VCE History Covers Russian Revolution
Summary:
The VCE History Covers Russian Revolution note discusses the causes of the Russian Revolution that took place from 1896 to 1917. It identifies various factors, including political, economic, and social conditions, that contributed to the revolution. The note argues that the autocratic rule of the Romanov dynasty, the widening gap between the rich and poor, and the failure of the government to address the needs of the people all played a role in sparking the revolution. Additionally, the note highlights the impact of World War I and the resulting economic and social instability it brought to Russia. Overall, the note provides a comprehensive overview of the various causes that led to the Russian Revolution.
Excerpt:
VCE History Covers Russian Revolution
AOS 1 CAUSES OF REVOLUTION
| Event | Dates | Evidence | Quotes |
| Tsarism & Tsar Nicholas II | Peasants made up approximately 82% of the population | ‘Nicholas II inherited from his ancestors not only a giant empire but also a revolution’ – Leon Trotsky | |
| Coronation of Tsar Nicholas II – 1896 | ‘It was Nicholas’ weakness of will that led to his demise –
John Hite |
||
| ‘The Tsarist system proved much too rigid and unwieldy, too inflexible and set in its ways, too authoritarian and inefficient, to adapt itself to the situation as it changed.’ – Orlando Figes | |||
| Russo-Japanese War | Feb1904 – Sep1905 | 90,000 men were lost in the Battle of Mukden | ‘A little victorious war to stem the tide of revolution’ –
Vyacheslav Plehve |
| Bloody Sunday
à Protesting the firing of 4 Putilov Steel Workers |
Sun 9 Jan1905 | 200 killed and 800 injured | ‘We are impoverished and oppressed; we are burdened with work and insulted’ – Father Gapon’s petition
‘There is no God any longer. There is no Tsar.’ – Father Georgi Gapon |
| 1905 Revolution
à Not a singular event; widespread political and social unrest over several months |
9 Jan1905 –
16 Jun 1907 |
At the end of Jan (1905) – over 400,000 workers were on strike in St Petersburg alone
400 mutinies in the Russian Army in 1905 – 1906 |
‘Rioting and disturbances in capitals and in many localities of Our Empire fill Our heart with great and heavy grief’ – Tsar Nicholas II
‘Although with a few broken ribs, Tsarism came out of the experience of 1905 alive and strong enough.’ – Leon Trotsky |
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