Looking at World War One The Fall of Empires The Russian Revolution Austria- Hungary falls apart The end of the Ottoman Empire The German Revolution

Looking at World War One The Fall of Empires Pre-War Russia Industrialisation and demands for land reform create significant social pressures The humiliation of Russia’s total defeat in the Russo- Japanese war (Feb 1914 – Sept 1905) fed strikes and disturbances during 1905 Eventually a form of parliament (“Duma”) is formed in October 1905 but Tsar appoints a hardline Prime Minister Duma demands reforms and constitutional monarchy. Tsar rejects reforms and the Duma reconstituted four times before it becomes more amenable Tsar supported by his wife in belief in “divine right of Kings”

Looking at World War One The Fall of Empires Tsar Nicholas II Nicholas II comes to the throne in 1894, after the early death of his father, unprepared On the day of his formal coronation, 1400 people die in a crush on the Khodynka Field starting his unpopularity Marries a granddaughter of Queen Victoria – Alix of Hesse and by the Rhine which leads to their son’s Haemophilia

Looking at World War One The Fall of Empires Tsar Nicholas II Tsar supported by his wife in belief in “divine right of Kings” In September 1915 assumes direct control of the army linking himself to subsequent military failures Tsarina involved with mystics and faith healers, especially because of her son’s illness The most famous – Rasputin – seemed to have considerable influence from 1915 onwards and added to the public disapproval of the Tsar. He was murdered in December 1916.

Looking at World War One The Fall of Empires Russia at war Personal correspondence between Tsar and Kaiser (“Willy – Nicky telegrams”) in last few days before the war where Tsar supports a conference to resolve situation Russia fully mobilises on 31 July and Germany declares war Russia’s initial advances into Prussia end in a major defeat at Tannenberg The war became a war of attrition with very high Russian losses in 1915 and a full retreat from Poland When the Tsar took full control of the war he was away from St Petersberg and the Government from September 1915 through 1916

Looking at World War One The Fall of Empires Russian Revolution “February” Revolution (March 1917) Kerensky takes charge Further Offensive “October” Revolution (November 1917)

Russian Revolution – Witness Andrei Labanov-Rostovsky Looking at World War One The Fall of Empires Russian Revolution – Witness Andrei Labanov-Rostovsky

The Treaty of Brest-Litvosk (Feb 1918) Loss of territory Looking at World War One The Fall of Empires The Treaty of Brest-Litvosk (Feb 1918) Loss of territory 6 Billion marks to be paid

Looking at World War One The Fall of Empires Austro- Hungary Multi-ethnic Empire

Looking at World War One The Fall of Empires Austro- Hungary Witness Pal Klemen

Partioned by Treaty of Sevres Looking at World War One The Fall of Empires The Ottoman Empire Lost more territory 1910-1914 Gradually loses Armistice 30 October 1918 Partioned by Treaty of Sevres

German Revolution Established Parliament – large Socialist block Looking at World War One The Fall of Empires German Revolution Established Parliament – large Socialist block Real Power in Prussian Elite War increasingly run by Generals Hardship at home Mutiny by sailors triggers revolution

German revolution – A Witness Richard Stumpf Looking at World War One The Fall of Empires German revolution – A Witness Richard Stumpf

German Revolution New constitution Looking at World War One The Fall of Empires German Revolution New constitution Split between Government and Worker Councils Government uses Militias to take control