History
Why were there revolutionary disturbances in Russia in 1905? What were the demands of revolutionaries?
Answer
Following were the reasons of revolutionary disturbances in Russia in 1905:
- There was discontent among workers due to oppressive work conditions, low wages and housing problems.
- Peasants also faced challenges related to land ownership and economic hardship.
- There were strikes, protests, and the formation of soviets (democratic workers’ councils) in retaliation of oppressive steps of Tsar Nicholas II.
- The 1905 revolution played a crucial role in shaping Stalin’s political career and his association with the Bolsheviks. It was during this period that he began to emerge as a significant figure within the party
During the Russian Revolution of 1905, revolutionaries had several key demands as they pushed for political reforms and social change. There demands were:
- Revolutionaries sought to transform the Russian government from an autocracy into a constitutional monarchy.
- They demanded the establishment of a constitution that would limit the Tsar's absolute power and grant civil liberties to citizens.
- Workers, peasants, and intellectuals joined forces to demand better living conditions. They sought shorter working hours, improved wages, and better treatment in factories and other workplaces.
Related Questions
List two differences between the capitalist and socialist ideas of private property.
Imagine that a meeting has been called in your area to discuss the socialist idea of doing away with private property and introducing collective ownership. Write the speech you would make at the meeting if you are:
- a poor labourer working in the fields
- a medium-level landowner
- a house owner
The year is 1916. You are a general in the Tsar’s army on the eastern front. You are writing a report for the government in Moscow. In your report suggest what you think the government should do to improve the situation.
Look again at Source A and Box 1.
(a) List five changes in the mood of the workers.
(b) Place yourself in the position of a woman who has seen both situations and write an account of what has changed.
Box 1
Women in the February Revolution
'Women workers, often … inspired their male co-workers … At the Lorenz telephone factory, … Marfa Vasileva almost single handedly called a successful strike. Already that morning, in celebration of Women’s Day, women workers had presented red bows to the men … Then Marfa Vasileva, a milling machine operator stopped work and declared an impromptu strike. The workers on the floor were ready to support her … The foreman informed the management and sent her a loaf of bread. She took the bread but refused to go back to work. The administrator asked her again why she refused to work and she replied, “I cannot be the only one who is satiated when others are hungry”. Women workers from another section of the factory gathered around Marfa in support and gradually all the other women ceased working. Soon the men downed their tools as well and the entire crowd rushed onto the street.'
From: Choi Chatterji, Celebrating Women (2002).