European historyLesson 4 of 4 in the course The War to End All Wars

Russia’s Revolutions and the 1918 Armistice in Europe

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

This lesson examines the absolute power of Russia’s tsars and the growing pressure for political reform before and during the Revolution of 1905. Understanding these tensions helps explain why the monarchy struggled to maintain support during World War I.

The Romanov dynasty had ruled Russia since the 1600s. The tsars considered themselves absolute rulers, meaning they governed without being answerable to an elected representative body. Russia’s bureaucracy was stagnant, and many people had little influence over government decisions.

All flashcards

What was Bloody Sunday?
The 1905 shooting of peaceful workers who had gathered outside the Winter Palace to appeal to the tsar.
Why did Rasputin become a source of public distrust?
His influence at court, especially through Tsarina Alexandra, fueled rumors and suspicion.
What was the Petrograd Soviet?
A council representing workers, soldiers, and peasants during the 1917 revolution.
What was the Meuse-Argonne offensive?
A major Allied offensive in France that began in September 1918.
What was the Red Army?
The military force that supported the Bolshevik government during the Russian Civil War.

Quiz questions

  1. What change most directly weakened the monarchy’s ability to enforce its orders during the February Revolution?Answer: Many soldiers refused orders to fire and increasingly sided with protesters.
  2. What concerns did Lenin’s slogan “Peace, Land, Bread” address?Answer: Ending the war, changing land ownership, and relieving hunger.
  3. What did Russia gain and give up under the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk?Answer: It left World War I but accepted substantial territorial losses.
  4. What helped shift the military balance against Germany in 1918?Answer: The arrival of U.S. troops strengthened the Allies’ manpower advantage.
  5. What is the difference between an armistice and a surrender?Answer: An armistice stops fighting but is not itself a formal surrender.

Based on World History Volume 2, from 1400 by Ann Kordas, Ryan J. Lynch, Brooke Nelson, Julie Tatlock (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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