To what extent did Russia undergo economic and political reform in 1906-14?

To what extent did Russia undergo economic and political reform in 1906-14?

1. Yes it did

   • 1906-October Manifesto published as a result of the 1905 revolution
     • A way to appease the peasants and appear as a revolutionary change
       • Political activity now legal, political parties now no longer needed to remain secret; freedom of speech also introduced with the introduction of a state elected Duma.
     • Truly changed very little, banned trade unions and newspapers, yet was a bad to make the peasants content and prevent chances of another revolution
   • Opening of the 3rd Duma Nov.1907-June 1912, real cooperation between the Duma and the Tsar
     • Resulted in social reforms being passed improving areas, e.g. schooling for all children, national insurance for industrial workers and modernised the armed services
       • Stolypin found 3rd Duma to be more cooperative, allowed to introduce his land reforms
       • 3rd Duma did question the Tsars ministers, especially over state finances
     • Predominantly right wing parties who supported the Tsar
       • Wouldn't try introduce laws to undermine him, huge change from first 2 Dumas
   • 4th Duma opened Nov. 1912-Aug. 1914, still voiced criticism of the Tsar's government
     • Introduced a welfare state to help ordinary people of Russia, main contribution

2. No it didn't

   • Dumas set up, powers seriously curtailed. Couldn't pass laws or control finance, and minister were still responsible to the Tsar and not the Duma.
     • First Duma was so short lived due to the passing of the fundamental laws
       • These gave power to the Tsar to dissolve the Duma at any point and take back full autocratic power in crisis of war.
         • Thus, hampering any political reform that was going to be made in this period.
     • Second Duma also dissolved
       • Due to high % of liberals & extremists that had been elected, seen as a threat to the Tsar
         • Immediately unpopular with Russian people, shown the superficial nature of the Oct. Manifesto reforms
           • Despite promising reform, little changed, Tsar implemented martial law within major cities to quell civil unrest, reversing back to how Russia was ruled before the revolution
     • Franchise limited, Tsar didn't like types of government being formed, so dismissed them, thus revolutionary parties boycotted the Duma, left being elected by a rich elite creating a pro-Tsar government.