Essay research - October Manifesto notes PDF

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Topic question ‘To what extent did the reforms implemented by the October Manifesto address he political, social and economic issues In Russia 1912?’

Research What was the October Manifesto?  It was a document issued by the emperor Nicholas II – that in effect marked the end of unlimited autocracy in Russia – and started a new era of constitutional monarchy.  The manifesto was established due to the effects of the Russian revolution in 1905, Nicholas was eventually forced to grant a constitution.  The October Manifesto promised to grant civil liberties (e.g., freedom of speech, press), to establish a broad franchise, and create a legislative body (the Duma) whose members would be popularly elected and whose approval would be necessary before the enactment of any legislation. Why?      

By October 1905, Russian empire on the verge of collapse Russo-Japanese war – which was a huge defeat for Russia 1905 revolution – against the Russo Japanese War Therefore, Nicholas II introduced the October Manifesto in 1905 Under increasing pressure from advisors Promised: 1. Civil liberties to be free for all 2. State duma to be created (able to create laws and would be elected, introduction of democracy) 3. Hints of a constitutional monarchy

Impact of the manifesto     

Most liberals and progressives accepted the manifesto (though not all liked it, but accepted it) Socialist-revolutionaries critical of it, and there was still a continuation of peasant uprisings from it Nothing Nicholas ii could do, as only thing they believed was there to be a socialist revolution, overthrow of the monarchy, etc. (they were never happy) Peasant uprisings would still continue Nicholas II never abandoned his faith in pure autocracy, and hence he insisted on personally issuing the October Manifesto to ensure the public understanding of his personal rule.

Fundamental law of April 1906  a new constitution was drawn up  socialist revolutionaries and Bolsheviks wanted revolution  However, right before the Duma met, the tsar issued “fundamental laws” in which he claimed his right to: 1. Have supreme autocratic power 2. Appoint and dismiss ministers 3. Summon and dissolve the duma when he pleases 4. Rule by decree 5. Initiate legislation and approve laws ^^ These things took away any proposed power from the duma (he was still ruling as the sole leader in an autocratic system) - He didn’t want to become a constitutional monarch, he wanted to be a classical monarch who had power over the state - Duma had no real power The state Dumas First duma dominated by radicals and extremists, peasant representatives, still peasant uprisings. - This duma was critical of the tsar - Demanded radical constitutional change - Demanded abolition of the fundamental laws created by Nicholas - Passed votes of ‘no confidence’ in the government and was dissolved.

SOURCES

The October Manifesto did not satisfy the demands of the workers and peasants. There were renewed strikes and agrarian disturbances in the autumn. With the social revolution deepening, the Social Democrats resolved to stage an armed uprising in Moscow. Lenin had returned from Geneva in early November and was keen on a revolt. Under Trotsky's leadership, the Petersburg Soviet was also preparing for a showdown with the government. There was little prospect of success.

Leon Trotsky (Russian Marxist revolutionary, political theorist and politican) “So a constitution is granted. Freedom of assembly is granted; but the assemblies are surrounded by the military. Freedom of speech is granted, but censorship exists exactly as before. Freedom of knowledge is granted, but the universities are occupied by troops. Inviolability of the person is granted, but the prisons are overflowing with the incarcerated... A constitution is given, but the autocracy remains. Everything is given and nothing is given.”

From Nicholas ii diary "Through all these horrible days, I constantly met Witte. We very often met in the early morning to part only in the evening when night fell. There were only two ways open; to find an energetic soldier and crush the rebellion by sheer force. That would mean rivers of blood, and in the end we would be where had started. The other way out would be to give to the people their civil rights, freedom of speech and press, also to have laws conformed by a State Duma - that of course would be a constitution. Witte defends this very energetically. Almost everybody I had an opportunity of consulting, is of the same opinion. Witte put it quite clearly to me that he would accept the Presidency of the Council of Ministers only on the condition that his programme was agreed to, and his actions not interfered with. We discussed it for two days and in the end, invoking God's help I signed. This terrible decision which nevertheless I took quite consciously. I had no one to rely on except honest Trepov. There was no other way out but to cross oneself and give what everyone was asking for."

Historian perspective – Richard pipes, political effects of October manifesto

Narrowed down points (Primary source on the evidence of its failure)

- “So a constitution is granted. Freedom of assembly is granted; but the assemblies are surrounded by the military. Freedom of speech is granted, but censorship exists exactly as before. Freedom of knowledge is granted, but the universities are occupied by troops. Inviolability of the person is granted, but the prisons are overflowing with the incarcerated... A constitution is given, but the autocracy remains. Everything is given and nothing is given.” Primary source – Nicholas II unsupportive of October manifesto -

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“The other way out would be to give to the people their civil rights, freedom of speech and press, also to have laws conformed by a State Duma - that of course would be a constitution” …” This terrible decision which nevertheless I took quite consciously. I had no one to rely on except honest Trepov. There was no other way out but to cross oneself and give what everyone was asking for." – Nicholas ii

Secondary source- October manifesto information The proclamation of the 1905 october manifesto was a turning point in history of the Russian autocracy as it appeared to demonstrate that Russia was to become a

- constitutional monarchy on the west European pattern – but nicholas ii was never able to reconcile himself to this new constitutional order He continued to believe that he remained the ‘autocrat of all russians’ never accepting his power had been diminished

Historian perspective – Richard pipes, political effects of October manifesto - “The united front of the opposition broke up (by the manifesto), the liberals could be pacified and the radicals isolated.” Secondary source- October manifesto information -

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Even though the October manifesto promised ‘full civil rights’ trepov ordered troops to ‘fire no blanks and spare no bullets’ in forcing striking workers back to their factories. Final months of 1905, jews, whom the right wing associated with ‘socialists and revolutionaries’ suffered in terrible pogroms while gangs were sent to flog peasants in a bid to restore order.

The October Manifesto – secondary source...