1. Why was collectivization necessary?
The land could be used more efficiently, the gov. could collect the grain more easily. Experts could help peasants farm in more modern ways via the MTS station. Mechanization would allow less peasants to farm the land, freeing them for factory work.
2. What is a kolkhoz?
A collective farm where all of the farm equipment and all of the land is held in common. Each family gets 1 acre for private use.
3. Who is a kulak?
A richer or more successful peasant
4. How were the kulaks dealt with by the government?
They were made to pay higher taxes. Activists were sent to get peasant support against the kulaks. The twenty-five-thousanders attacked Kulaks. There were cases of blackmail, and many just abandoned their homes or killed themeselves.
5. How did the peasants resist collectivization? What happened as a result?
They killed all of their excess livestock and burned their excess crops. As a result there was a famine.
Examine the collective farm as illustrated in the reading, "A plan of a collective farm." Answer the following question:
6. What is a MTS Station?
Machine and Tractor Station
7. What were the dual purposes of the MTS Stations?
To maintain and hire out tractors, and so the party could keep an eye on the peasants and make sure they hand over their quota of grain.
8. How did a kolkhoz work and what was its relationship with the nearby town and its MTS?
Peasants were paid according to the number of "workdays" which they worked. The more you worked, the more money you were alotted from the farm's profit. The first priority of the kolkhoz was to fulfill its quota. The peasants sold excess produce from their private plots at the market. This provided the towns people with most of their milk, eggs, butter, and produce. The MTS made sure the kolkhozs fulilled their quotas. A kolkhoz had to pay 20% of its produce to be allowed to use the MTS.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Lenin Between the Revolutions
1. Using Documents C, D, and E (page 2 - all numbers referred to are the big hand written page numbers) explain how Lenin and Stalin worked to secure the supremacy of the party.
Lenin secured the supremacy of the party by making it more cohesive. He made it illegal to say anything bad about the party. So by limiting the freedom of speech, he also suppressed his enemies. Document D shows that Stalin believes in order for the party to become strong it must purge itself of reformists and opportunists. These are probably just people who STalin does not like. Souce E is Bolshevik propaganda showing two men (labeled Mensheviks and Social Revolutionaries) trying to hold back a large man who represent the revolution. The message is that the Mensheviks and Social Revolutionaries were enemies of the revolution.
2. In what ways do Documents A, B and C (pages 3 - 4) support the assertion made in Document C that "Lenin wanted power, Lenin's rivals did not want it"?
Document A shows that Lenin wanted power. The whole document is about how Lenin will get power and the Provisonal government should be ignored. So clearly he wants to be in power. According to Document B shows that the rest of the Petrograd Soviet does not want power. It is essentially saying that the Provisional Government can keep ruling as long asa it gives up territorial expansion. Document C definitely supports the assertion. It shows that the Mensheviks thought there was no party willing to take power, but Lenin wanted it.
3. What can be inferred from Document D (page 4) about the following?
a: Why soldiers wanted to go home
They were mistreated, and they no longer wanted to fight. They just wanted freedom and land. They wanted to go home and be peaceful and they no longer cared for the state.
b: Why the soldiers now supported the Bolsheviks.
The Bolsheviks promised Peace Bread and Land. Those were the exact things that the soldiers wanted
Lenin secured the supremacy of the party by making it more cohesive. He made it illegal to say anything bad about the party. So by limiting the freedom of speech, he also suppressed his enemies. Document D shows that Stalin believes in order for the party to become strong it must purge itself of reformists and opportunists. These are probably just people who STalin does not like. Souce E is Bolshevik propaganda showing two men (labeled Mensheviks and Social Revolutionaries) trying to hold back a large man who represent the revolution. The message is that the Mensheviks and Social Revolutionaries were enemies of the revolution.
2. In what ways do Documents A, B and C (pages 3 - 4) support the assertion made in Document C that "Lenin wanted power, Lenin's rivals did not want it"?
Document A shows that Lenin wanted power. The whole document is about how Lenin will get power and the Provisonal government should be ignored. So clearly he wants to be in power. According to Document B shows that the rest of the Petrograd Soviet does not want power. It is essentially saying that the Provisional Government can keep ruling as long asa it gives up territorial expansion. Document C definitely supports the assertion. It shows that the Mensheviks thought there was no party willing to take power, but Lenin wanted it.
3. What can be inferred from Document D (page 4) about the following?
a: Why soldiers wanted to go home
They were mistreated, and they no longer wanted to fight. They just wanted freedom and land. They wanted to go home and be peaceful and they no longer cared for the state.
b: Why the soldiers now supported the Bolsheviks.
The Bolsheviks promised Peace Bread and Land. Those were the exact things that the soldiers wanted
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Lenin in Power 2
1. Read Source 20. What aspects of War Communism are the sailors most angry about? Would you expect peasants in Russia to feel the same?
The soldiers were angry about the actions of the Cheka and their lack of freedom. The peasants probably felt the same, they were just too afraid to say so, because they would be arrested by the Cheka.
2. Does the evidence of Source 23 prove the NEP was a success? Explain your answer with reference to Sources 22, 24 and 25.
To a certain extent. Although production under the NEP was greater than with war communism, according to 25, conditions in factories did not improve much.
3. From all you have found about Lenin, do you agree with Source 26? Why or why not?
I agree that he really changed the 20th century, and I agree that he was great, but not good. I don't think he really had the workers in mind in his rule. I think he was just pursuing the idea of communism because he thought it was cool, not because he really wanted to improve the conditions of the common people.
How did the Bolsheviks consolidate their rule?
4. Write an explanation of how the Bolsheviks made their rule more secure. Mention the following:
The power of the Red Army P
Treatment of oppostion P
War Communism P
The New Economic Policy P
The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk P
The victory in the Civil War P
The Promise of a new society P
Propaganda P
Is any one of the above factors more important than any of the others? Explain.
To consolidate their rule the Bolsheviks needed to get rid of the opposition, and get the people on their side. The Bolsheviks were able to get rid of the opposition (the Whites), because they had a very organized army. The Red Army was much more powerful and organized than the white armies. The Red Army supported itself through War Communism. The Army and Cheka were ruthless in arresting or hanging anyone who disagreed with them.
To be completely secure, the Bolsheviks also wanted to get the people on their side. FIrst, they had to end the war with Germany, which they did in the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk. In the resulting civil war, the Bolsheviks used propaganda and the promise of a new society. The Bolsheviks reminded the peasants of the terrible conditions they endured under the Tsar, and said the Tsar would return if the Whites won. However, the policy of war communism was creating a famine and also the Kronstadt rebellion. So Lenin introduced the New Economic Policy to increase production.
The soldiers were angry about the actions of the Cheka and their lack of freedom. The peasants probably felt the same, they were just too afraid to say so, because they would be arrested by the Cheka.
2. Does the evidence of Source 23 prove the NEP was a success? Explain your answer with reference to Sources 22, 24 and 25.
To a certain extent. Although production under the NEP was greater than with war communism, according to 25, conditions in factories did not improve much.
3. From all you have found about Lenin, do you agree with Source 26? Why or why not?
I agree that he really changed the 20th century, and I agree that he was great, but not good. I don't think he really had the workers in mind in his rule. I think he was just pursuing the idea of communism because he thought it was cool, not because he really wanted to improve the conditions of the common people.
How did the Bolsheviks consolidate their rule?
4. Write an explanation of how the Bolsheviks made their rule more secure. Mention the following:
The power of the Red Army P
Treatment of oppostion P
War Communism P
The New Economic Policy P
The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk P
The victory in the Civil War P
The Promise of a new society P
Propaganda P
Is any one of the above factors more important than any of the others? Explain.
To consolidate their rule the Bolsheviks needed to get rid of the opposition, and get the people on their side. The Bolsheviks were able to get rid of the opposition (the Whites), because they had a very organized army. The Red Army was much more powerful and organized than the white armies. The Red Army supported itself through War Communism. The Army and Cheka were ruthless in arresting or hanging anyone who disagreed with them.
To be completely secure, the Bolsheviks also wanted to get the people on their side. FIrst, they had to end the war with Germany, which they did in the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk. In the resulting civil war, the Bolsheviks used propaganda and the promise of a new society. The Bolsheviks reminded the peasants of the terrible conditions they endured under the Tsar, and said the Tsar would return if the Whites won. However, the policy of war communism was creating a famine and also the Kronstadt rebellion. So Lenin introduced the New Economic Policy to increase production.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Lenin in power
Lenin in Power Labels: Lenin, Sovnarkom, Cheka, Brest-Litovsk, Russian_Civil_War, White_Army, Red_Army
1. What was the Sovnarkom?
The Council Of peoples' commissars
2. Why was the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk bad for Russia?
Russia lost 34% of its population, 32% of its agricultural land, 54% of its industry, 26% of its railways and 89% of its coal mines
3. Who were the "Whites"?
Anyone who did not like the Bolsheviks, including Britain, USA, Japan and France.
4.. Read Source 3. What evidence does it provide of Lenin's
a) political skill
Source 3 shows that Lenin is very aware of what his enemies are trying to do, and he is trying to stop it.
b) ruthlessness
Lenin is willing to use "special methods" which probably means assassinatating everyone.
5. Use Sources 5 and 7 to describe how the Civil War affected ordinary peopl
The civil war affected most people negatively. Many innocent people were killed by both sides. Most people probabley hated each side equally, although source 5 says that pesants hated the Bolsheviks. I think the pesants really did not care which side one, because both sides were taking their food, and killing them, and either way they would be oppressed.
6. "Most Russians saw the Bolsheviks as the lesser of two evils." With reference to Sources 5, 7, 13 and 16 explain whether or not you agree with this statement or not.
I agree with this statement. Most Russians, although they did not like having their grain taken away, really did not want the Tsar or the landlords back in power. They had just revolted in February, so they clearly did not want the Tsar to come back. Also, according to source 16, the Whites killed many more peasents then the Reds.
1. What was the Sovnarkom?
The Council Of peoples' commissars
2. Why was the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk bad for Russia?
Russia lost 34% of its population, 32% of its agricultural land, 54% of its industry, 26% of its railways and 89% of its coal mines
3. Who were the "Whites"?
Anyone who did not like the Bolsheviks, including Britain, USA, Japan and France.
4.. Read Source 3. What evidence does it provide of Lenin's
a) political skill
Source 3 shows that Lenin is very aware of what his enemies are trying to do, and he is trying to stop it.
b) ruthlessness
Lenin is willing to use "special methods" which probably means assassinatating everyone.
5. Use Sources 5 and 7 to describe how the Civil War affected ordinary peopl
The civil war affected most people negatively. Many innocent people were killed by both sides. Most people probabley hated each side equally, although source 5 says that pesants hated the Bolsheviks. I think the pesants really did not care which side one, because both sides were taking their food, and killing them, and either way they would be oppressed.
6. "Most Russians saw the Bolsheviks as the lesser of two evils." With reference to Sources 5, 7, 13 and 16 explain whether or not you agree with this statement or not.
I agree with this statement. Most Russians, although they did not like having their grain taken away, really did not want the Tsar or the landlords back in power. They had just revolted in February, so they clearly did not want the Tsar to come back. Also, according to source 16, the Whites killed many more peasents then the Reds.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
October 1917 Revolution
How effective was the Provisional Government?
1. Here is a list of some decisions that faced the Provisional Government when it took over in March 1917:
-- What to do about the war: Continued to fight with Germany. Soldiers began to desert. Army falling apart against German counter-attack.
-- What to do about land: Told the peasents to wait. Peasents start taking control of the countryside. Soldiers rush home to claim land.
-- What to do about food: No support from peasents, therefore no food.
For each one, say how the government dealt with it, and what the result of the action was.
2. Look for evidence in the reading of how the actions of its opponents harmed the Provisional Government:
-- Members of the soviets
-- Bolsheviks: July Days rebellion
-- General Kornilov: Tried to destroy the government
3. Based on your answers to questions 1 & 2, how effective do you think the Provisional Government was? Your answer should be at least two paragraphs. Make sure you provide key details and analysis.
The Provisional government was not effective. It failed at the three main problems facing it: the war, land, and food for the people. The provisional government wanted to continue the war with Germany. However many soldiers were desterting. Kerensky tried to raise morale by having an offensive, but it was a disaster. The Germans then counterattacked, and there was even more deserting. The deserters returned to their farm to claim land.
The Provisional government also failed at dividing land among the peasents. Rather than wait for the Provisional Government to do it for them, many peasents began claiming land themselves. This demonstrates the PG's powerlessness.
The PG also failed to supply people with food. Because they PG tried to stop the peasents from getting land, it had angered them. The PG could not get food into the cities, which also angered the workers.
Read the .pdf file Lenin & Trotsky, then:
The Appeal of Lenin and Trotsky
1. Using Sources 42 - 44, and the Profile of Lenin, add extra details to the profile of Lenin:
-- Why Lenin appealed to people: He did not look like an intellectual. He looked like a normal person. Brilliant speeches.
-- His personal qualities: "Iron will," ambitious, used people as tools to accomplish his goals.
-- His strengths as a leader: graduated from St. Petersburg University. Led Bolsheviks to power in 1917. Organized Bolsheviks. Often worked behind the scenes.
2. Using Sources 45 - 47, and the Profile of Trotsky, add extra details to the profile of Trotsky:
-- Why Trotsky appealed to people: Spoke to the people using examples that they could understand. Great orator, very intelligent. Some people thought of him as the leader of the revolution.
-- His personal qualities: brilliant, great writer and orator
-- His strengths as a leader: played a key role in the Bolshevik revolution 1917, 1918 as Commissar of War, led Bolsheviks to victory in the Civil War.
3. Finally, write a short report on the contribution of each individual to the Bolsheviks' success in 1917.
Lenin convinced other Bolshevik leaders that they should revolutionize. Trotsky led the Red Guards and took control of Petrograd.
1. Here is a list of some decisions that faced the Provisional Government when it took over in March 1917:
-- What to do about the war: Continued to fight with Germany. Soldiers began to desert. Army falling apart against German counter-attack.
-- What to do about land: Told the peasents to wait. Peasents start taking control of the countryside. Soldiers rush home to claim land.
-- What to do about food: No support from peasents, therefore no food.
For each one, say how the government dealt with it, and what the result of the action was.
2. Look for evidence in the reading of how the actions of its opponents harmed the Provisional Government:
-- Members of the soviets
-- Bolsheviks: July Days rebellion
-- General Kornilov: Tried to destroy the government
3. Based on your answers to questions 1 & 2, how effective do you think the Provisional Government was? Your answer should be at least two paragraphs. Make sure you provide key details and analysis.
The Provisional government was not effective. It failed at the three main problems facing it: the war, land, and food for the people. The provisional government wanted to continue the war with Germany. However many soldiers were desterting. Kerensky tried to raise morale by having an offensive, but it was a disaster. The Germans then counterattacked, and there was even more deserting. The deserters returned to their farm to claim land.
The Provisional government also failed at dividing land among the peasents. Rather than wait for the Provisional Government to do it for them, many peasents began claiming land themselves. This demonstrates the PG's powerlessness.
The PG also failed to supply people with food. Because they PG tried to stop the peasents from getting land, it had angered them. The PG could not get food into the cities, which also angered the workers.
Read the .pdf file Lenin & Trotsky, then:
The Appeal of Lenin and Trotsky
1. Using Sources 42 - 44, and the Profile of Lenin, add extra details to the profile of Lenin:
-- Why Lenin appealed to people: He did not look like an intellectual. He looked like a normal person. Brilliant speeches.
-- His personal qualities: "Iron will," ambitious, used people as tools to accomplish his goals.
-- His strengths as a leader: graduated from St. Petersburg University. Led Bolsheviks to power in 1917. Organized Bolsheviks. Often worked behind the scenes.
2. Using Sources 45 - 47, and the Profile of Trotsky, add extra details to the profile of Trotsky:
-- Why Trotsky appealed to people: Spoke to the people using examples that they could understand. Great orator, very intelligent. Some people thought of him as the leader of the revolution.
-- His personal qualities: brilliant, great writer and orator
-- His strengths as a leader: played a key role in the Bolshevik revolution 1917, 1918 as Commissar of War, led Bolsheviks to victory in the Civil War.
3. Finally, write a short report on the contribution of each individual to the Bolsheviks' success in 1917.
Lenin convinced other Bolshevik leaders that they should revolutionize. Trotsky led the Red Guards and took control of Petrograd.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Lenin and the Bolsheviks Take Power
1. Why was Lenin reluctant to compromise with the Mensheviks or Socialist Revolutionaries?
He thought their willingness to compromise with the provisional government would ruin his revolutionary agenda.
2. List two reasons why the Provisional Government under Kerensky could not govern.
He was trusted by neither the liberal democrats or the socialists. There was also a coup attempted by Kornilov.
3. The Bolsheviks did not have a majority at the Congress of Soviets after the October Revolution. How did they manage to assume power?
The SR's and Mensheviks walked out of the congress in protest of the over-throw of the provisional government. The Bolsheviks had the conference without them.
4. What did the Bolsheviks have to give up in order to get out of World War I? What was the name of the Treaty?
Russia lost Poland, Ukraine, Finland, and the Baltic states in the treaty of Brest-Litovsk.
5. What was the Checka?
All-Russian Extraordinary Commission for Struggle Against Counter-revolution
6. What supporters joined the Red Army? White Army?
Former members of the middle and upper class joined the white army, as well as former officers in the Tsar's army
7. How many Russians died during the Civil War? How many emigrated to other countries?
13 million Russians died, 2 million emigrated.
He thought their willingness to compromise with the provisional government would ruin his revolutionary agenda.
2. List two reasons why the Provisional Government under Kerensky could not govern.
He was trusted by neither the liberal democrats or the socialists. There was also a coup attempted by Kornilov.
3. The Bolsheviks did not have a majority at the Congress of Soviets after the October Revolution. How did they manage to assume power?
The SR's and Mensheviks walked out of the congress in protest of the over-throw of the provisional government. The Bolsheviks had the conference without them.
4. What did the Bolsheviks have to give up in order to get out of World War I? What was the name of the Treaty?
Russia lost Poland, Ukraine, Finland, and the Baltic states in the treaty of Brest-Litovsk.
5. What was the Checka?
All-Russian Extraordinary Commission for Struggle Against Counter-revolution
6. What supporters joined the Red Army? White Army?
Former members of the middle and upper class joined the white army, as well as former officers in the Tsar's army
7. How many Russians died during the Civil War? How many emigrated to other countries?
13 million Russians died, 2 million emigrated.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Russia: Revolutionary Period, 1905-1917
1. Peter Stolypin believed that the crown's survival depended on what two factors?
restoration of order, and cooperation with the duma.
2. What was the "Stolypin's necktie"?
a noose
3. Economic conditions between 1910 and 1914 in Russia were mixed.
a. What are examples of the postive economic conditions?
Renewed growth of foreign and Russian industries. Increase in iron and coal production. Russia was world's largest grain exporter.
b. What are examples of negative economic conditions?
nine thousand strikes. 17,000 peasant disturbances.
4. List three ways that Russia financed its costs during World War I.
increasing taxes, foreign loans, increasing supply of paper money 6X
5. Why was Rasputin an important figure? How was he regarded by many Russians?
He was the spiritual guru of the Tzar and the Tzarina. Most Russian hated him or were suspicious of him, do to his lewd behavior and wild orgies.
6. List two reasons why workers called for a change of government in the winter of 1916-17.
There were famines and people were starving. It was also a very cold winter and there was a shortage of fuel.
7. Why was the soldiers' mutiny of February 27 so important?
The soldier's mutiny showed that even the soldier's, whose job it is to protect the country, no longer supported the Tsar.
8. How did the Soviet gain the loyality of the soldiers?
The Soviet promised that the soldiers would not be in trouble, and would be immune.
9. List five of the political reforms of the Provisional Government.
outlawed capital punishment, reformed judicial system, granted freedom of assembly, press, speech, and universal suffrage.
restoration of order, and cooperation with the duma.
2. What was the "Stolypin's necktie"?
a noose
3. Economic conditions between 1910 and 1914 in Russia were mixed.
a. What are examples of the postive economic conditions?
Renewed growth of foreign and Russian industries. Increase in iron and coal production. Russia was world's largest grain exporter.
b. What are examples of negative economic conditions?
nine thousand strikes. 17,000 peasant disturbances.
4. List three ways that Russia financed its costs during World War I.
increasing taxes, foreign loans, increasing supply of paper money 6X
5. Why was Rasputin an important figure? How was he regarded by many Russians?
He was the spiritual guru of the Tzar and the Tzarina. Most Russian hated him or were suspicious of him, do to his lewd behavior and wild orgies.
6. List two reasons why workers called for a change of government in the winter of 1916-17.
There were famines and people were starving. It was also a very cold winter and there was a shortage of fuel.
7. Why was the soldiers' mutiny of February 27 so important?
The soldier's mutiny showed that even the soldier's, whose job it is to protect the country, no longer supported the Tsar.
8. How did the Soviet gain the loyality of the soldiers?
The Soviet promised that the soldiers would not be in trouble, and would be immune.
9. List five of the political reforms of the Provisional Government.
outlawed capital punishment, reformed judicial system, granted freedom of assembly, press, speech, and universal suffrage.
Russian Revolution 1900-1917
1. Modernization was needed to make Russia a world power and increase its military strength. Also, industrialization would prevent peasants from starving, and factories would give unemployed people places to work.
2. IF all the peasents lived in cities, it would be easier for them to make a concerted revolt. The peasents might need to be better educated, which made them more likely to challenge the Tzar. Most industrialized countries at the time had parliaments.
3. Witte invested in railways and other industries.
4. It was not successful because in 1902 there were peasent revolts and there was wide-spread violence due to a bad harvest.
1. Longterm causes: Alienated intelligentsia, revolutionaries, opression of minorities, opression of peasents, and oppression of workers. SHort-term causes: Bloody sunday
2. The catalyst for the 1905 revolution was the Russo-Japanese war. The war caused shortages in food and fuel, as well as high prices and unemployment.
3. Wide-spread strikes throughout the country forced it to a stand-still. The Tsar had lost control of the country.
4. A parliament that would be elected by the people, civil rights, the right to form political parties, an end to press censorship.
a)duma
b)the duma was fake,
2. IF all the peasents lived in cities, it would be easier for them to make a concerted revolt. The peasents might need to be better educated, which made them more likely to challenge the Tzar. Most industrialized countries at the time had parliaments.
3. Witte invested in railways and other industries.
4. It was not successful because in 1902 there were peasent revolts and there was wide-spread violence due to a bad harvest.
1. Longterm causes: Alienated intelligentsia, revolutionaries, opression of minorities, opression of peasents, and oppression of workers. SHort-term causes: Bloody sunday
2. The catalyst for the 1905 revolution was the Russo-Japanese war. The war caused shortages in food and fuel, as well as high prices and unemployment.
3. Wide-spread strikes throughout the country forced it to a stand-still. The Tsar had lost control of the country.
4. A parliament that would be elected by the people, civil rights, the right to form political parties, an end to press censorship.
a)duma
b)the duma was fake,
Monday, October 4, 2010
Russia, 1861-1905
1. List the general goals of the:
a. socialists
many different goals. A classless society, give the land and industry to government.
b. liberal reformers
wanted to create western constitution and rule of law
2. List three characteristics of serfs' lives.
Lasted an average of 35 years. Communes consisted of between four and 80 households. Needs of family before needs of individual.
3. List four reforms of Tsar Alexander II.
Abolished serfdom, introduced jury trials, relaxed censorship laws, created local elected assemblies called "zemstvos"
4. Why did the populists go "to the people" in 1873-1874?
They thought they could convince the "simple folk" to revolt against the government.
5. List two consequences of the famine of 1891.
.5 million peasents died. The famine created an awakening among Russian intellectuals.
6. Why was Karl Marx important to Russian intellectuals?
It was one of the only books the Russian Censors ignored. His ideas offered an explanation for the causes of the famine. Intellectuals believed his ideas could Europeanize Russia.
7. What were the Goals and Methods of the following political groups in early twentieth century Russia? (see page 8 of the reading)
a. Liberal Democrats
Wanted a European style government with more rights for the people. They came largely of the middle class.
b. Socialist Revolutionaries
They wanted to socialize all land and transfer it to the communes and create a social democracy. Supported violent revolution.
c. Social Democrats
Believed in Marxism, wanted a workers revolution. Split into two parties: the Mensheviks and Bolsheviks.
8. How did Bloody Sunday change people's attitudes toward the Tsar?
They no longer saw him as a benevolent protector of the people. The people wanted revolution.
9. List four reforms in Tsar Nicholas's October Manifesto.
a limited monarchy, legislature elected by universal suffrage, expansion of civil liberties, legalization of trade unions and political parties.
a. socialists
many different goals. A classless society, give the land and industry to government.
b. liberal reformers
wanted to create western constitution and rule of law
2. List three characteristics of serfs' lives.
Lasted an average of 35 years. Communes consisted of between four and 80 households. Needs of family before needs of individual.
3. List four reforms of Tsar Alexander II.
Abolished serfdom, introduced jury trials, relaxed censorship laws, created local elected assemblies called "zemstvos"
4. Why did the populists go "to the people" in 1873-1874?
They thought they could convince the "simple folk" to revolt against the government.
5. List two consequences of the famine of 1891.
.5 million peasents died. The famine created an awakening among Russian intellectuals.
6. Why was Karl Marx important to Russian intellectuals?
It was one of the only books the Russian Censors ignored. His ideas offered an explanation for the causes of the famine. Intellectuals believed his ideas could Europeanize Russia.
7. What were the Goals and Methods of the following political groups in early twentieth century Russia? (see page 8 of the reading)
a. Liberal Democrats
Wanted a European style government with more rights for the people. They came largely of the middle class.
b. Socialist Revolutionaries
They wanted to socialize all land and transfer it to the communes and create a social democracy. Supported violent revolution.
c. Social Democrats
Believed in Marxism, wanted a workers revolution. Split into two parties: the Mensheviks and Bolsheviks.
8. How did Bloody Sunday change people's attitudes toward the Tsar?
They no longer saw him as a benevolent protector of the people. The people wanted revolution.
9. List four reforms in Tsar Nicholas's October Manifesto.
a limited monarchy, legislature elected by universal suffrage, expansion of civil liberties, legalization of trade unions and political parties.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
What caused WWI and who was to blame?
A: Alliance System
Because all of the great powers in Europe were allied with each other, it created a situation in which if one power attacked another, all the others would have to get involved in a war.
B: Colonial Rivalry
Colonial rivalry caused tension between the powers. For example, initially France and Britain argued a lot about their African colonies. Later, Germany created tension with Britain by supporting the Boer settlers in South Africa.
C: Naval Race
Germany believed to be a great empire it needed a large navy. It wanted a navy 2/3 the size of GB. However, Britain wanted to have a navy at least double the size of Germany's, so this created a naval race, and a lot of tensions between the countries.
D: Economic Rivalry
Germany's businessmen wanted to go to war with Briation because britain controlled about half of the tonnage of merchant ships.
E: Russia Supported Serbia
Made Russia more agressively anti-Austrian. Russia wanted to be the leader of the Slavs, and felt a responsibility to protect Serbia from A-H.
F: Germany Backing Austria at Crucial
Kaiser told A-H that Germany would give full support if A-H attacked Serbia. "Blank check"
G: Mobilization Plans
The Germans had a plan (Schlieffen Plan) to defeat France and Russia in one fell swoop. This plan does not leave any time for negotiation, and also involves a German of invasion of Belgiun (which violates Belgian neutrality, and forced GB into the war).
H: A "Tragedy of Miscalculation"
Various mistakes contributed to war:
-Austrians thought Russia would not support Serbia
-Germany gave Austria a blank check, forcing it into an uneccessary war.
-Politicians in Russia and Germany thought mobilization did not mean war
-Generals believed in a swift and decisize victory.
Because all of the great powers in Europe were allied with each other, it created a situation in which if one power attacked another, all the others would have to get involved in a war.
B: Colonial Rivalry
Colonial rivalry caused tension between the powers. For example, initially France and Britain argued a lot about their African colonies. Later, Germany created tension with Britain by supporting the Boer settlers in South Africa.
C: Naval Race
Germany believed to be a great empire it needed a large navy. It wanted a navy 2/3 the size of GB. However, Britain wanted to have a navy at least double the size of Germany's, so this created a naval race, and a lot of tensions between the countries.
D: Economic Rivalry
Germany's businessmen wanted to go to war with Briation because britain controlled about half of the tonnage of merchant ships.
E: Russia Supported Serbia
Made Russia more agressively anti-Austrian. Russia wanted to be the leader of the Slavs, and felt a responsibility to protect Serbia from A-H.
F: Germany Backing Austria at Crucial
Kaiser told A-H that Germany would give full support if A-H attacked Serbia. "Blank check"
G: Mobilization Plans
The Germans had a plan (Schlieffen Plan) to defeat France and Russia in one fell swoop. This plan does not leave any time for negotiation, and also involves a German of invasion of Belgiun (which violates Belgian neutrality, and forced GB into the war).
H: A "Tragedy of Miscalculation"
Various mistakes contributed to war:
-Austrians thought Russia would not support Serbia
-Germany gave Austria a blank check, forcing it into an uneccessary war.
-Politicians in Russia and Germany thought mobilization did not mean war
-Generals believed in a swift and decisize victory.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Churchill criticizes the German Fleet
Questions:
1. Explain in your own words what Churchill sees as the difference between the significance of the German and the British fleets.
The British Navy is necessary to Britain's protection. The German navy is unnecessary, and is just for expansion.
2. Look carefully at the language Churchill uses in describing the German fleet. What impression of the German fleet does his choice of language give?
It gives the impression that Germany’s navy is not necessary and they only have it to expand.
3. What does Churchill mean by "the ratio which our naval strength will have to bear to other great naval Powers"?
is Churchill threatening Germany in this speech?
He is saying that Great Britain is going to out-produce Germany in the naval race. He is essentially saying Britain will have a stronger navy no matter what Gerrman government (as Churchill knew it would be). Which parts of it might give the German government grounds to complain to the British governmentd by that. Churchill was probably trying to scare Germany off. He was telling the Germans to give up challenging Britain.
4. How exactly is Churchill threatening Germany in this speech?
He is saying that the British navy will always be the best, and will ensure that it always has the bigger navy. So this is a challenge to Germany.
5. This speech was studied very carefully by the German government (as Churchill knew it would be). Which parts of it might give the German government grounds to complain to the British government? What do you think was the effect Churchill intended this speech to have in Germany?
The part that says the German navy is for expansion could offend the Germans. Churchill might have wanted to scare the Germans off. He might have wanted to make it clear the Britain had the superior navy.
1. Explain in your own words what Churchill sees as the difference between the significance of the German and the British fleets.
The British Navy is necessary to Britain's protection. The German navy is unnecessary, and is just for expansion.
2. Look carefully at the language Churchill uses in describing the German fleet. What impression of the German fleet does his choice of language give?
It gives the impression that Germany’s navy is not necessary and they only have it to expand.
3. What does Churchill mean by "the ratio which our naval strength will have to bear to other great naval Powers"?
is Churchill threatening Germany in this speech?
He is saying that Great Britain is going to out-produce Germany in the naval race. He is essentially saying Britain will have a stronger navy no matter what Gerrman government (as Churchill knew it would be). Which parts of it might give the German government grounds to complain to the British governmentd by that. Churchill was probably trying to scare Germany off. He was telling the Germans to give up challenging Britain.
4. How exactly is Churchill threatening Germany in this speech?
He is saying that the British navy will always be the best, and will ensure that it always has the bigger navy. So this is a challenge to Germany.
5. This speech was studied very carefully by the German government (as Churchill knew it would be). Which parts of it might give the German government grounds to complain to the British government? What do you think was the effect Churchill intended this speech to have in Germany?
The part that says the German navy is for expansion could offend the Germans. Churchill might have wanted to scare the Germans off. He might have wanted to make it clear the Britain had the superior navy.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Bismarck & Europe 1871-1878
1. What were Otto von Bismarck's aims in foreign policy following Germany's victory over France in 1871?
Bismarck's main goal was to maintain peace in Europe. The two threats to peace were a possible attack from France, and an Austro-Russian conflict arising in the Balkans. Bismarck prevented France from attacking Germany by isolating her from the other Great Powers. He did this by allying Germany with Austria-Hungary and Russia in the Three Emperors Leaugue. Although Bismarck wanted peace, he wanted to create enough tension that the other powers could not join together against Germany. His worst nightmare was France and Russia becoming allies. However that is exactly what happens when the "War in Sight" article is published. Rather than isolating France, it gives France support from Brittain and Russia.
The other threat to peace was conflict in the Balkans. Bismarck tryed to ease the tensions with Austria-Hungary and Russia, but was unable to do that due to the Eastern Question. Bismarck had to somehow make Russia and the Hapsburg Empire feel as though Germany was on their side. Bismarck encouraged both Austria-Hungary and Russia to find a solution diplomatically, and also suggested Britain help too, but the Powers were unable to find a solution. Despite Russia's war with Turkey, Germany remained neutral.
2. Why did events between the years 1875-78 in the Balkans lead to a crisis between the Great Powers?
Russia wanted to help the Slavs. Austria-Hungary feared the creation of Slavic states, because it might undermine its own stability. So when the Slavs started rebelling, the russians want to help them, and the Austrians want the Ottomans to defeat them. At first Russia and Austria-Hungary try to go about the situation peacefully, but that doesn't work. In the end, the Russian public wants to help the Slavs so much they declare war on Turkey. Russia defeats Turkey and takes some territory and demands unfair terms for peace. Austria-Hungary feels betrayed, and Britain's sympathy is with Turkey. The situation pits Russia against Austria-Hunagary and Briatin.
Bismarck's main goal was to maintain peace in Europe. The two threats to peace were a possible attack from France, and an Austro-Russian conflict arising in the Balkans. Bismarck prevented France from attacking Germany by isolating her from the other Great Powers. He did this by allying Germany with Austria-Hungary and Russia in the Three Emperors Leaugue. Although Bismarck wanted peace, he wanted to create enough tension that the other powers could not join together against Germany. His worst nightmare was France and Russia becoming allies. However that is exactly what happens when the "War in Sight" article is published. Rather than isolating France, it gives France support from Brittain and Russia.
The other threat to peace was conflict in the Balkans. Bismarck tryed to ease the tensions with Austria-Hungary and Russia, but was unable to do that due to the Eastern Question. Bismarck had to somehow make Russia and the Hapsburg Empire feel as though Germany was on their side. Bismarck encouraged both Austria-Hungary and Russia to find a solution diplomatically, and also suggested Britain help too, but the Powers were unable to find a solution. Despite Russia's war with Turkey, Germany remained neutral.
2. Why did events between the years 1875-78 in the Balkans lead to a crisis between the Great Powers?
Russia wanted to help the Slavs. Austria-Hungary feared the creation of Slavic states, because it might undermine its own stability. So when the Slavs started rebelling, the russians want to help them, and the Austrians want the Ottomans to defeat them. At first Russia and Austria-Hungary try to go about the situation peacefully, but that doesn't work. In the end, the Russian public wants to help the Slavs so much they declare war on Turkey. Russia defeats Turkey and takes some territory and demands unfair terms for peace. Austria-Hungary feels betrayed, and Britain's sympathy is with Turkey. The situation pits Russia against Austria-Hunagary and Briatin.
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