a
hatred of the Bolsheviks and the Soviets, the leaders of the White Armies had very little common purpose.
White Leadership
• The White leaders were simply out to achieve power for themselves, by using force. They had little in the way of
policies and objectives to help them to build up support among the Russian people. There was increasing fear that
White victory would reverse some of the changes carried out during the Revolution, such as the land redistribution.
Red Army
• Under the leadership of Trotsky, as Commissar for War, the Red Army was better organized than he Whites and also
better equipped and therefore able to achieve victory. Trotsky was an excellent organiser and propagandist, and
motivated and inspired the Red Army to achieve success. He used former Tsarist officers to provide military experience,
and political officers to ensure loyalty. His ruthlessness and energy had a significant effect.
Bolshevik Motivation
• The Red Army was fighting for a definite cause, in which they strongly believed − the victory of socialism. This
ideology helped to provide a strong sense of unity among the troops.
Control of the Railways
• The means to transport troops supplies quickly and efficiently and in large numbers to the critical areas of defence or
attack. The decisive battles between the Reds and Whites were near rail heads.
To what extentwere divisions among the Whites the reason for Bolshevik victory in the Civil War?
Control of the Russian heartland
• Once the Reds had established defence of their lines they were able to repel and exhaust the attacks by
the Whites until they scattered or surrendered. By having all of their land together it was easier for the Reds
to defend. With the major industrial centres in their land (Moscow and Petrograd) the Reds had access to
factories to supply weapons etc and move troops swiftly due to their control of the railways. This helped them
to co-ordinate and plan their strategies, unlike the Whites.
Foreign Intervention
• The Bolsheviks were able to claim that the foreign ‘invaders’ were imperialists who were trying to overthrow
the revolution and invade Russia. The Reds could stand as Champions of the Russian nation from
foreign invasion.
Propaganda
• Bolshevik propaganda was efficient and well planned, and helped to build up their support.
War Communism
• By forcing the peasants to sell their grain to the Reds for a fixed price the Reds were able to ensure that
their troops were well supplied and well fed.
Terror (Cheka)
• The Cheka was set up to eradicate any opposition to the Reds. There was no need for proof of guilt. There
was persecution of individual people who opposed the Reds as well as whole groups of people, which
helped to reduce opposition due to fear, or simply eradicate opposition.
• Bolshevik ruthlessness helped them to ensure victory
To what extent were divisions among
the Whites the reason for Bolshevik
victory in the Civil War?
QUESTION
CONTEXT
To what extent were divisions among
the Whites the reason for Bolshevik
victory in the Civil War?
CONCLUSION
DEVELOPMENT
1. Make a judgement on the extent to which the divisions among
the Whites were the reason for Bolshevik victory in the Civil
War
2. Assess the extent of divisions among the Whites as a the
reason for Bolshevik victory in the Civil War
3. Assess the extent of other reasons for Bolshevik victory in
the Civil War
QUESTION
CONTEXT
To what extent were divisions among
the Whites the reason for Bolshevik
victory in the Civil War?
CONCLUSION
DEVELOPMENT
The Divisions among the Whites: aims, leadership; foreign intervention
Leadership of Lenin: unity of reds; terror;
Superior Red Resources:
propaganda
people; railways; industry; war communism
Trotsky and the Red Army: leadership; strength of red army