1. 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

2. 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”

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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 through 1916

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

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

8. 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

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

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

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

12. 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

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

14. 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