Russia, 1861-1905

1. List the general goals of the:

a. socialists

The socialists sought the creation of a classless society, thus ending the exploitation of the workers and the working class.
b. liberal reformers

Liberal reformers believed that they could put in place western constitutional practices and the rule of law to solve Russia’s problems and correct the injustices of the past.

2. List three characteristics of serfs' lives.

The serfs were poor, they had to farm the land for the nobles, and they generally uneducated.

3. List four reforms of Tsar Alexander II.

Alexander II created more railways, liberated the serfs, relaxed censorship laws, and introduced jury trials.

4. Why did the populists go "to the people" in 1873-1874?

The populists went "to the people" in an attempt to form a connection with them and gain their support for a coup attempt.

5. List two consequences of the famine of 1891.

More than 500,000 peasants died of famine and disease, and many communities staged small revolutions.

6. Why was Karl Marx important to Russian intellectuals?

Karl Marx argued that through the efforts of the working class, a classless society would develop. His ideas also seemed to explain the causes of the famine.

7. What were the Goals and Methods of the following political groups in early twentieth century Russia? (see page 8 of the reading)
a. Liberal Democrats

Not Mentioned

b. Socialist Revolutionaries

The Socialist Revolutionaries wanted socialize all land and transferring it to the communes, and creating a democratic republic from the ashes of the monarchy.

c. Social Democrats

The Social Democrats wanted to turn Russia into a workers utopia.

8. How did Bloody Sunday change people's attitudes toward the Tsar?

People began to realize that he was an inneffective leader who didn't really care about his people.

9. List four reforms in Tsar Nicholas's October Manifesto.

Expanded civil liberties, a limited monarchy, a legislature elected by universal sufferage, and legalization of trade unions and political parties.