Assess the reasons for the 1905 Revolution
(20 marks)
Bloody Sunday - trigger
Putilov workers, who had previously gone on strike the week before over higher wages and
better working conditions, were part of the large group that met on the 9th January 1905 to
march to the Tsar’s Winter Palace.
They were demanding an eight hour day, freedom of speech and an elected assembly.
The group of 150,0000 were led by political activist and priest, Father Gapon.
When it was realised the Tsar wasn’t in attendance, chaos ensued as the armed infantry
fired upon the protestors, killing over 200 people.
This led to the revolution as it gave a common cause of discontent and unity to oppose the
Tsar and therefore groups wanted to carry out further protests. The Tsar was no longer the
“Little Father”.
Management of Russo-Japanese War
Many were criticising the rule of Nicholas II due to the management of the Russo-Japanese
War.
The Russian public associated military incompetence with the Tsar himself - fuelling
discontent at home.
The war was a humiliation:
● Surrender Port Arthur.
● Battle of Tsushima - 25/35 ships were destroyed.
● Humiliating defeat at Mukden - the Japanese broke through Russia’s defensive
trenches. Then prompted peace talks - Treaty of Portsmouth.
Along with the war there were many mutinies such as Battleship Potemkin, which created
panic amongst the government as they feared they would collapse.
Although the issues with war caused rising discontent, it was more of an underlying cause as
it wasn’t as immediate as Bloody Sunday. The mutinies, like Battleship Potemkin failed to
gather support and were very small in comparison to Bloody Sunday.
Social causes
Social unrest was a symptom of discontent
Increase in population size - 98-125 million from 1885-1905.
(20 marks)
Bloody Sunday - trigger
Putilov workers, who had previously gone on strike the week before over higher wages and
better working conditions, were part of the large group that met on the 9th January 1905 to
march to the Tsar’s Winter Palace.
They were demanding an eight hour day, freedom of speech and an elected assembly.
The group of 150,0000 were led by political activist and priest, Father Gapon.
When it was realised the Tsar wasn’t in attendance, chaos ensued as the armed infantry
fired upon the protestors, killing over 200 people.
This led to the revolution as it gave a common cause of discontent and unity to oppose the
Tsar and therefore groups wanted to carry out further protests. The Tsar was no longer the
“Little Father”.
Management of Russo-Japanese War
Many were criticising the rule of Nicholas II due to the management of the Russo-Japanese
War.
The Russian public associated military incompetence with the Tsar himself - fuelling
discontent at home.
The war was a humiliation:
● Surrender Port Arthur.
● Battle of Tsushima - 25/35 ships were destroyed.
● Humiliating defeat at Mukden - the Japanese broke through Russia’s defensive
trenches. Then prompted peace talks - Treaty of Portsmouth.
Along with the war there were many mutinies such as Battleship Potemkin, which created
panic amongst the government as they feared they would collapse.
Although the issues with war caused rising discontent, it was more of an underlying cause as
it wasn’t as immediate as Bloody Sunday. The mutinies, like Battleship Potemkin failed to
gather support and were very small in comparison to Bloody Sunday.
Social causes
Social unrest was a symptom of discontent
Increase in population size - 98-125 million from 1885-1905.
