Causes of Tsarist Weakness and Unrest (1900-1905)

Apuntes

History Why did the Tsarist regime collapse in 1917? (7A) The Russian Empire The Russian empire was massive, being difficult to control and rule. It was multinational, one state but different nationalities inside. Only 40% of the population spoke Russian as their first language. Also it was very stopped in time in modernity. The Tsar and his Government Autocracy The huge and immense empire was ruled by a Tsar with absolute power, an Autocracy. He constantly refused major political reforms. He supported the idea to be the only one with massive power. Nicolas had the support of most nobles, army commanders, the church and the bureaucracy. Control and repression (how did he keep control?) The Tsar exercised oppressive control over the Russian people through the army, Church, secret police and bureaucracy. If someone protested, the army would crush them. The church taught to be loyal to the Tsar because que was chosen by God. The secret police (OKHRANA) spied on people who might be against the Tsar and arrested or exiled them. All this forms repression, force, fear and punishment. Newspapers faced censorship, and political parties were banned. Peasants lived under local communes contro...