RUSSIA AND WW1 – ACTIVITIES AND STUDY GUIDE SUMMARY CHART ACTIVITIES 1. a. Analyze Source D on page 132. In what ways does the source suggest that Tsarism was doomed even before the war? b. How is your answer of 1.a linked with the chart presented in this page? 2. Analyze the map on page 133. Taking into account its origin and purpose, what are its values and limitations for studying the impact of the war on Russia? THE TSARINA AND RASPUTIN CONTROL THE GOVERNMENT ACTIVITY 1 These posters started to appear in St. Petersburg´s streets shortly after the Tsar left to command the troops. The first image is called “Lovers”, and the second is called “The Tsar dancing to Rasputin’s tune”. How useful are these sources to understand the popular opinion on the “new” rulers of Russia? 1 ACTIVITY 2 Source A: Remember to keep the image [icon] in your hand again and several times to comb your hair with His comb before meeting the ministers [the comb was a present from Rasputin] Be more autocratic, my very, very sweetheart, and show your mind. Letters of the Tsarina to the Tsar, 1914-16, edited by B. Pares, 1923. Source B: Now before I forget I must give you a message from our Friend prompted by what he saw in the night. He begs you to order that one should avance near Riga, says it is necessary, otherwise the Germans will settle down so firmly through the winter that it will cost endless bloodshed. Letters of the Tsarina to the Tsar, 1914-16, edited by B. Pares, 1923. Source C: Nicholas: I must consider this question as it has taken me by surprise. Our Friend’s opinions of people are sometimes very strange, as you yourself know… Therefore, one must be careful, especially with appointments to high places. Alexandra: All my trust is in our Friend who only thinks of you, Baby and Russia. And guided by him we shall get through this heavy time… Sweety mine, you must back me up, for your Baby’s sake. Nicholas: Tender thanks for the severe written scolding. Your poor little weak-willed hubby. Letters of the Tsarina to the Tsar, 1914-16, edited by B. Pares, 1923; and letters from Nicholas, kept in the Krasnyiarkiv (Red Archive) in Moscow. 2 Source D The filthy gossip about the Tsar’s family has no become the property of the street. We must also note together with the feeling of extreme disrespect for the person of Her Majesty the Empress Alexandra Fedorovana the widespread feeling against her as a “German”. Her majesty is regarded, even in intellectual circles, as the inspirer and leader of the campaign for a separate peace with Germany. An Okhrana report quoted in Alex de Jonge, The Life and Times of Grigori Rasputin, 1982. Source E The Tsarina´s spiritual balance depends entirely on Rasputin. The instant he is gone, it will disintegrate. And once the Emperor has been freed of Rasputin’s and his wife´s influence, everything will change: he will turn into a good constitutional monarch. V. Maklakov, a Kadet Duma deputy, quoted in R. Pipes, The Russian Revolution 1899-1919, 1990. Source F Rasputin surrounded by admirers at tea 3 a. Taking into account the origin and purpose of sources A-C, establish its values and limitations for a historians studying the political impact that Alexandra had as a ruler of Russia. b. Using all the sources and your own knowledge, assess the following idea: “Rasputin was the key reason why the Tsar’s government lost credibility” KEY PLAYERS IN THE 1917 FEBRUARY REVOLUTION 4 5 6 .