Why economic growth may have been the reason for the survival of Tsarism between 1905 and 1914

1. Why economic growth may have been the reason for the survival of Tsarism between 1905 and 1914

2. Stolypins reforms – R1 • Stolypins reforms, which were set up in 1906 particularly benefited the peasant society, which took up over 80% of the Russian population. • Peasants no longer had to pay redemption payments, and alongside this, “Land Banks” were set up, which allowed peasants to borrow money so it was easier to set up their own farms.

3. Russia’s industrial growth – R2 • Russia’s industry was also growing at a much faster rate than before. • For example, between 1908 and 1914, there was an 8.5% growth rate a year, which was massive. • The number of banks in Russia increased by around 100% • The state revenue of Russia also increased by about 100%

4. Intermediate Conclusion • Therefore, this meant that Russia was seen to be improving. • The peasant population was particularly benefiting, and obviously if the vast majority of the population is happy, there is much less of a threat to Tsarism.

5. The Duma – R3 • The Duma was a sort of democracy set up in the October Manifesto, at the end of the 1905 revolution. • It was seen to be getting things done in Russia, some believed it was behind Russia's industrial growth, and it also gave the population a sense of freedom that they had not had before.

6. Conclusion • Therefore, Stolypins reforms, the general industrial growth, and The Duma meant that more of the population was happier at the Tsar than in previous times. • Furthermore, this meant that Tsarism was under less threat, and could have been the reason for the survival of the Tsar between 1905 and 1914.