European History - Tsarist Russia

Rasputin was able to gain influence over the Tsar because the Tsar's wife, Alexandra, believed that Rasputin possessed special powers that could heal their son when he suffered a bleed. This belief led Alexandra to trust and rely on Rasputin, allowing him to have a significant influence over the Tsar and the decision-making process in the Russian government.

During the modernisation process in Russia, the nobles lost some of their power to the new industrial entrepreneurs. This can be attributed to the rise of industrialization and the shift of economic power from the traditional land-owning nobility to the emerging industrial class. As industrialization progressed, the nobles' influence and control over the economy and society diminished, leading to a decline in their power and status.

The correct answer is The Okhrana. The Okhrana was the name of the tsarist secret police in Russia. It was established in 1881 and operated until 1917. The Okhrana was responsible for suppressing political dissent and maintaining the security of the tsarist regime. They conducted surveillance, infiltrated revolutionary groups, and used tactics such as censorship, arrests, and interrogations to suppress opposition to the government. The Okhrana played a significant role in the autocratic rule of the tsars and their efforts to maintain control over the Russian Empire.

The Romanov Dynasty ended in 1917. This was the year of the Russian Revolution, which led to the overthrow of Tsar Nicholas II and the establishment of a communist government. The revolution marked the end of centuries of Romanov rule in Russia.

Alexander III was the father of Nicholas II. Alexander III was the Emperor of Russia from 1881 until his death in 1894. He was the son of Alexander II and the father of Nicholas II, who succeeded him as the last Emperor of Russia. Alexander III was known for his conservative policies and his efforts to strengthen autocracy in Russia. He pursued a policy of Russification, suppressing the cultures and languages of non-Russian peoples within the empire.

The modernization had the effect of drawing many peasants to the cities seeking work. This means that as a result of modernization, the peasants were attracted to urban areas in search of employment opportunities. This could be due to the industrialization and growth of factories in cities, which provided job prospects for the peasants. The modernization process likely brought about changes in the agricultural sector, making farming less lucrative or more difficult for the peasants, thus prompting them to seek alternative livelihoods in urban areas.

The correct answer is The People's Will. In 1881, Tsar Alexander II was assassinated by a bomb thrown by a terrorist group called The People's Will. This group was a radical faction of Russian revolutionaries who aimed to overthrow the autocratic rule of the Tsar and establish a socialist society. They believed in using violence and terrorism as a means to achieve their goals. The assassination of Tsar Alexander II was a significant event in Russian history and had far-reaching consequences for the country's political landscape.

Father Gapon led the march on the Winter Palace in 1905. He was a Russian Orthodox priest and a key figure in the Russian Revolution of 1905. Gapon organized a peaceful protest march to present a petition to Tsar Nicholas II, demanding better working conditions, higher wages, and political reforms. However, the march turned violent when the Imperial Guard opened fire on the protesters, resulting in numerous casualties. This event, known as Bloody Sunday, marked a turning point in Russian history and fueled further revolutionary movements.

A Duma refers to an elected parliament. In the context of Russian history, the term specifically refers to the legislative body that was established in the early 20th century. The Duma was created as a result of the Russian Revolution of 1905 and served as a representative assembly, giving the Russian people a voice in the government. It was composed of elected representatives from various social and political groups, although its power was limited by the Tsar's authority. The establishment of the Duma marked a significant step towards political reform and democratization in Russia.

Under Sergei Witte - 1892-1903. Sergei Witte was a prominent Russian statesman who served as Minister of Finance from 1892 to 1903. He implemented a series of economic reforms aimed at modernizing Russia, including the construction of railways, the expansion of industry, and the promotion of foreign investment. This period of modernization under Witte is often referred to as the "Great Spurt" and laid the foundation for Russia's industrial development in the early 20th century.

Peter Stolypin was the Prime Minister of Russia from 1906 to 1911.

The Russian government paid for the modernization through huge foreign loans. This means that they borrowed a significant amount of money from other countries to fund their modernization efforts.

Nicholas proclaimed the "October Manifesto" to appease the liberals by offering civil liberties and a state duma. This decision was likely influenced by the growing pressure and demands for political reform from the liberal factions in Russia. By granting civil liberties and establishing a state duma, Nicholas aimed to pacify the liberal opposition and potentially prevent further unrest and revolution. This move was seen as a concession to the liberal demands and an attempt to maintain stability in the face of growing discontent among the population.

St Petersburg was the capital of the Russian Empire at the turn of the century (1900). It was founded by Peter the Great in 1703 and served as the capital until 1918 when it was renamed Petrograd. St Petersburg was known for its grand architecture, including the Winter Palace and the Hermitage Museum, and was a center of culture, politics, and power in Russia.

Bloody Sunday refers to the violent incident that occurred on January 22, 1905, in St. Petersburg, Russia. On this day, a peaceful protest led by workers and their families demanding political reforms and improved working conditions was brutally suppressed by the Imperial Russian Army. The soldiers fired upon the unarmed demonstrators, resulting in hundreds of deaths and injuries. This event played a significant role in igniting the 1905 Russian Revolution and further fueling the discontent against the Tsarist regime.

Peter Stolypin was assassinated at the Kiev Opera house on 1st September 1911.

Trotsky played a significant role in the 1905 uprisings as the leader of the first St Petersburg Soviet formed in 1905. The St Petersburg Soviet was a council of workers' representatives that emerged during the revolution and served as a central organizing body for the workers' movement. Trotsky's leadership in this Soviet helped to coordinate and mobilize the workers' protests and demands, giving them a unified voice and direction. His role in the St Petersburg Soviet contributed to the overall momentum and impact of the 1905 uprisings.

The three Finance Ministers under Alexander III were Ivan Vyshnegradsky, Count Sergei Witte, and Nikolay Bunge. These individuals played crucial roles in implementing economic policies and reforms during Alexander III's reign. Ivan Vyshnegradsky served as Finance Minister from 1887 to 1892, focusing on agricultural reforms and increasing Russia's export of grain. Count Sergei Witte succeeded Vyshnegradsky and held the position from 1892 to 1903. He implemented industrialization policies, modernized the railway system, and promoted foreign investments. Nikolay Bunge served as Finance Minister from 1881 to 1887 and introduced financial reforms to stabilize the country's economy.

Trudoviki was the name given to the left-wing labour group formed in 1906 to represent the peasants and middle-class. This group aimed to address the concerns and interests of these social classes and advocate for their rights and welfare. The Trudoviki were distinct from other political groups such as the Mensheviks, Kadets, and Bolsheviks, as they specifically focused on the needs of the peasants and middle-class.

The three official bodies through which the tsar exercised his authority were the Imperial Council, the Cabinet of Ministers, and the Senate. The Imperial Council was a legislative body that advised the tsar on matters of state, while the Cabinet of Ministers was responsible for implementing and executing government policies. The Senate, on the other hand, acted as a judicial body and also had administrative functions. These three bodies played crucial roles in the governance of the Russian Empire under the tsar's rule.