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Summary OCR A-Level History, Russia and Its Rulers - Breadth Study, The Impact of War on the development of the Russian Empire and the USSRR246,31
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OCR A-Level History, Russia and Its Rulers - Breadth Study, The Impact of War on the development of the Russian Empire and the USSR, including the Crimean War, the Russo-Turkish War, the Russo-Japanese War, the 1905 Revolution, the February Revolution, World War I, The Russian Revolution, The Russi...
Impact of War and Revolution on the Development of the Russian
Empire and the USSR
The Crimean War, 1853 – 1856
Point Information
• The Crimean War was fought from 1853 to 1856, under Alex II
• Fought between Russia and the Ottoman Turks (supported by Britain and France)
Key Info • The war culminated in the Siege of Sevastopol during which Russia troops surrendered
• The signing of the Treaty of Paris (1856), resulting in Russia surrendering valuable territory
in Bessarabia
• Russia felt humiliated by the loss in the Crimean War (Japan seen as inferior) – they are
established as low on the European pecking order – Britain, France etc. are modern/without
autocracy and winning wars
• Local government reforms such as the Zemstva – the Zemstva introduced to bridge the gap
between local police constables and the Ministry of the Interior
o Members being elected by landowners, urbans dwellers and peasants, as well as being
able to feedback regional issues to challenge policies of the Tsar
Effects on
o However, councils were dominated by nobility/professionals, the Zemstvas were only in
Government
Great Russia (not Poland, Baltic States or Caucasus), and not all provinces were eligible
for the Zemstva (by 1917, 37 without one)
• An increased demand for a National Duma
• However, war did not lead to any major ideological changes in government – Alex was still
aimed at preserving autocracy
• Emancipation and Zemstvas were top-down reforms – the Tsar knew that the humiliation of
Russia’s pride may lead to rebellion, and so only reforms to retain power
• Emancipation Edict (1861) – the war proved Russia needed better infrastructure
o In order to achieve this, and achieve industrialisation, the work force needed to be freed,
resulting in Emancipation
o The Crimean War acted as a turning point in the government recognising that serfdom
led to a stagnation of production, efficiency, and thought and it needed to be removed
• The loss of the Crimean War proved that Russia needed military reform:
o Army – serf armies were less committed than volunteer armies from the west e.g. serfs
Effects on revolt in Kiev due to conscription (1855) – leading to the development of a better army
Society o Poor leadership by General Menshikov who was unable to the British at several battles
led to him being relieved by Nicholas I in February 1855
o The British and French had more accurate weaponry and warships
• Railway Development:
o The war proved the need for better infrastructure, including the railway
o There were a lack of railways – the only railway linked St Petersburg and Moscow in
comparison to the Grand Crimean central railway
• Death – most people die of disease (only 1/5 in battle)
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, • Russia felt humiliated by the loss in the Crimean War – they are established as low on the
European pecking order, and Alex II’s emancipation led to changes in economy:
o Entrepreneurism – start of the push to modernise to compete with the West and establish
themselves as a world power
Effects on
o Agriculture – serfs could now own and cultivate their own land – however, redemption
Economy
taxes, interest, and the controlling nature of the mir limited this impact
o Industry – emancipation was in order to achieve industrialisation – this began the
process of establishing a larger workforce, but had similar limits
• People were allowed to sell surpluses at markets without the permission of the mir
The Russo-Turkish War, 1877 - 1878
Point Information
• The Russo-Turkish War was fought from 1877 to 1878, under Alex II
• The war was fought between Russia and the Balkans and Caucus
Key Info
• Russia fought on two fronts – the Balkans and the Caucus
• Two major sieges Plevna and Kars were won by Russian forces
Effects on • The Treaty of San Stefano reversed many failures from the Crimean War including
Government territorial gains and war indemnity
Effects on • Major benefits to the Slavic population of the Balkans which helps appease the
Society intellectual/middle classes
Effects on • Helped boost confidence in Russian reform that had already taken place – such as, transport
Economy changes, military reform, local government reform
Effects on • There was an upsurge in patriotism, and increased Russification
Nationalities • Antisemitism increases
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