“the Incompetence of Existing Government Contributed Greatly to the Outbreak of Revolutions” to What Extent Do You Agree with This Statement? Argue Your Case with Reference to the Russian Revolution (Oct 1917) and Chinese Revolution (1949).
The incompetence of the Provisional Government (PG) and the Guomindang (GMD) made a considerable contribution to the outbreak of revolution in Russia (Oct 1917) and China (1949). Both the PG and GMD were relatively new forms of government placed in power to resolve longstanding issues such as low standards of living and significant needs for reform. As a result, Russia had removed its Tsarist system in February earlier that year and China also expelled its dynastic system to become a Republic in 1911. However, Economic mismanagement and a nonexistent progression in reform made control by these governments questionable as their lack of action resurrected a desire for revolution for a second time. The shortcomings of the PG and GMD were intensified as working and living conditions continued to deteriorate and unpopular decisions were made regarding the government’s actions in WWI (Russia) and WWII (China). Mounting discontent made way for revolutionary groups such as the Bolsheviks and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) as they were able to take advantage of government incompetence, fuelling support for their respective party.
Economic mismanagement resulting from the PG and GMD’s incompetence contributed to the outbreak of revolution as its negative effects became more evident to the masses. In Russia, the PG faced issues such as hyperinflation, as it chose to continue its involvement in WWI after taking power. By 1917 national debt was at $50 million roubles and price levels had risen between 100 and 200 percent. (Handout 1 - Key Reforms in Russia) Compounding this issue, wages generally decreased by 50 percent, resulting in workers having no choice but to work 18-hour days in order to live, but even then they could, “barely [buy] a week’s bed and bread.” Consequently, discontent for the government was seen through strikes such as the July Days strike and the Baku Oil workers strike in September 1917. Similarly, in the lead up to revolution in 1949, China’s economy
Economic mismanagement resulting from the PG and GMD’s incompetence contributed to the outbreak of revolution as its negative effects became more evident to the masses. In Russia, the PG faced issues such as hyperinflation, as it chose to continue its involvement in WWI after taking power. By 1917 national debt was at $50 million roubles and price levels had risen between 100 and 200 percent. (Handout 1 - Key Reforms in Russia) Compounding this issue, wages generally decreased by 50 percent, resulting in workers having no choice but to work 18-hour days in order to live, but even then they could, “barely [buy] a week’s bed and bread.” Consequently, discontent for the government was seen through strikes such as the July Days strike and the Baku Oil workers strike in September 1917. Similarly, in the lead up to revolution in 1949, China’s economy
Cited: Grasso, J., & Corrin, J. Modernisation and Revolution in China. Handout 1 - Key Reforms in Russia. Handout 2 - Problems and issues in Modern History - Russian Revolution. Lynch, M. China: From Empire to People 's Republic 1900-49.