“By 1914 a revolution to remove the Tsar from power was inevitable.” -McCauley Russia

Political The Tsar was weak. Influence of church declining Growing isolation of the Tsar and his family -> rise in number of strikes after 1910 Nicholas was losing the confidence of the nation Tsar had no intention of permanently relinquishing any of his powers

Political – Tsar & Duma Tsar Issued the October Manifesto to save the monarchy. Before first Duma met -> introduced the Fundamental Laws of April1906 ‘possesses the initiative in all legislative matters… no law can come into force without his approval.’ Tsar continued to rule according to the dictates of his conscience and the will of God. No intention of allowing Duma to play any meaningful role in the government of Russia.

Political continued… Financial powers of Duma were extremely limited. First Duma only lasted 72 days before dissolved. Membership of political parties & trade unions was allowed after BUT 600 were shut down by SR & SD had their applications for registration turned down Although a growth in savings & finance – Majority of people didn’t benefit from these economic circumstances.

Political – Nicholas II had no intention of adapting to the role of a constitutional monarch. Utterly incapable of giving his country the leadership it needed Loyalty of his army was questionable Couldn’t adapt regime to meet challenges thrown up by rapid change or reduce levels of discontent.

Social/Economical - general workers and poor peasants exploited by capitalist system & foreign investors Divisions between rich and poor peasants

Agriculture & farmers Land hunger; population 21% growth per annum More than half were illiterate Government did little to promote modern agricultural methods Peasant unrest aimed at noble landowners Unrest put down by repression Stolypin wanted a group of small independent farmers; encouraged peasants to leave commune, but failed

Working class Reforms promised, but wages, hours, housing, working & living conditions didn’t improve 1912 – government introduced labour legislation but measures were inadequate More unrest after 1909 – new phase of industrial expansion; more strikes Police & army put down strikes Industrial growth 6% per annum, strain on public facilities Protests mainly from most urbanized workers with highest level of skill & education No reformist path, revolution seemed to be only alternative

Middle Class Wanted liberalization of political system Benefited from economic growth Population increased but influence of liberal parties declined Duma didn’t cooperate with middle class; constitutional government didn’t evolve Octobrists, Progressives & Kadets – more criticisms for government Unable to influence government or appeal to the masses (fear of socialism)

Social/economic… Anti Semitic agitation – Russian people and Black Hundreds led to pogroms after 1906 – Jewish deaths and loss of property Increasing radicalism of workers; hostility of minority groups Didn’t provide universal primary education Little changes too late, only affected minority of population Big social gap

Conclusion Peasant unrest due to land hunger & problems generated by communes Industrial unrest with strike levels rising in factories Middle class unrest due to failure of constitutional experiment Government lacked direction, was incompetent and unpopular