2.7. Economic and social change under the PG

What was one major economic consequence of the war on Russia by February 1917?

• Severe inflation and goods shortage.
• Significant foreign investment.
• Surplus in agricultural production.
• Increase in the standard of living.

Answer explanation

Russia faced severe inflation and a shortage of goods, contributing to economic instability during this period.

How much did Russia's wartime foreign debts total by October 1917?

• 8 billion roubles.
• 20 billion roubles.
• 38 billion roubles.
• 3 billion roubles.

Answer explanation

By October 1917, Russia's wartime foreign debts had increased to more than 8 billion roubles.

What happened to the value of the rouble between February and October 1917?

• It became the strongest currency in Europe.
• It increased by 50%.
• It remained stable.
• It decreased significantly.

Answer explanation

The value of the rouble shrank from 30 pre-war kopecks to 6 or 7 kopecks, indicating severe devaluation.

What was a direct result of the Provisional Government's decision to increase the supply of banknotes?

• Encouragement of foreign investment.
• Increased faith in the currency.
• Stabilization of prices.
• Erosion of purchasing power.

Answer explanation

The increase in banknotes led to the erosion of the rouble's purchasing power, causing desperation among the populace.

By how much did economic output per head decrease from 1913 to 1917?

• One fifth.
• One half.
• One tenth.
• One quarter.

Answer explanation

Economic output per head fell by one fifth over the four years from 1913 to 1917.

What trend was observed regarding public debt during the Provisional Government period?

• It was eliminated entirely.
• It decreased significantly.
• It increased due to war expenditures.
• It remained unchanged.

Answer explanation

Public debt increased substantially as the Provisional Government had to finance war expenditures.

Which economic condition in Russia was notable by 1919?

• Export levels surpassed pre-war figures.
• Economic recovery was in full swing.
• Average economic levels seen only in the poorest countries.
• Russia became the world's largest economy.

Answer explanation

By 1919, Russia's economic levels had deteriorated to an average not seen in Europe since the Middle Ages.

What was referred to as the 'dance of the billions' during this period?

• The rapid increase in agricultural production.
• The decline in industrial output.
• The negotiation of foreign loans.
• The frenetic printing of paper money.

Answer explanation

The 'dance of the billions' referred to the large-scale printing of banknotes that occurred during and after the war.

What economic issue did Russia face by 1917 primarily due to territorial losses?

• Decrease in military spending
• Loss of access to vital industries
• Increased agricultural production
• Improved trade relations with Europe

Answer explanation

The loss of territories like Poland and Ukraine significantly affected Russia's economy.

Which social change was introduced by the Provisional Government during its time in power?

• Elimination of voting rights for women
• Reinstatement of censorship
• Restriction on working hours to eight hours a day
• Mandatory military service for all men

Answer explanation

The Provisional Government introduced shorter working days as part of their reforms.