Exam question

[smithy16]

I attempted a question from the 2009 exam on the Russian Revolution, and although the question asked for 3-4 points, I could only come up with 2.


Using three or four points, explain how defeat in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904 contributed to a revolutionary situation by 1905. Provide evidence to support your answer.
One way in which the Russo-Japanese War of 1904 contributed to a revolutionary situation by 1905 was through loss of confidence in the Tsarist government. In what was believed was going to be an easy conquest to obtain an ice free port and to distract attention from Russia’s domestic troubles amongst other things, turned out to be a complete and utter fail. Inevitably, the Tsarist system received blame, resulting in a loss of confidence in the Tsarist system, which was a major reason behind the outbreak of a revolution in 1905. Another aim of the conquest into Japanese territory was to muster up patriotism in Russia. The Tsar wanted his subjects to be proud of their nation, and it was believed one way of doing this was through a short, sharp and victorious war against the supposedly backwards Asian nation. The Japanese however had undergone great reform in attempt to modernise along western lines. Therefore the humiliation which the defeat in the Russo-Japanese War resulted in simply gave people another reason to rise up against the government in 1905.

[weasleyisourking]

I attempted a question from the 2009 exam on the Russian Revolution, and although the question asked for 3-4 points, I could only come up with 2.


Using three or four points, explain how defeat in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904 contributed to a revolutionary situation by 1905. Provide evidence to support your answer.
One way in which the Russo-Japanese War of 1904 contributed to a revolutionary situation by 1905 was through loss of confidence in the Tsarist government. In what was believed was going to be an easy conquest to obtain an ice free port and to distract attention from Russia’s domestic troubles amongst other things, turned out to be a complete and utter fail. Inevitably, the Tsarist system received blame, resulting in a loss of confidence in the Tsarist system, which was a major reason behind the outbreak of a revolution in 1905. Another aim of the conquest into Japanese territory was to muster up patriotism in Russia. The Tsar wanted his subjects to be proud of their nation, and it was believed one way of doing this was through a short, sharp and victorious war against the supposedly backwards Asian nation. The Japanese however had undergone great reform in attempt to modernise along western lines. Therefore the humiliation which the defeat in the Russo-Japanese War resulted in simply gave people another reason to rise up against the government in 1905.

I would also mention the economic repercussions ( I don't know any figures) but given the agrarian nature of Russia at the time there would have been massive costs involved in mobilising the country for war.
Then there are also the usual fall outs of war on the home-front: inflation, food shortages, unemployment etc. 

[Menang]

Another major point is the Battle of Tsushima (May 1905); it led to the mutiny of Battleship Potemkin (July), ultimately contributed to troops taking control of Trans-Siberian Railway (September). Marks the potential loss of military support from the Tsarist regime, which is vital in any balance of power.
While they were successfully put down they were an indication of potential rebellion.

[smithy16]

I know what you mean about economic repercussions, but in my notes, i haven't really found anything on the matter. I could speak rather broadly that it did have repercussions to Russia's already dire economic situation, but that would lack facts and statistics, which would get me good marks.

And i'll have to look up the battle of Tsushima, because i havent really heard of it. But thanks for the tip.

[Menang]

Wikipedia actually has a really good article on it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Tsushima#Aftermath - the article on the aftermath lists the Russian losses, and mentions some of the political blows against the Romanov dynasty.

[smithy16]

Now that I come to think of it, i have heard of that battle. But again, wouldn't I be repeating what i said about the loss in confidence of the Tsarist system that the war resulted in? I mean i could discuss it when i'm talking about that, but its not really a third point. To me this is a pretty average question.

[Menang]

No, it's definitely more detail if you add this point. Also, your first point is a more general 'loss of morale within the Russian population' and Battle of Tsushima is a concrete event which marks the fallibility of the military arm's loyalty.

But in the end it's up to you what you'd prefer to write. Just saying that I've done similar questions thar have been marked by teachers and Tsushima is a concrete second point.

[smithy16]

Yeah i do agree that it is more of a concrete point, but apart from that its not a third point to make. The defeat in the war was a severe blow to both the Romanov Dynasty and the Tsarist system; whether you look at a single battle (Tsushima) or the whole war.