1. The Dumas – fig leaves to cover continuing autocracy or real steps to parliamentary reform?

2. What was the October Manifesto?
Written by Witte
Promised to introduce a range of civil rights including freedom of speech, assembly and worship and the legalising of trade unions
AND most importantly
The creation of a legislative Duma (A parliament with law making powers. Russia’s first national Parliament.
Fill in worksheet.

3. Read full length description from Figes and answer following questions: What are you first impressions of the event?
Presumably the Tsar’s officials arranged the ceremony; what effect were they trying to create? Why was the Tsar’s mother so upset by the ceremony?
Does Figes have a point of view on it? If so, how does he reveal it? OR look at p54 Culpin
State opening of 1st Duma, Do these images give any clues over the powers of the Duma or its relationship with the Tsar?

4. Read Figes P213- 6 and answer the questions below.
What are you first impressions of the event?
Presumably the Tsar’s officials arranged the ceremony; what effect were they trying to create?
Why was the Tsar’s mother so upset by the ceremony?
Does Figes have a point of view on it? If so, how does he reveal it?

5. A week before the Duma met in April 1906, Nicholas published the Fundamental laws
It was a long way from the democratic constitutional monarchy which most Russians thought had been conceded in October 1905.
Any laws has to be agreed by the Duma and the Tsar. This gave the Tsar a veto.
The Tsar could dissolve the Duma at any time.
The Tsar still appointed his own ministers.
Article 87 gave the Tsar the power to rule by decree.
Half of the members of the Upper House were appointed by the Tsar.
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6. What were the Dumas and what did they achieve?
In groups of 4
As a group, agree on an explanation for what the dumas were – you all need to write it down
Assign a Duma to each person
You have 10 minutes to fill in your section of the sheet about your Duma
Murphy 35 and 40-2; Lynch 44-48; Culpin 54-57
Fill in worksheet.
CHALLENGE – express how likely you think the Dumas were to succeed – are they addressing the problems of Russia and the issues of the 1905 Revolution?

7. Comparing the Dumas
– Now switch your findings by completing the rest of your sheet.
When you have done, as a group, write an evaluative paragraph to this question:
“How far do you think Russia had moved the direction of a parliamentary system of government by 1914?”

8. Plenary
Were the four Dumas fig leaves to cover continuing autocracy or real steps to parliamentary government?

9. Homework
Which of the following was more important in bringing about stability to Russia after the 1905 Revolution:
- Political repression
- Land and education reform
- The Dumas
Optional article: How stable was Russia before WW1: Nov 2010 with activity.