Why did the Tsar Survive the 1905 Revolution?

Why did the Tsar Survive the 1905 Revolution?

1. Redemption Payments

   • Redemption payments cancelled in Nov 1905
   • Partly solved issue that Tsar wasn't providing for the peasants
   • Money retained could be used in a more practical way
     • E.g. landholdings, food
   • Ended violent attacks ('jacqueries')
   • Burden lifted

2. Black Hundreds

   • Govt sponsored 'Union of Russian People'
     • Attracted working class right wing men
       • Attacked liberals, socialists and Jews
         • Over 3000 killed 1905-6
           • Helped Tsar survive as it reinstated his authority
             • Implemented forced loyalty from the public
               • Forced to kiss Tsar's photo and sing National Anthem

3. End of the Russo-Japanese War

   • Treaty of Portsmouth ended war
     • Russia forced to give up Port Arthur and the southern part of Saikhalin to Japan
   • After war, troops returned to cities to restore order
     • Killed over 1000 in general strike
   • Food Supplies no longer bypassing cities
     • Less anger - standards somewhat returning

4. Army support and the Okhrana

   • Army remained loyal to the Tsar
     • Crushed riots, uprisings
     • Exiled/Executed
   • Okhrana used to repress/eradicate remaining political opponents
     • Mass arrests
     • By 1917, most Bolsheviks were in exile and the SRs had collapsed

5. Problems with the Revolutionary Movement

   • Army used as a weapon to stifle uprising
     • Placed restrictions on public
   • No united aim
     • Different groups wanted different things
       • SRs - Peasant ownership of land
       • SDs - Removal of the Tsar
       • Caused in-fighting
     • Lack of central co-ordination

6. October Manifesto

   • Satisfied majority of the population
   • Enabled Tsar to regain control of Russia
   • Provided public with what they wanted
     • Revolution was unneeded
   • Dumas
     • More democratic
       • Tsar stepping down from role of complete power
       • Idea of constitutionary monarchy
         • Seen in other countries
         • Russia = developing
     • Largest political reform
     • Universal franchise
       • People given voice
       • Never seen before
     • Revolutionaries lost support and were isolated