In the Russo-Japanese War of 1905, Russia, a giant state, received a crushing defeat at the hands of Japan, a very small Asian power. The people realized that the Russian defeat was due to the lack of a well trained and a well-equipped army. Thus it became essential to end the Czarist regime.

The Revolution of 1905 gave the people a good experience in popular uprisings, strikes, lockouts and violent demonstrations against the Czarist government. Thus this Revolution could be regarded as the dress rehearsal for the major upheaval that was to follow in the future. This upheaval would eventually revolutionize the nation in the social, economic and political spheres.

Czar Nicholas II of Russia was under the influence of his Czarina Alexandra Fyodorovna. She in turn was under the sway of the wicked and notorious monk Rasputin, who claimed to have spiritual powers that could heal the young prince. The latter was suffering from an incurable disease. In order to please Rasputin, Czarina Alexandra used to interfere in the day-to-day administration of the state. Thus the ministers and high officials were appointed and dismissed on the careless advice of Rasputin, causing great discontent among the people. Though Rasputin was killed by the nobles in December 1916, the Czarinnobles in December 1916, the Czarina continued to influence the affairs of the state till the Revolution of 1917.

Exhibit 12.2
Nicholas II, The Last Tsar of Russia

The social, economic, political and psychological conditions in Russia had become so vulnerable that it only required a spark to cause the revolution. World War I was responsible in setting the ball of revolution rolling in Russia. Acute shortage of ammunition, poor generalship, lack of factories, demoralized soldiers, a corrupt government and high treason at all ranks, created a crisis in the state. The entire national life of the state was paralyzed. The peasants and workers denounced the war and the Czarist government. They held demonstrations and went on an indefinite strike. The peasants attacked and killed the Kulaks (rich peasants) and seized their lands. The heavy losses in battles, undermined the morale of the soldiers, who deserted the front and joined the peasants, factory workers and sailors in the revolution that began on March 12, 1917.

Index

12.0 - Introduction
12.1 Causes of theRussian Revolution
12.2 The Course of the Russian Revolution
12.3 Consequences and Significance of the Russian Revolution
12.4 Dates & Events
12.5 Points to Remember

Chapter 13