1905 Russian Revolution
The causes of the 1905 revolution in Russia can be traced back as far as 1861. The Tsars who ruled in Russia were firm autocrats in an era where the nearby Europe was transforming to liberalism and republicanism. The influence of these groups, as well as internal problems and foreign policy were all causes of the revolution. Although the outcome of the revolution saw the settings up of the Duma, these were controlled to reign as an autocrat. However this revolution was an indication of the power of the people and it can be said that it was a dress rehearsal for the February and October revolutions of 1917.
There are many reasons for the outbreak of the revolution in 1905, most of which are related to the events of the year itself. The agitation and unrest of the Russian people began to show itself when the war against Japan began in February of 1904.
The October Manifesto granting civil liberties and...
English: The October Manifesto issued by Nicholas ...
English: Photo taken by A. A. Pasetti of Tsar Nich...It was thought that Russia would experience a cheap and easy victory over the 'inferior' rival, but the mobilisation of peasants' sons brought up unexpected difficulties with disrupted agriculture and food shortages. Scarcities of raw materials caused unemployment in some areas of industry. All this, plus the series of defeats in the war added to the general discontent of the people.
The year was off to a bad start when on the 16th January strikes begun in Putilov steelworks after the dismissal of some men belonging to the Assembly of Russian Workers. Father George Gapon, a young and popular priest with an interest in the welfare of his people in the working class districts of St Petersburg, had founded this union along with the assistance and support of the police. By the 20th January most factory workers in the city were on...