Tsar Nicholas II and 1905 Revolution

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Tsar Nicholas II and 1905 Revolution

The Tsar (Nicholas II) survived the 1905 revolution. However, the

revolution in 1917 did remove him from power. When asking why Nicholas

II survived 1905 there are numerous factors to examine. Both

revolutions had extremely similar conditions. Levels of

dissatisfaction, strikes and the country moving towards a wartime

economy are all examples. It is also important to see small

differences which gave the two events such contrasting outcomes and

determined the survival and the fall of the Tsar.

In February 1904 war broke out between Russia and Japan over a town

called Manchuria situated in Northern China. After suffering a

humiliating defeat in the Russo-Japanese War, Russia expected severe

peace terms. However, due to the negotiations presided over by

President Roosevelt the terms were quite lenient. This allowed

Nicholas to save face, pride and secure his position. In 1905, despite

the appalling conditions that the workers in the agricultural and

industrial sectors were suffering, there was still support and good

will towards the Tsar. It is suggested that the people did not blame

the Tsar, but his advisers for the state of the country.

On the 22nd January 1905 peaceful demonstrations began, co-ordinated

by the Union of Liberation, these demonstrations were an attempt to

make the Tsar transform the Russian government. The demonstrators

marched towards the Winter Palace in St Petersburg peacefully and

unarmed. Regardless of this they were massacred before the palace,

this event becoming known as 'Bloody Sunday'. They were lead by

Father Gapon; who became one of the revolution's most vigoro...

... middle of paper ...

...d War 1. This revolution

actually had a established opposition in the shape of Stalin's

communist party this meant no peaceful protest like in 1905, the

protests were riots and with no backing from his army, who walked out

on 12th March, the Tsar was helpless. The last reason it was

successful was this revolution had and motivator and leader that man

was Lenin.

Bibliography:

Alan Farmer – An Introduction to Modern European History 1890-1990.

London 2000

Dukes Paul - October and the World. London 1979

Goldston Robert - The Russian Revolution. London 1967

Hosking Geoffrey - A History of the Soviet Union. London 1985.

Michael Lynch - Reaction and Revolutions Russia 1881-1924 (Access to

History), 2000

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