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