29th May 2016

IGCSE HISTORY
RUSSIA : AUTOCRACY AND REVOLT IN RUSSIA, 1881 - 1914

1. THE REIGN OF ALEXANDER III

A. Impact of assassination of Alexander II
i.

Alexander II.

Known as Tsar Liberator.

Emancipated the serfs.
Implementation of Mir (village communes)
Modernised Russian legal system
Assassinated March 1881.
ii.

Impact of assassination

Alexander III succeeded the throne.

Alexander was an autocratic Tsar, he concluded that any liberal

reforms were useless as Alexander III died as a result of liberal
reforms. He was determined to reverse all liberal reforms and
suppress the revolutionaries.

He attempted to restore Russias pre-1861 situation of an autocratic

regime where nobles shared power with the Tsar.

B. Alexander III, Pobedonostsev and reaction.

C. Restoration of autocracy, censorship and the policy of Russification.
Alexander III unexpectedly came to the throne after his fathers death.
Alexander III blamed democracy and the Jews for this fathers
assassination. As a result, he decided to reverse all of his fathers
reforms and introduced repression of opponents.
i.

Restoration of Autocratic rule

Tsar took repressive measures to uphold the autocratic rule. He
passed the Temporary Regulations to deal with the Will of The
People. Populists, professional revolutionaries, and supporters of
political parties struggle under the autocratic rule. Anybody who
threatened public order were arrested by the police. Harsh security
measures were introduced. As a result, political opposition were
eliminated, only few revolutionaries remained. Activities of
terrorism and Will of The People died down.

ii.

iii.

iv.

Education
In 1884, Tsar passed a new University Statue. This statue
abolished university autonomy and banned students political
activities. Secondary schools were advised to give more attention
to teaching of classical languages. Tuition fees were raised on
purpose to make education a prestigious criteria as lower classes
were unable to afford fees to obtain education. Working class and
peasant children were prohibited to study in schools. This meant
that only the upper class would be educated further than the core
education. The economic gap in Russia that exists between the poor
and the rich is made worse. Russias illiteracy rate went up to 79%
as the peasants account for 80% of the Russian population.
Land Commandants
Land Commandants were introduced and had to be from nobility.
Increased representation of upper class meant that the nobility
overruled the Zemstva as the Land Commandants encourages the
idea of social hierarchy as they are from the upper class/nobility
and would exercise their omnipotent administrative powers and
judicial authority in the Russian countryside. Zemstva decisions
were subject to review by provincial governors which renders them
without authority. Urban assemblies were reduced which meant that
the idea of democracy by Alexander II was diminished. The Land
Commandants held large authority over the peasants, they would
increase tax whenever they wanted or dismiss the Zemstva. This
large authoritative power Land Commandants held over peasants
increased peasant fear. Peasant delegates and westernised
intellectuals were reduced.
Russification
Alexander III believes strongly in the Russian Orthodox Church as he
believed it was superior. The Russian Orthodox Church is a Christian
denomination where it believes that the Tsar and fellow leaders
were sent and appointed by God himself. The idea of Russification
was directed at the Jews as they were blamed for Alexander IIs
assassination. The Jews were particularly hated because of their
strong religious beliefs that were the most difficult to russify which
created an air of suspicion around the Jews. This encouraged
pogroms which are mob attacks that are semi-officially supported
by the government. Sometimes, even government officials helped
to incite pogroms. People were motivated to go out and round up
Jews for execution. Jews were no longer allowed in the Pale of

Settlement which were the designated area where Jews resided in

(Poland). Quotas for Jews in schools and universities never rose
above 10%. As a result, the Zionist Movement began in 1897,
with the aim of making a homeland for Jews which is known as
Israel now. The Bund which is a Jewish Revolutionary Party was
formed as a response to the anti-Semitic policies that Alexander III
introduced.
v.

Pobedonostsev
The Church was used to extend the power of the Tsar. From 18811905, the Procurator of the Holy Synod was Pobodonostsev. The
procurator of the Holy Synod was the most important figure as it
serves to be the most important function to preach obedience to
the Tsar. This obedience was meant to be transmitted from bishops
to clergy in villages. Traditionally, what was said at confession was
never divulged to a third party. Pobedonostsev changed this and
information passed to a member of church during confession was
frequently passed onto the police and used as evidence against an
offender. Abused authority of Russian Orthodox Church as it violates
privacy of Russians. However, it increased censorship and therefore,
reduced opposition to the Tsarist regime.

2. PROBLEMS FACING NICHOLAS II, 1894-1905

A. Weaknesses of Nicholas II as Tsar.
i.

Viewed as soft by his Father.

ii.

Lacked guts and willpower.

iii.

Sudden inheritance of throne which renders him unprepared, as

Alexander III died of liver disease at 49.

iv.

Strongly conservative, reluctant to change, strong aristocrat.

B. Witte and Industrial Growth.

i.

ii.

Successes
Witte System, work was sponsored, and overseen by the
government. Government placed emphasis on capital goods
such as iron, coal, steel and machinery. Exploitation of natural
resources such as minerals in Siberia. This stimulated further
industrial growth. By 1900, production of oil, iron, coal tripled.
Much of the expansion was financed from loans abroad from France.
Overseas loans and investments aided industrial growth.
Tariffs, taxes, interest rates were increased to increase capital.
Limit on imported goods to encourage Russians to buy Russian
products. This helps money circulate in the country. Expansion of
the Trans-Siberian Railway in 1902. Russia had 53,000 km of
railway built. Rapid expansion in cities as job opportunities
increased. Transportation advancements encouraged peasants in
the countryside to work. Large scale manufacture attracted
people seeking employment. Urban population growth from
1 to 2 million.
Failures
Industrial expansion was a global phenomenon but it was not just
the work of Sergei Witte. It was too dependent on foreign
investments when it is already heavily in debt. Lighter type of
industry was neglected, less emphasis placed on agriculture.
Overcrowding in cities, led to poor living conditions and a dissent
in growth. Poor working conditions as trade unions were
made illegal. Low wages coupled with long working hours
with 12 working hours and 1 hour lunch break. No legal
protection for workers, no effective trade unions (illegal). Still
lagged behind industrial powers. Austria-Hungary expanded
national income by 79%, Britain by 70% and Russia by only 50%.

The need for industrialisation was desperate. Concentrated effort

was needed to reindustrialise Russia. However, Russias backward
economy created many other problems such as formation of
political parties, peasant and workers discontent which made it
concentrated effort difficult.

C. Problems Facing Nicholas II

i.

ii.

Discontent of Peasants
(Low) Life expectancy for peasants was under 40 years old. Low
literacy rate, less than 1/3 of peasants could read and write. Low
prices of bread meant that they earned less as that creates low
income. Living conditions were severely poor. Increase in
population meant that more land had to be used to house Russians.
This meant that less Russian land was used for agriculture. As it is,
it was already difficult to maximise the potential of Russias fertile
land due to old-fashioned machinery and inefficient farming
methods which produced low yield. The land shortage due to
increase in population led to the decrease in agricultural output. As
a result, reoccurrence of famines were a norm in the countryside.
Land Commandants which is always an aristocrat decided about
local laws, taxes, and punished whoever they pleased left the
peasants supressed.
Discontent of Town Workers
By 1900, there were only 2-3 million industrial workers out of 110
million Russians. Poor working conditions as factories were
poorly lit and badly ventilated, had long working hours
coupled with low wages and brutal discipline. Low wages often
resulted in heavy disputes with factory owners. Refusal to work to
boycott the factory would lead to an arrest. Frequency of strikes and
disputes increased from 68 strikes in 1895 to 14,000 strikes in
1905. Poor living conditions as Russian towns were not prepared
for a sudden urban population growth. Living conditions were
squalid and severely inadequate. This resulted in 3 people sharing a
single bed in the barracks. Barter system reintroduced which
brought Russia backwards, workers were paid with goods instead of
money to improve living conditions. Industrial instability as
workers often had trouble with job security. Unemployed workers
became hungry and grew resentment which contributed to growing
resentment. Dirty conditions in factories promoted health issues. In
1911, smallpox, chlorella, and typhoid became serious problems for
industrial workers. Due to labour concentration in the cities,
workers could easily mobilise for political disturbances as it was
large groups of people working together.

iii.

Discontent of Subject Nationalities (ethnic minorities)

Many national minorities in the outlaying districts such as the Poles,
Finns, Germans, Estonians, Ukrainians, and so forth hated the
Russification policy that Alexander III and Nicholas II brought. They
were socially, economically, politically and culturally treated
unfairly. They demanded local autonomy. They soon formed
subversive groups to undermine the power of the government by
spreading anti-Russian propaganda. Some of the suppressed
minorities joined the Social Democratic Party and Social
Revolutionary Parties. This soon gave rise to oppositional
groups. Social Revolutionaries appealed to peasants as their
main aim was to redistribute land to peasants. Social Democrats
were attracted to Marxism and the Communist manifesto. They
believed that change would emerge from the proletariat because
peasants showed little interest. These groups offered a solution and
a sense of belonging of those who are suppressed.

3. THE 1905 REVOLUTION

A. The Russo Japanese War and Father Gapon and Bloody Sunday (January
1905)
i.

Russo - Japanese War

Nicholas II thought a victory in a short war with Japan would stop

people criticising his government. He undermined Japan as a small
nation and assumed that the war would be short. Russia lost
because of several reasons. They underestimated Japan as an
Asian country and looked down upon them. Russia was still
economically backward and only starting to regain economic
stability, they were still underprepared in terms of infrastructure
and technology for war. Geographically difficult to efficiently move
troops as Russia was a country of vast lands. Lack of weaponry,
ammunition and equipment were supplied to troops as Russia was
still a backward country, not ready for a war. War made conditions
worse. Due to the war, everything produced in the country was
given priority to the troops. As a result, people were unable to meet
quotas set, thus, lack of industrial materials caused factories
to close down. This reduced job opportunities and
unemployment rates peaked. Food and other goods were sent to
troops, causing a shortage of food in cities. The lack of goods
circulating as resource was scarce in the country led to increase in
prices.

As the war progressed, Russia plunged into deeper economic crisis.

Russian Navy fought 2 major battles to relieve Port Arthur (Battle
of Liaoyang and Sha Ho). Russians defeated and surrendered. In
2nd January 1905, Port Arthur fell to the Japanese, highlighting the
Tsar and his governments incompetence. Russian Army suffered
90,000 casualties in its failed attempt to Mukden. In May 1905,
Russian Navy was attacked at Tsushima, Naval Battle in
Japan. As a result, 20 ships sunk, 5 ships captured, only 4 made it
to safety in Vladivostok. August 1905, Sergei Witte led the Russian
delegation at peace conference at Portsmouth to sign the Treaty of
Portsmouth. Liaotung Peninsula and South Manchurian Railway
went to Japan. Island of Sakhalin divided into two. Northern
Manchurian Railway remained under Russian control.

Japans prestige rose greatly as it is now seen as a modern nation.

Russia virtually lost its entire Pacific and Baltic fleets and
international standing. Russia was Frances and Serbias ally,
the loss of international respect had a significant impact on

Germanys future plans to go to war with France and Serbias future

plans to go to war with Austria-Hungary.

ii.

Father Gapon and Bloody Sunday

Father Gapon and the workers of Petrograd were facing problems in

the work place. Workers wanted reduction of working hours and
increase in wages as well as sanitary improvements in working
areas. Dirty working areas causes diseases which makes workers
sick and could cause death. As a result, Father Gapon drew up a
petition, outlining political and economic demands in hope to
discuss them with the Tsar as the people believe that they are the
Tsars children due to the beliefs of the Russian Orthodox Church.
Political demands called for an elected duma, freedom of speech
and civil rights. Economic demands called for a labour legislation for
a 8-hour working day, increase in wages and a reduction in taxes.
They intended it to be a peaceful exchange of views outlining their
grievances.

On Sunday, 22nd January 1905, 200,000 people and Father Gapon

marched to the Winter Palace to deliver the petition to the Tsar.
However, the marchers were soon met with troops as they arrived.
Unfortunately, the Tsar was not in the palace at that moment,
therefore no authoritative guidelines were given, thus, the troops
began shooting as the peaceful protest was perceived as a threat.

Over 100 workers killed, 300 wounded. String of strikes took

place across Russia involving 400,000 people. Peasant rebellion in
the countryside where they attacked homes of their landlords.
Trans-Siberian railway grinded to a halt, this caused economy to
paralyse. Students staged a boycott of the education system as
they complained about civil rights. Universities began to close
down. Lawyers, doctors, engineers, and middle class workers
established the Union of Unions and demanded a constituent
assembly.

B. Key Events of The 1905 Revolution

It is not a coordinated revolution but a series of anti-Tsarist strikes,
protests and actions. Triggered by Bloody Sunday, began general
strikes imposed by industrial workers. Political violence, assassination
of Grand Duke Sergei. Military mutinies. Formation of Soviets. Tsar
responded by promise of democracy in the October Manifesto that was
broken later on.
i.

Russo Japanese War (January 1904-1905)

ii.

Bloody Sunday (January 1905)

iii.

Potemkin Mutiny (June 1905)

iv.

Setting up of Soviets (October 1905)

10

v.

11

October Manifesto (October 1905)

C. The Potemkin Mutiny and setting up of the Soviets.

i.

ii.

iii.

Bloody Sunday
The 1905 revolution was sparked off the peaceful protest,
Bloody Sunday. This was the turning point in the relationship
between the Tsar and his people. The intention of Father Gapon and
the workers were nothing but innocent. They did not intend for a
political protest nor the aim to overthrow the government but just
to simply outline the unsanitary and demanding lifestyle in the
factories.
Potemkin Mutiny (June 1905)
Soldiers protested against being served rotten meat for meals. It
was unjust for them as they had to fight for the country but are
treated with inferior quality of living. Captains of ship ordered
ringleaders of mutiny to be shot. The firing-squad refused to shoot,
instead joined the ringleaders and mutinied by throwing the
captains overboard. The Potemkin Mutiny soon created a domino
effect as it encouraged other armies and navy bases to do the
same.
Setting up of the Soviets (October 1905)
The Tsar refused to listen to demands for political change, as a
result, a general strike occurred in Russia. In October 1905,
industrial workers all over Russia left work and went on strike. This
meant that economy had been paralysed as no one was working in
factories and transportation grinded to a halt. Less goods were
produced with no means of transport to deliver them across Russia.
This led to the formation of Soviets in major cities. The most
famous was the Petrograd Soviet created by Trotsky and the
Mensheviks.

D. The October Manifesto and reasons why Nicholas Survived

i.

12

October Manifesto (October 1905)

Sergei, Chief Minister advised the Tsar to make concessions as the
Romanovs autocratic ruling is losing popularity amongst the
Russians. The Tsar agreed and brought in reforms. Threatened by
the 1905 Revolution, the Tsar contemplated a military dictatorship
or a constitutional monarchy. They chose a constitutional
monarchy which marked the end of unlimited autocratic ruling in
Russia. His losing grip on autocratic ruling meant that the stability
and security of his position as Tsar is left threatened. Nicholas II

carried out the Manifesto not because it was the best for Russia but
as a sign of weakness. The October Manifesto granted civil
rights, freedom of speech, promise of democracy by
introducing a duma, free censorship of press.
ii.

13

Reasons why Nicholas survived

October Manifesto managed to please majority of the opposition

groups. With the promise of a Duma, the Tsar effectively promised
the people democracy. The Liberals were pleased as their aim
was to have a constitutional monarchy. Other oppositional groups
like the Kadets and Social Democrats (which split into
Mensheviks and Bolsheviks in 1903) were unhappy as they wanted
the abolishment of autocratic regime. The Tsar could crush pockets
of resistance with the military. The armed forces stayed loyal
despite the odd mutiny. This and the fact that the Russo Japanese
War ended in August, meant that the army could be used against
striking workers in December. The Tsar could still crush pockets of
resistance from opposition groups towards his Tsarist regime with
the military. Therefore, Nicholas II survived the 1905 Revolution.

Witte forced the Tsar to the October Manifesto which helped the
process of splitting the opposition into varying levels.
Revolutionaries such as the Liberals, the Kadets and Social
Democrats became so divided as they all had different aims. The
segregation allowed the government to use counter-revolutionary
groups such as the Black Hundreds or the Okhrana to hunt
down opposition activists. The split was the most evident in the
Social Democrats. The Mensheviks and Bolsheviks both had the
same aim for communism and the overthrowing of the Tsarist
regime. However, they had different aims of achieving it. The
Mensheviks believed that membership o the party should be open
to all while the Bolsheviks believed only the elite could join. Other
groups like the Liberals wanted a constitutional monarchy. The
difference in aims and criteria of each group respectively makes it
difficult for cohesive action to be taken. This allowed the Tsar to
target and remove opposition with ease.

Political programmes of political parties failed to secure

wholehearted support from the masses because their programmes
did not represent the majoritys wishes. Liberals did not include
social and economic reforms in their programmes. Social Democrats
advocated a programme of the establishment of a Socialist state
through a class struggle but workers failed to understand
revolutionary theories and only wanted a better livelihood. Social

Revolutionaries advertised the nationalisation of land but the

peasants only wanted a fair division of land for themselves not the
state.

14

4. THE DUMAS AND STOLYPIN

A. The Attitude of Nicholas to the first four Dumas
i.

ii.

iii.

15

Fundamental Laws
Nicholas II released the Fundamental Laws which reasserted most
of the old principles of the Tsarist regime rather than reflecting
ideas of the October Manifesto like many others anticipated. This
meant that the Tsar alone possessed constitutional and legislative
power, only the Tsar could alter or modify the constitution, the Tsar
retained authority to initiate or amend the legislative with or
without the presence of the Duma, and government ministers were
appointed by the Tsar alone. The Fundamental Laws effectively
betrayed all the promises he had made during the October
Manifesto.
First Duma (1906)
Formed as promised by the October Manifesto. Elections for the
Duma began in 1906, with all male citizens above 25 allowed to
vote, provided if they were not enlisted in the military or had no
criminal background. Voters did not elect the Duma members
directly; instead, they voted for electoral committees that decided
on individuals worthy of candidature. First Duma met on 27th April
1906. First Duma and Tsar soon developed a hostile relationship.
First Duma demanded to bring change in constitution, land reforms
and military funding. His requests were flatly denied and the Tsar
dismissed him only after 72 days in session. Deputies in Finland
protested against the dissolution of the Duma but were only met
with arrest.
Second Duma (1907)
Produced an assembly that was even more hostile towards the
government. Second Duma was not only marked just for demands
for change and criticisms of the government but also anti-tsarist
speeches and campaigns. Menshevik and Bolshevik deputies were
arrested for sabotaging the legislature. The Second Duma only
lasted for 4 months before it was dissolved. It became clear that if
the Duma was to continue, its composition had to be altered.
Stolypin set new electoral law (policy of repression) to keep out
socialists and radicals from the Duma. Electoral Law excluded
national minorities and people who could vote. This gave better

representation to the nobility and gave greater power to

landowners, to the detriment of the peasants. Important land
reforms by Stolypin was passed.

16

iv.

v.

Third Duma (1907)

The Third Duma ran its full term of 5 years. The revised Electoral
System meant that peasants lost the vote. This meant that
deputies were all fairly conservative (dominated by the
Octobrists, more right wing). Deputies were more willing to work
with government than to challenge it. Only 3.5 million people
out of 135 million people voted. 44% of the 3.5 million people were
from the noble class.
Fourth Duma (1912)
Still dominated by the Octobrists, very right-wing. Worked with
the government until the outbreak of WW1 in 1914. Significance
of Duma changed dramatically as the war progresses.

B. Stolypins Policy of Repression and Land Reform

i.

ii.

17

Stolypins Policy of Repression

Stolypin organised military tribunals as the policy of repression. He
proposed public executions to suppress ongoing revolutionary
activity. He convicted 17,000 people of political crimes and 4,000 of
them to a death sentence. As a result, political assassinations
dropped to 365 in 1908 compared to 1,200 in 1907. In 1907, he
introduced the Electoral Law to prevent national minorities and
people to vote, mainly the peasants. Suspended voting in areas
that have not reached civic development lead to fewer
representatives of the lower classes. This gave better
representation of upper classes (nobility) in the Dumas who are
more conservative and willing to work with the Tsar. With the
peasants excluded from voting, thus eliminating 78% of the
population as peasants are the majority of the Russian population.
This encouraged the autocratic regime as the Dumas would
continually be represented by conservative upperclassmen without
opposition.
Stolypin Agrarian Reform/Land Reform
Stolypin hoped to capitalise Russian economy by providing
assistance and incentives to hard-working peasants. Stolypin broke
up the Mirs and set up a peasant bank in the countrysides. The
Peasant Bank enabled the poor to purchase land for agricultural
purposes and to ensure that land is allocated fairly and efficiently.
Small plots of land would be consolidated and given to hard-working
peasants to maximise agricultural output. This benefited about 15%

of the peasant population who established larger and more

productive farms. Other peasants who sold their land, ended up in
the cities, which increased industrial work force. He abolished
redemption payments which reduced the burden of the peasants.
Encouraging peasants to work for profit rather than landlords or
village communes would revitalise the economy which would lead
to improvements in farming methods, productivity and agricultural
output. By 1915, 50% of the peasants had ownership of the land.
Agricultural output increased from 46 tonnes in 1906 to 61 tonnes
in 1913. This eventually created a new peasant class, the Kulaks
that are economically successful but would provide the Tsar with a
conservative supporter base.
C. The Lena Goldfield Strike (1912)
i.

18

Lena Goldfield Strike

Several thousand workers were hired and transported to the Lena
Goldfield mine containing mineral resources from Siberia. Workers
failed to live up to exorbitant promises made by company
officials. Workers had to work up to 14-16 hours a day in a risky
environment without proper safety equipment. 70% of workers
succumb to illness and injuries on a daily basis. Workers are fined
for trivial offences and their already low wages would be
deducted. The company manipulated the basic necessities of the
workers. Company would raise prices of these commodities that
are sold in canteens operated by the companies and miners are
forced to pay a higher price for low quality goods that are sold. In
1911, the company paid workers with coupons instead of wages.
Workers are forced to only purchase goods from the canteen as it
they are unable to purchase goods from other outlets with
these coupons. In 1912, company served rotten horse meat
disguised as beef. This sparked a widespread strike amongst the
workers. 6,000 miners formed a strike committee and handed the
company a list of demands. They demanded for shorter working
hours, higher wages, abolition of company fines and goods for value
of their price. Striking meant the mining process was paralysed.
Company requested troops to put down strikes and arrested striking
committee leaders. This led to more strikes as 2,500 miners
marched up to the companys headquarters demanding the release
of their leaders, they were met with a brigade of troops which left
250 murdered.

Explain the effect of the Lena Goldfield Strike on Russia.

One of the effects of the Lena Goldfield strike is widespread strikes
throughout Russia. Miners at the Lena Goldfield mine were working
16 hours a day in a risky environment with no proper safety
equipment with low wages and are fined when trivial offences are
committed. As a result, 6,000 workers formed a striking committee
to demand for better working conditions. Mining company retaliated
with troops to put down the strikes and to arrest ringleaders of
striking committee. This led to an increase of strikes as 2,500
miners marched up to the companys headquarters demanding the
release of their leaders. Miners were met with brigade of troops
which left 250 men dead. As a result, this then brought the
attention of strikers nationwide which heightens the amount of
strikes throughout Russia.

5. THE GROWTH OF OPPOSITION TO TSARIST RULE

A. Emergence of Opposition Groups Including The Constitutional
Democrats (Cadets), Octobrists, Socialist Revolutionary Party and
Social Democrats.
Political and economic unrest from WW1 and Lena Goldfield massacre
heightened peasant and working class discontent. This highlighs the
incompetence of the Tsar, his government and the autocratic regime
altogether. This would then give rise to oppositional groups.
i.

ii.

iii.

19

Constitutional Democrats (Cadets)

Liberal groups in the Duma. Represented middle class professions
and businessmen. Wanted a constitutional monarchy.
Octobrists
Conservative group who supported the October Manifesto. They are
loyal supporters of the Tsar. They thought he had gone too far by
removing the rights of the Duma. They warned the Tsar that a
catastrophe would occur if government was not respected.
Socialist Revolutionary Party
Led by Chernov. They were the most popular party in Russia. Some
believed in assassinations to weaken the government, some
believed in revolutions. They were united in their determination
nationalise and redistribute land to peasants. They appealed to
Russian youth and peasants. In 1901, they split into 2 groups, LeftWing Socialist Revolutionary and Right-Wing Socialist

Revolutionary. They both operated out of the country as they

were illegal. Left-Wing operated in Berlin. Right-Wing distributed
propaganda from Geneva.
iv.

Social Democrats
In 1903, they split into Mensheviks and Bolsheviks. Mensheviks
were men of minority and were led by Martov. Mensheviks
represented the majority of the socialists, they concentrated on
making life better for the working class. Bolsheviks were men of
majority and were led by Lenin. Lenin believes that condition in
Russia should not be improved because it will lessen the support of
the revolution. Revolution will be followed by a period of change in
society and economy in socialism which will then be followed by a
communist regime. Mainly supported by industrial working class
and middle class.

B. Split in Social Democrats Mensheviks and Bolsheviks

i.

20

Split in Social Democrats (1903)

The Bolsheviks and Mensheviks were socialist parties that begun as
factions of the Social Democrats (SDs). Lenins theories on limited
party membership of professional revolutionaries and organisation
attracted some support from members of Social Democrats while
others adhered to the status quo. This led to divisions within the
Party which manifested at its Second Congress in 1903. Martov,
(Mensheviks leader) argued that SDs should not remain
decentralised, with broad-based membership open to all workers
and sticking to Marxist principles. Most of Lenins points were
defeated but he narrowly won against Martov by 24 votes to 20.
Lenins supporters were mainly young (under 30) and politically
radical. Collectively, his supporters were called the Bolsheviks. In
1912, Lenin urged the Bolsheviks to break away from the SDs to
form a separate socialist party. From that point, the Bolsheviks and
Mensheviks existed as separate entities as they both took radically
different paths toward revolution.