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WorksheetsThe nature of government
Total questions: 60
Worksheet time: 38mins
How did Alexander II change central government?
Replaced the imperial chancellory with the committee of minsters, 13 men responsible for the administration of Russian affairs. It was inefficient as they communicated well and the system was efficient.
Replaced the imperial chancellory with the committee of minsters, 10 men responsible for the administration of Russian affairs. It was inefficient as they did not communicate with each other, leading to contradictory policies being followed.
Replaced the imperial chancellory with the committee of minsters, 13 men responsible for the administration of Russian affairs. It was inefficient as they did not communicate with each other, leading to contradictory policies being followed.
In 1864 Alexander set up the—Russia’s first elected local councils. They had no say in government and oversaw local issues such as the maintenance of roads. Set up Dumas in 1870 as town equivalents.
(a)
What other reforms did Alexander introduce?
Peasant reforms as after emancipation, land owners could no longer simply impose local justice. Set up open courts, better pay for judges, defense lawyers for the accused.
Economic reforms as after emancipation, land owners could no longer simply impose local justice. Set up open courts, better pay for judges, defense lawyers for the accused.
Social reforms as after emancipation, land owners could no longer simply impose social justice. Set up open courts, better pay for judges, defense lawyers for the accused.
Legal reforms as after emancipation, land owners could no longer simply impose local justice. Set up open courts, better pay for judges, defense lawyers for the accused.
Alexander reneged on legal reforms by setting up a separate department of the senate to try political cases in private in—but also replaced the third section with the softer okhrana.
1858
1868
1878
1888
Which tsar does this describe? He embraced change and realized he needed to bring modernization and reform from the top before it was forced through from the bottom. He wanted Russia to be modernized and respected by the west and for his people to have better lives, but had no intention of reducing his autocratic powers and became more reactionary after an assassination attempt in 1866.
Alexander I
Alexander II
Alexander III
Nicholas I
How did Alexander II’s assassination impact Alexander III?
He realized that his father had been assasinated because he had not gone far enough with his reforms. He chose to dedicate his rule to reforming.
he blamed the reforms for it. His rule is seen as reactionary as he put an end to many of his father’s reform and modeled his rule around pobedenostev’s teachings of orthodoxy, autocracy and nationality.
He blamed it on the Ukraine and embarked on a policy of oppressing the Ukraine through the creation of a man made famine.
Statute of state security, increased the power of the secret police, allowing them to arrest, question and imprison anyone they suspected might commit a crime. Set up new courts for political offenders outside of the legal system and dismissed liberal judges.
1881
1882
1883
1884
Alexander III introduced—to oversee the countryside and ensure peasant revolts were put down before they could pose any major threat- they were hugely unpopular.
(a)
In 1890 Alexander introduced the—act, greatly decreased the power of the—, decreased peasant representation, introduced provisional governors to oversee proceedings and allowed land captains to overrule any—decision.
Duma
Soviet
Sovnarkhom
Zemstva
What was at the center of Alexander III’s rule?
Russification, he saw the breakdown of the multi ethnic Ottoman Empire and was concerned by the formation of the new German empire.
Prussification, he saw the breakdown of the multi ethnic Ottoman Empire and was concerned by the formation of the new German empire.
Tsarissication, he saw the breakdown of the multi ethnic Ottoman Empire and was concerned by the formation of the new German empire.
Russian was made the official language of the whole empire, administration, education and government. Conversion to the— religion was encouraged and the ban on Ukrainian books was continued.
(a)
Which group did Alexander III hate and why?
The Muslims, he blamed them for the ignatiev memorandum which had gotten Russia involved in the Russo Turkish war and thought they were behind his father’s assassination.
The Slavs, he blamed them for the ignatiev memorandum which had gotten Russia involved in the Russo Turkish war and thought they were behind his father’s assassination.
The Poles, he blamed them for the ignatiev memorandum which had gotten Russia involved in the Russo Turkish war and thought they were behind his father’s assassination.
The Jews, he blamed them for the ignatiev memorandum which had gotten Russia involved in the Russo Turkish war and thought they were behind his father’s assassination.
May laws banned Jews from military, medical and governmental jobs, they were forced to keep their shops open on the sabbath, were banned from voting and were confined to the Pale of Settlement.
1880
1881
1882
1883
Pogroms were stirred up by groups such as the holy league, 1881 Kiev pogrom saw —deaths and —rapes, in 1891 10,000 Jews were evicted from Moscow.
(a)
Which tsar does this describe? Pledged to rule as his ‘late lamented father’ had, told zemstva delegates thar their hopes of a representative body were ‘senseless dreams.’ However, by 1905 his reign was in turmoil with peasants unrest, worker strikes and the war in japan.
Nicholas III
Nicholas II
Nicholas I
Alexander III
What did the unrest of Bloody Sunday culminate in?
The creation of the St. Petersburg soviet in October 1905, it called for a general strike and the country was left paralyzed, the tsar had no choice but to make concessions.
The creation of the St. Petersburg soviet in August 1905, it called for a general strike and the country was left paralyzed, the tsar had no choice but to make concessions.
The creation of the St. Petersburg soviet in September 1905, it called for a general strike and the country was left paralyzed, the tsar had no choice but to make concessions.
The creation of the St. Petersburg soviet in May 1905, it called for a general strike and the country was left paralyzed, the tsar had no choice but to make concessions.
The October manifesto promised the creation of the—, it banned the tsar from ruling by decree, gave people civil liberties and rights and promised the ending of redemption payments.
(a)
How did different groups react to the manifesto?
The Octoberists wanted to work with the tsar, the Kadets saw it as an important steppingstone to farther reforms and the radical left wing groups rejected it.
The kadets wanted to work with the tsar, the Octoberists saw it as an important steppingstone to farther reforms and the radical left wing groups rejected it.
The Novemberists wanted to work with the tsar, the Kadets saw it as an important steppingstone to farther reforms and the radical left wing groups rejected it.
What passed in 1906?
The fundamental laws, they took away the tsar’s autocratic power, allowed him to rule by decree and dismiss the duma at will. Each successive duma had less power and by 1914 they were completely unrepresentative of the Russian people.
The fundamental laws, they reasserted the tsar’s autocratic power, allowed him to rule by decree and dismiss the duma at will. Each successive duma had more power and by 1917 they were completely representative of the Russian people.
The fundamental laws, they reasserted the duma’s autocratic power, allowed it to rule by decree and dismiss the tsar at will. Each successive duma had less power and by 1914 they were completely unrepresentative of the Russian people.
The fundamental laws, they reasserted the tsar’s autocratic power, allowed him to rule by decree and dismiss the duma at will. Each successive duma had less power and by 1914 they were completely unrepresentative of the Russian people.
What happened to the first duma April-July 1906?
Concerned with property reform and dominated by radical whom Nicholas accused of illegal acts, allowing him to dissolve the duma.
Concerned with land reform and dominated by radical whom Nicholas accused of illegal acts, allowing him to dissolve the duma.
Concerned with legal reform and dominated by radical whom Nicholas accused of illegal acts, allowing him to dissolve the duma.
Concerned with election reform and dominated by radical whom Nicholas accused of illegal acts, allowing him to dissolve the duma.
Between the first and second duma—set up a speeded up trial system for radicals in the form of field court martials and Stolypin’s neckties.
Vyshnehgradsky
Stolypin
Pobedenostev
Witte
What happened to the second duma February-June 1907?
Was dominated by SRs and rightists whom the tsar continued to mistrust over land reforms. An SR was framed for organizing an army mutiny and it was dissolved.
Was dominated by SRs and leftists whom the tsar continued to mistrust over land reforms. An SD was framed for organizing an army mutiny and it was dissolved.
Was dominated by SDs and rightists whom the tsar continued to mistrust over land reforms. An SD was framed for organizing an army mutiny and it was dissolved.
Was dominated by SRs and rightists whom the tsar continued to mistrust over land reforms. An SD was framed for organizing an army mutiny and it was dissolved.
What happened to the third dime 1907-12?
Dominated by bolshevik supporters, was the most successful duma and introduced JPs, insurance schemes for workers and abolished land captains.
Dominated by tsarist supporters, was the most successful duma and introduced JPs, insurance schemes for workers and abolished land captains.
Dominated by menshevik supporters, was the most successful duma and introduced JPs, insurance schemes for workers and abolished land captains.
Dominated by SD supporters, was the most successful duma and introduced JPs, insurance schemes for workers and abolished land captains.
What happened to the forth duma 1912-17?
It coincided with the bloody sunday massacre and was instrumental in pressuring the tsar to abdicate. After war was declared in 1914, the socialists walked out of the duma and the remaining delegates formed the progressive bloc.
It coincided with Tambov goldfields massacre and was instrumental in pressuring the tsar to abdicate. After war was declared in 1914, the socialists walked out of the duma and the remaining delegates formed the progressive bloc.
It coincided with the Lena goldfields massacre and was instrumental in pressuring the tsar to abdicate. After war was declared in 1914, the socialists walked out of the duma and the remaining delegates formed the progressive bloc.
It coincided with the October revolution massacre and was instrumental in pressuring the tsar to abdicate. After war was declared in 1914, the socialists walked out of the duma and the remaining delegates formed the progressive bloc.
Who is this? A mystic who could apparently heal the tsar’s hemophiliac son alexi, he brought the family into disrepute as it was rumored he was directing affairs and policies and had a sexual relationship with the empress. In 1915 he was assassinated by prince Felix yussupov but the damage had already been done.
(a)
Nicholas II reintroduced— the amount of publicans tripled and proletariat newspapers such as kopek emerged, censorship was reintroduced during WWI as the tsar did not want people to see how badly Russia was doing.
(a)
Elections resulted in—SR votes and—Bolshevik votes so Lenin closed it down after only one day branding it bourgeoisie.
(a)
What were the first three Bolshevik decrees?
Decree on land- abolished property rights and redistributed land.
Decree on bread- redistribution of grain for peasants.
Decree on peace- started peace negotiations with the central powers.
Rights of the peoples of Russia- rights of self determination to national minorities.
What other reforms did the Bolsheviks pass?
They declared women equal, separated the church and state, abolished titles and introduced social insurance.
The declared women equal, united the church and state, abolished titles and introduced social insurance.
The declared women equal, separated the church and state, abolished titles and abolished social insurance.
The declared women equal, separated the church and state, introduced titles and introduced social insurance.
In—the Cheka was set up, it arrested members of other parties and closed down their newspapers. It created widespread fear as personal vendettas were carried out under the guise of preventing counter revolution.
December 1917
December 1920
November 1917
November 1918
What happened in 1918?
The red terror, carried out by the Cheka to farther Bolshevik control and eliminate opposition, death estimates range from 50,000 to 100,000.
The white terror, carried out by the Cheka to farther Bolshevik control and eliminate opposition, death estimates range from 50,000 to 100,000.
The yellow terror, carried out by the Cheka to farther Bolshevik control and eliminate opposition, death estimates range from 50,000 to 100,000.
The green terror, carried out by the Cheka to farther Bolshevik control and eliminate opposition, death estimates range from 50,000 to 100,000.
The red army was open to all but the bourgeoisie, it numbered over— soldiers were trained by ex tsarist officers and were indoctrinated with Bolshevik propaganda. It was controlled by Trotsky.
35 million
25 million
5 million
15 million
What happened to the justice system under Lenin?
It was abolished in November 1918 and replaced with revolutionary justice, any suspected of being bourgeoisie was liable for arrest.
It was abolished in December 1917 and replaced with revolutionary justice, any suspected of being bourgeoisie was liable for arrest.
It was abolished in November 1917 and replaced with revolutionary justice, any suspected of being bourgeoisie was liable for arrest.
It was abolished in December 1918 and replaced with revolutionary justice, any suspected of being bourgeoisie was liable for arrest.
What is this? The cabinet of the Soviet Union to create the USSR mad issue Bolshevik decrees.
(a)
Small group of elite Bolsheviks who dominated the central committee and formulated government policy. The orgburo organized party affairs, maintained order and dealt with opposition.
Politburo and Sovnarkhom
Orgburo and soviets
Politburo and orgburo
Soviet and politburo
What happened to the government during the civil war?
It became less centralized, nepotistic and hierarchal, those who found jobs as nomenclature were chosen because of their socio economic backgrounds.
It became more centralized, nepotistic and hierarchal, those who found jobs as nomenclature were chosen because of their socio economic backgrounds.
The Bolsheviks used propaganda such as the slogan—they used newspapers, posters and pamphlets and after Lenin’s death he was exalted as a god like figure with the development of the cult of personality.
(a)
In 1922 Stalin became—he used this bureaucratic post to get his supporters to positions of power, making it more likely he would emerge as Lenin’s successor.
Soviet dictator
Secretary of the communist party
Generalissimo
General security
What did Stalin want to continue?
Democratic centralism as it would allow him to impose his economic policies and crush discontent.
The role of the Cheka in crushing opposition.
The use of the cult of Lenin to farther his own authority as legitimate successor of Lenin.
The—was set up in 1938, it met twice a year and allowed delegates to learn of and debate government policies, the republics were also given the right to administer their own education systems. In reality, the Russian communists dominated and dissent was never tolerated.
(a)
When did the Stalin constitution pass?It gave freedom of speech and press, the right to work, the right to education and maintenance in old age and sickness so long as it was ‘in conformity with the interests of the working people’ it looked democratic, but was far from it.
1934
1933
1936
1935
Set up in 1921, responsible for the planned economy, outlining government policies and where state investment would go, it was crucial for the five year plans.
God’s plan
Gossip plan
Gosplan
Gooseplan
How did Stalin treat political institutions?
He worked to increase their power, the politburo met more frequently and power became condensed into smaller groups outside of it. He removed Trotsky, Bukharin and zinoviev from the politburo for disagreeing with his economic policies and filled it with supporters, allowing him to force through his agenda.
He worked to reduce their power, the orgburo met less frequently and power became condensed into smaller groups outside of it. He removed Trotsky, Bukharin and zinoviev from the orgburo for disagreeing with his economic policies and filled it with supporters, allowing him to force through his agenda.
He worked to reduce their power, the politburo met less frequently and power became condensed into smaller groups outside of it. He removed Trotsky, Bukharin and zinoviev from the politburo for disagreeing with his economic policies and filled it with supporters, allowing him to force through his agenda.
What was Stalin’s relationship with the politburo like?
They rarely challenged him, yet did not allow the execution of ryutin who had opposed Stalin in 1932, they forced him to lower the targets set by the second 5YP and Ordzhonikidze opposed Stalin’s use of terror in a meeting. Overall, they were weak in allowing Stalin to get away with virtually anything and many took full advantage of the powers he gave to them.
They rarely challenged him, yet did not allow the execution of trotsky who had opposed Stalin in 1932, they forced him to lower the targets set by the second 5YP and Ordzhonikidze opposed Stalin’s use of terror in a meeting. Overall, they were weak in allowing Stalin to get away with virtually anything and many took full advantage of the powers he gave to them.
They rarely challenged him, yet did not allow the execution of ryutin who had opposed Stalin in 1936, they forced him to lower the targets set by the second 5YP and Ordzhonikidze opposed Stalin’s use of terror in a meeting. Overall, they were weak in allowing Stalin to get away with virtually anything and many took full advantage of the powers he gave to them.
They rarely challenged him, yet did not allow the execution of ryutin who had opposed Stalin in 1932, they forced him to lower the targets set by the second 5YP and molotov opposed Stalin’s use of terror in a meeting. Overall, they were weak in allowing Stalin to get away with virtually anything and many took full advantage of the powers he gave to them.
What was Stalin’s relationship with local officials like?
When he thought they were implementing his policies well, he promoted them.
Many were not zealous enough in their imposition of collectivization, leading to conflict with Stalin. If he believed any individual was a threat to his power, they were executed.
Many were overzealous in their imposition of collectivization, leading to conflict with Stalin. If he believed any individual was a threat to his power, they were executed.
What is this? It built up Stalin as a god like figure through propaganda, he was painted as a father figure, teacher, genius and successor to Lenin.
(a)
What happened to the government during WWII?
Everything changed with the introduction of free speech and democracy.
Nothing changed as Stalin believed the only way to defeat the nazis was by keeping the economy the same.
It had to change with less of an emphasis on terror and greater focus on mobilizing resources, the supreme defense committee controlled war administration and the state command controlled the military.
It had to change with less of an emphasis on terror and greater focus on mobilizing resources, the state defense committee controlled war administration and the supreme command controlled the military.
What were 1945-53 known as?
High Stalinism, Stalin concentrated on consolidating his authority through terror, by 1949 he was becoming weak and reliant on divide and conquer tactics to spilt his rivals and a new generation of party members threatened his power.
High Leninism, Stalin concentrated on consolidating his authority through terror, by 1949 he was becoming weak and reliant on divide and conquer tactics to spilt his rivals and a new generation of party members threatened his power.
Low Stalinism, Stalin concentrated on consolidating his authority through terror, by 1949 he was becoming weak and reliant on divide and conquer tactics to spilt his rivals and a new generation of party members threatened his power.
Low leninism, Stalin concentrated on consolidating his authority through terror, by 1949 he was becoming weak and reliant on divide and conquer tactics to spilt his rivals and a new generation of party members threatened his power.
The—took place in 1951 and was a purge of the Georgian communist party which attacked Beria’s allies. Stalin changed the politburo by renaming it the praesidium and increasing members from 10 to 36.
(a)
What was suspected in 1953?
Stalin was planning a new purge, with doctors arrested for planning to assassinate him. This would act as the pretext to purge Jews in the USSR, Stalin died before this could happen.
Stalin was planning a new purge, with doctors arrested for planning to assassinate him. This would act as the pretext to purge Muslims in the USSR, Stalin died before this could happen.
Stalin was planning a new purge, with teachers arrested for planning to assassinate him. This would act as the pretext to purge Jews in the USSR, Stalin died before this could happen.
Stalin was planning a new purge, with doctors arrested for planning to assassinate him. This would act as the pretext to purge Chinese people in the USSR, Stalin died before this could happen.
In 1953 Khrushchev had—arrested and executed, but there were no large scale purges or killings.
(a)
What happened in 1956?
Khrushchev made his secret speech, denouncing Lenin, the use of terror and the cult of personality. Protests shook Tbilisi with 20 killed.
Khrushchev made his secret speech, denouncing Stalin, the use of terror and the cult of personality. Protests shook Tbilisi with 20 killed.
Khrushchev made his secret speech, denouncing Stalin, the use of terror and the cult of personality. Protests shook Tbilisi with 200 killed.
Khrushchev made his secret speech, denouncing Lenin, the use of terror and the cult of personality. Protests shook Tbilisi with 2000 killed.
What happened to the NKVD under Khrushchev?
It was put under the control of the CCP, became the KGB and lost its ability to try and sentence prisoners.
Its powers were greatly increased and a new purge was carried out with over 200,000 killed.
It was put under the control of the CPSU, became the KGB and lost its ability to try and sentence prisoners.
Who does this describe? He presented himself as a liberal reformist, he used the secret speech as the foundation for his policies, introducing reforms in agriculture, education and industry. He believed in peaceful coexistence with the west and better living conditions.
(a)
How did Khrushchev reform the justice system?
Put more prisoners in the gulags and gave more powers to the NKVD to arrest, imprison and exile people.
Freed prisoners from the gulags and posthumously rehabilitated 6 million people. The KGB was given greater powers and the Soviet Union began to resemble Stalin’s time in power.
Freed prisoners from the gulags and posthumously rehabilitated 6 million people. The KGB was subordinated to the central committee and trials now had to take place in legal courts.
When did Khrushchev reorganize the penal system with the introduction of colonies where dangerous and petty criminals were separated and prisoners were given education and training. Gulags were formally replaced by 4 types of colony in 1961.
1957
1950
1956
1951
Rule—was Introduced in 1961, it limited the terms that CPSU officials could hold to 4 terms of 4 years.
25
35
45
55
What is this an example of? Increased the role of economic councils and strengthened gosplan.
Centralization
Increased centralization
Decentralization
Hyper centralization
Decentralization enhanced the rights and responsibilities of—and revised the political and economic role of the party, created much resentment and opposition amongst party officials.
(a)
Khrushchev set up—economic councils to replace national ministries, they were intended to replace bureaucracy but merely created another layer of it!
109
100
110
105
