Russian HomefrontFrom the beginning, Russia was inadequately prepared for war. They lacked the necessary factories and resources needed to produce weapons and support the war effort.
As the war wore on and inflation increased, food and fuel became more scarce. Additionally, conscription meant many farmers and the working class were sent to the Eastern Front, which affected the labour force required to support the homefront. As such, women played a bigger role on the homefront. Nicholas' decision to command on the Eastern Front left Alexandra in charge, with many people believing she was heavily influenced by Rasputin, leading to greater levels of discontent. Further, the fact that she was of a German background created a lot of hostility towards her. Overall, there was a decrease in quality of life, increasing discontent and creating the necessary conditions for the 1917 revolution. |
Activity 1
Using the following sources, complete the following table.
Support your notes with other research you may find. Activity 2 Think: "The war's outcome was likely to depend on a race between military victory and the disintegration of the home front. On balance, the latter was always likely to come first". (Lieven, 1996, p. 207). Do you support Lieven's statement? Give reasons with reference to sources and readings. Activity 3 Now that you have completed this stage of the story, think, how important WW1 was in the fall of the Tsarist regime? Everyone is to prepare points FOR the importance of WW1 in the fall of the Tsarist regime and AGAINST it. Next lesson, the class will be split in two and we will engage in a debate - you will be chosen at random whether you are FOR or AGAINST. |
Did you know?
As Russia's normal trade routes through the Baltic and Black Sea were cut off, Russia's exports fell as the cost of war increased dramatically. The government responded by printing more money so that by 1916, inflation was almost at 400%! (Dennett & Dixon 2008).
As Russia's normal trade routes through the Baltic and Black Sea were cut off, Russia's exports fell as the cost of war increased dramatically. The government responded by printing more money so that by 1916, inflation was almost at 400%! (Dennett & Dixon 2008).