Russian Government Before the Revolution Absolute Monarchy  The Czar (Tsar) Until 1905, the Czar’s powers were unlimited Russia had no constitution, as well as no system of checks and balances to check the Czar’s power A strong, secret police force was used to control and terrorized the people.

Czar Nicholas II – The Last Czar of Russia Nicholas (II) Romanov was a vary harsh, but weak and incompetent ruler. Before the outbreak of World War I, the Russian economy was bankrupt because of the Russo-Japanese War, a result of a dispute over Manchuria (territory in China) with Japan. Not only did this war cause economic problems, but Russian and it’s navy had been humiliated by the small island nation of Japan. This left the people very dissatisfied. This event shook national confidence in Russia progress and the Czar. As a result of these feelings, Russia’s entry into WWI became very unpopular amongst the citizens.

Bloody Sunday (1905) January 22, 1905 The workers of St. Petersburg organized a peaceful demonstration to demand political and constitutional reform. 150,000 demonstrators, including whole families, led by an Orthodox priest, Father Georgi Gapon, marched through the city streets armed with a petition to be presented to the Czar. The peaceful protestors were fired upon. The Czar was not present in St. Petersburg to give the order, but he was held responsible. As a result of this event, the Russian people ultimately lost faith in the Czar from this moment on.

Russia and World War I As a result of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, Austria- Hungary and Germany keep the agreements of their alliance and rally against Serbia. Austria-Hungary then declared war on Serbia, causing Russia, Serbia’s ally and Slavic big brother to mobilize (prepare military for war). Germany demands Russia to stop, but they do not. As a result, Germany declares war on Russia and World War I is underway. Because of the unsuccessfulness of the Russo-Japanese War, Russia’s involvement is very unpopular with the people. The severe economic problems lead to the rationing of food to help the soldiers on the front, but ultimately leads to starvation back at home. Another problem that arises is that Czar Nicholas II left home to lead the troops in battle, leaving his even more incompetent wife, Czarina Alexandria, in charge, who takes advice from a unpopular, crazy monk named Rasputin.

February Revolution (1917) As a result of Russian involvement in the war, protests spread throughout St. Petersburg and the royal palace is eventually taken over. Czar Nicholas II rushes home to protect his family and ultimately abdicates (gives up) his throne to the Provisional Government, which is made up of the Duma (Russia’s Parliament), lead by Alexander Keresnky. The Provisional Government makes the unpopular decision to stay in the war.

October (Bolshevik) Revolution (1917) and the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk (1918) As a result, another revolution, lead by Communist leader Vladimir Lenin takes place. Lenin wins the support of the people, especially the peasants, by promising “Peace, Land, and Bread.” Just as promised, Lenin removes Russia from the war by accepting the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Germany.