The Collapse of Tsarist Russia: 1896 to 1917

Nicholas II and Autocracy

Nicholas II ascended to the throne in 1896. He possessed no political experience and maintained a strict policy of autocracy.

Methods of Control: Carrots and Sticks

The Tsarist regime employed a system of incentives and punishments to manage the population:

• Carrots (Incentives): If a peasant was considered good and wealthy, they were granted land.
• Sticks (Repression): If individuals were poor, engaged in strikes, or supported revolutionary movements, they faced severe repression and exile.

This policy was notably implemented by Prime Minister Pyotr Stolypin starting in 1906.

Opposition to the Tsarist Regime

Various groups opposed the Tsar, seeking fundamental changes to Russian society.

The Cadets and Democratic Aspirations

The middle class desired democracy, similar to systems found in the United Kingdom. These liberals were known as the Cadets (Constitutional Democrats).

Radical Movements: Socialist Revolutionaries

Two other groups were more violent, believing that only revolution could solve the people's troubles. The Socialist Revolutionaries were a radical movement whose primary aim was to carve up the huge estates of the nobility and hand the land over to the peasants.

The Social Democratic Party and Marxism

The Social Democratic Party was a smaller but more disciplined party which followed the ideas of Karl Marx.

Marxist Theory of Class Struggle

According to Marxist Theory, the class struggle would unfold in several stages:

1. The middle classes would first take control from the monarchy and aristocracy.
2. A subsequent revolution would occur in which the workers would overthrow the middle classes.
3. For a short while, the Communist Party would rule on behalf of the people.
4. As selfish desires disappeared, there would be no need for any government, and all would live in a peaceful, communist society.

Bolsheviks and Mensheviks Split (1903)

This party split in 1903 into the Bolsheviks and the Mensheviks. The Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, believed they needed to actively create a revolution immediately. The Mensheviks believed Russia was not yet ready for a socialist revolution.

Both the Bolsheviks and Mensheviks were illegal organizations, and many members were exiled.

The 1905 Revolution and Bloody Sunday

The events of 1905, including the massacre known as Bloody Sunday, forced the Tsar to make concessions.

The October Manifesto and Concessions

In response to the widespread revolution of 1905, Nicholas II issued the October Manifesto, which promised:

• The establishment of the Duma (an elected parliament).
• Guaranteed free speech.
• The right to form political parties.

Later, the Tsar announced further concessions and financial help for peasants. While the middle-class liberals welcomed these changes, revolutionary groups remained suspicious, viewing the concessions as virtually nothing.

Many strikes occurred, but as long as the army remained loyal to the Tsar, his position was secure.

Economic Conditions (1908–1911)

Russia experienced economic growth between 1908 and 1911; however, the nation lagged far behind industrial powers like the UK, US, and Germany. Salaries remained low while food prices were high.

Russia in the First World War (1914–1917)

When Russia entered the First World War in 1914, internal revolts were temporarily set aside as a wave of nationalism swept the country. This feeling was short-lived.

In 1915, the Tsar commanded the army himself. Due to the disastrous results of the war, many soldiers became sympathetic to the Bolshevik cause leading up to 1917.

The 1917 Abdication of the Tsar

By 1917, a gigantic wave of strikes and discontent spread across Russia, involving the army, peasants, the church, and aristocrats. The Tsar abdicated.

The Duma set up a provisional committee to take over the government. By the end of that year, Russia was finished with Tsarist rule.

The Provisional Government's Challenges

The Provisional Government faced three fundamental decisions immediately upon taking power:

1. Whether to continue or leave the war.
2. Whether to distribute land to the peasants immediately or ask them to wait until elections had been held.
3. How to get food to the starving people in the cities.

The government promised Russia's allies that it would continue the war while simultaneously trying to settle the dire internal situation.