Causes of 1905 Revolution

Causes of 1905 Revolution

1. Long term causes

   • Social
     • 1892, 1898 & 1901 - Bad harvests causing widespread famine.
       • Peasants responded with violence.
         • Attacked government officials.
         • By 1905 - countryside on verge of revolution.
     • 80% of Russian people peasants.
       • Growing population meant less land for peasants
   • Political
     • 1905 - Autocracy with Tsar having all power.
     • Liberals - wanted share in power with parliament elected by wealthy men.
     • Social revolutionaries - give political power to the peasants.
     • Social democrats - new type of society giving power to workers and peasants
   • Economic
     • Spectacular growth 1890-1905
     • Witte - rapid industrialisation.
       • Rapid growth of population in towns and cities.
         • Peasants moved to find jobs.
       • Poor working and living conditions

2. Immediate causes

   • Russo-Japanese war
     • 1904-05 war over control of northern China and Korea.
     • Humiliating defeat.
       • Helped cause unrest against the government.
       • 27 May 1905. Battle of Tsushima
         • Lose 25 out of 35 ships to Japanese navy.
     • Prolonged revolution as many events of the war after start of rev.
       • Further defeats made gov. and Tsar look weaker and more encouragement for more rev.
   • Bloody Sunday
     • Peaceful demonstration led by Priests.
       • Asking for reforms - end war, 8 hour working day, higher pay and end to forced overtime.
     • Troops used to disperse demonstration.
     • Almost a thousand demonstrators killed.