6. 1905, the origins of the Russian Revolution Tsarist Russia in the early 20th century In the early 20th centur y, Russia was an enormous empire. It had more than 140 million inhabitants formed of diverse peoples. Russia's political system was one of the most authoritarian in Europe. It had an absolute monarchy, in which the tsar held supreme state power. (22) Although there was a parliament, or Duma, it had ver y limited powers. Russia's economy was still mainly agrarian. Peasants lived in extreme poverty. At the end of the 19th century, a slow industrialisation had begun. This led to the growth of the proletariat, which also lived in precarious conditions. In the late 19th centur y, clandestine political parties opposing the tsar were founded: The Revolution of 1905 In 1905, Russian expansion into Asia led to a war with Japan. Russia's defeat, which came at a time of economic crisis, led to angr y rioting, and eventually the Revolution of 1905. On 9th Januar y 1905, crowds marched to the Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg. They demanded improved living conditions and political reform, but not an end to tsarism. However, they were violently repressed and many of them were killed or wounded , on a day known as Bloody Sunday. The protests and strikes lasted months. Peasants and workers met in soviets, which were popular assemblies or councils. The soviet in Petrograd , led by the Bolshevik Leon Trotsky, stands out. The tsar made a few concessions, published in the October Manifesto of 1905. The main concession was the election of a Duma via universal male suf frage. However, the tsar did not fulfil his commitments, and he continued to govern without the Duma . 22. Tsar Nicholas II Russian Social-Democratic Workers' Party Founded in 1898, it followed the Marxist ideology. In 19 03, it was divided into two groups: The Mensheviks were moderate and favoured a liberal regime that would make a gradual transition to socialism. The Bolsheviks led by V ladimir Lenin , were radicals, who rejected cooperation with the bourgeoisie and wanted to establish a proletarian dictatorship. Socialist Revolutionar y Party Founded in 19 05, it believed that peasants were the true revolutionar y force. It wanted to collectivise land . Alexander Kerensky was its main leader. Constitutional Democratic Party Founded in 19 05, it wanted to transform Russia into a constitutional monarchy. WORK WITH THE IMAGE Describe the symbols of power in the painting of Tsar Nicholas II. COMMUNICATION Explain the conditions that led to the Revolution of 1905. 38
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