Why Was There A Revolution In Russia In 1905 Analysis Essay Example

from factions like the Social Democrats and Socialist Revolutionaries who sought to depose him. In 1903, the Social Democrats split into two groups - the Mensheviks and Bolsheviks.

The Mensheviks and Bolsheviks had differing views on how to organize their party. The Mensheviks wanted an inclusive strategy for eventual ascent to power, while the Bolsheviks preferred a covert group of skilled revolutionaries who would seize control at the right time for socialist state establishment. The Russian economy was affected by two major factors: rapid population growth and extensive involvement in agriculture.

Despite the 1861 emancipation of serfs, agricultural efficiency in rural areas did not improve much due to landlords' inability or unwillingness to pay laborers and peasants' inability to afford land. As a result, almost 25% of the previously cultivated area was abandoned. The rapidly growing population exacerbated food resource scarcity, especially during poor harvests, resulting in famines that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. The economic growth of the 1890s further strained Russia's political and social structure.

The industrial expansion rate in Russia surpassed that of the United States during that period. By the end of the 1800s, the quantity of industrial laborers in Russia had risen by almost one million, causing urban space crises and new consumer requirements. The effects of industrialization extended from cities to the overburdened peasant population. Additionally, the industrialization process was forced by government policy instead of being a consequence of natural demand growth.

The emergence of opposition was evident in the correlation between economic shifts and societal changes. The most adversely affected individuals, such as impoverished factory workers living in squalid urban neighborhoods and famished peasants residing in rural areas, expressed direct

opposition. In addition, the economic boom provided increased exposure to Western beliefs regarding societal and governmental practices. Prior to the revolutionary events of 1905, various choices and happenings transpired that led to indications of dissatisfaction among impoverished individuals residing in both urban and rural settings. Strikes demanding shorter work hours and improved wages were increasingly executed in metropolitan regions like Petersburg.

Back in 1895, Russia managed to convince Japan to surrender Port Arthur and the Liaotung Peninsula, as the Tsar envisioned a successful and brief war. However, as two nations couldn't reach an agreement, on February 8th, 1904, the Japanese navy attacked the Russian fleet located in Port Arthur using torpedoes, while their army expelled Russian troops from the Korean peninsula.

The impact of the Russo-Japanese war on Russia was significant, with the military pride of the country suffering greatly. In addition to Port Arthur being cut off by a second Japanese landing on the Liaotung peninsula, the Russian armies struggled with inadequate orders, limited supplies, and insufficient reinforcements. Despite their valiant efforts, the Russians suffered a significant loss of troops with 100,000 soldiers gone in just ten months. Ultimately, the war proved disastrous for Russia.

In July of 1904, the Socialist Revolutionaries created an explosion in Plehve, causing Nicholas to express a premonition of impending trouble. Discontent and unrest continued throughout the following winter due to news of the fall of Port Arthur and a strike in St. Petersburg. On January 22nd protesters led by Father Gapon marched through St. Petersburg towards the Tsar's residence while singing hymns and carrying images of him. Once they reached Palace Square, however, they were met with gunfire from Cossacks

and dragoons despite the absence of the Tsar himself. Official reports state that there were 96 fatalities and 333 injuries among the protesters as a result.

The Tsar reported that the day was marked by significant pain, with approximately 1000 fatalities and many injuries. The aftermath prompted a surge of demonstrations, which led to nearly 500,000 workers going on strike and ultimately ending terrorism.

In February, the governor of Moscow, who was the Tsar's uncle, was assassinated. The Tsar then made several promises in March, including the establishment of a "consultative" assembly, religious tolerance, language rights for the Polish minority, and partial cancellation of the redemption dues for peasants. Despite these promises, there were still ongoing strikes and concerns about losing support. To address these concerns, in August, the Tsar pledged to hold elections for the Duma. Eventually, peace was made with Japan through the Portsmouth treaty. However, it wasn't until October 30th that the Tsar issued the October manifesto. This manifesto offered civil rights and promised a parliament or Duma elected by the people.

The liberals and middle classes believed that they had achieved democratic government with freedom of speech and conscience, uncensored newspapers, and the right to form political parties. Therefore, they ceased their protests and backed the government. By December, after all the troops had returned to Russia, the tsar felt sufficiently empowered to regain control. He employed violence to dismantle the St Petersburg Soviet and suppress an armed rebellion in Moscow.

In order to bring workers and peasants under control after they had rioted, he dispatched troops to seek revenge against them.