The Revolution in 1905 happened for many reasons, some reasons are long term and some short term.
A long-term cause of the 1905 Revolution was the continuing dissatisfaction of both peasants and landowners to the Emancipation Edict of 1861. Although this piece of legislation had brought an end to serfdom, peasants still remained tied to the village commune called the mir and were angry at the redemption payments they were expected to pay in return for the land they had received. They believed more, and better quality, land should have been given to them at no cost. Their anger was made evident during the peasant disturbances of 1902. The landowners were also unhappy with the terms of emancipation. They lost the free labour of their serfs and a large amount of land. As a result many were facing huge debts by 1905.
Another long-term cause of the 1905 Revolution was the general disappointment with which many Russian people viewed the reforms of the previous decades. The emancipation had promised much but delivered little. The reign of Alexander II had produced a number of similar reforms. Changes to local government and the legal system were both limited and led to the call for more liberal reform. The reactionary reign of Alexander III led to a tightening of government control and the persecution of minority groups, such as Jews, within the Empire.
Another long-term cause of the 1905 Revolution was the worsening conditions of both peasants and urban workers. The famines in 1897, 1898 and 1901 had led to shortage and distress in the countryside. Living and working conditions in Russia’s industrial towns were no better. Workers worked in poorly ventilated factories for long hours and little pay. They had no trade unions for protection. Their homes were crowded and poorly built. Economic recession between 1899 and 1903 had also led to growing unemployment throughout the Empire.
A short term cause of the 1905 revolution was the famine in 1891 – 92. The Famine sparked off a widespread criticism of the tsarist regime due to the tsars poor handling of the situation. The government’s attempts at famine relief were seen as poor and slow, as a result 1.5-2 million lives were lost. It was at this moment that political pluralism was born and increased the liberal opposition.
Another short-term cause of the 1905 Revolution was the defeat of Russian in the war against Japan in 1904. It had been hoped that the war would lead to a growth in national pride and support for the Tsarist regime but Russia’s military leaders underestimated the Japanese forces and the difficulties in organising their own forces. It was inconceivable to the Russian people that Japan would defeat Russia. When defeat came it was a humiliating blow and proved devastating to the prestige and stability of the Russian monarchy. There were many reasons why Russia lost which include supply problems as all equipment had to be sent along Trans-Siberian railway that was not fully completed. Soldiers often lacked the basics of food, clothing and weapons, which can be compared with the Crimean war showing Russia still had not changed as much. This seemed to be the last straw with many people as the defeat of the war seemed self-inflicted by Russia. That was until Bloody Sunday.
The most significant short-term cause of the 1905 Revolution was Bloody Sunday. On 22 January, a procession of unarmed demonstrators, led by a priest called Father Gapon, gathered outside the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg to present the Tsar with a petition. Their demands included shorter working hours and a minimum wage. The armed guards turned on the demonstrators and many men, women and children were killed. The event shocked the Russian population and was swiftly followed by strikes and disturbances. Thiis event can be described as an uprising that kick-started the road to an eventual revolution. Bloody Sunday acted as a catalyst to the revolution or the spark that set the Russian people off after years of build-up
In conclusion there were a series of long term and short term effects that eventually caused the 1905 revolution. But it was Bloody Sunday that triggered or sped up the process of a revolution in the future
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