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Russian Revolution of 1905
Though this revolution is considered unsuccessful, it did show the flaws in Russia's autocracy-based government. This revolution showed the discontent of Russian citizens with the wide fractions between the elite and the working class. They were also unhappy with Russia failing to modernize politically during their industrialization era. A peaceful protest turned deadly, "Bloody Sunday" 01-22-1905, caused hundreds of deaths and increased dissatisfaction and outrage against the Royal Family. -
October Manifesto
To stop the 1905 protests Tsar Nicholas II came up with some resolutions to stop the political unrest in Russia. His 1st promise was to create a Russian parliament with limited legislation powers, the State Duma. His 2nd promise was to give Russian citizens more civil liberties, like freedom of speech, assembly, association. His 3rd promise was to have Russia become a more multi-party-political system. This was a short-term resolution, and many were upset at the heavy restrictions on the Duma. -
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The Royal Family's Monk: Grigori Rasputin
Rasputin was a monk from Serbia. He wasn't well liked by the public because he was a drunk and a womanizer. Many also thought he was secretly a Khlyst. The royal family became friends with him to help heal Tsarevich Alexei, who suffered from hemophilia. Alexandra trusted Rasputin and allowed him to advise her on government officials and decisions. The citizens started to think of Rasputin as a symbol for the corruption and wrong doings of the imperial government. -
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Dissatisfaction With World War 1
Tsar Nicholas II's decisions with WW1 caused political relations to fracture and lives of civilians to worsen. He didn't want to give up any of the absolute power he had. Many citizens distrusted Tsarina Alexandra and her position of power because she was a German princess. She didn't want people in power who would question the Tsar, so many of the ministers were incompetent. Russia's economy also was declining and many of its citizens were hungry from food shortages. -
Women's Protest in Petrograd
This protest was the start of the Russian Revolution. Many people were starving because of food shortages. Women were protesting their wages, which were half of men's, and poor living conditions. Women went on strike at their textile factories and got men from the metal factories to join them on their way to the capital. 100,000 people were calling for bread and "down with the Tsar". The next day there were 150,000 protesters. Soldiers joined the protests too causing unrest to increase. -
Abdication of Tsar Nicholas II
The Romanov family ruled Russia for over 300 years, but this came to an end in 1917. The Tsar was not trained properly to be a ruler. He made many costly decisions in WW1 and lost many of the battles fought in it. He was forced to abdicate his power after the protests and unrest in Petrograd. The leadership of Russia was then passed to the Russian Provisional Government. -
Lenin Returns from Russia