Section 9: Activity 4: Was Russia ungovernable between 1894 and 1914?

In order to answer this question you will need to refer back to all or most of the previous sections of this unit.

Method

Below you will see sentences that begin paragraphs that make up an essay type answer to this question. Complete the paragraphs by finding information from the places indicated. Type evidence to support each statement in the spaces provided. Try not to exceed the space limit or the essay will become too long.

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Introduction

Neither the repressive methods used by Nicholas II nor the reformist nature of the Provisional Government set up in February 1917 saved Russia from collapse and revolution in November 1917. This could lead to the conclusion that whatever methods of government were employed in Russia, the political, social and economic circumstances were such that a collapse was inevitable. While there is much evidence to support this view, the regime did survive intact until 1914 and there are plenty of signs that, had it not been for the enormous pressures brought about by the First World War, Nicholas II's autocracy might have survived intact for a great deal longer than it did.