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Why was there a crisis in 1905?

1) Earlier Unrest
In the late 19th century there had been increasing industrial unrest. An 1891 weavers strike gave intelligentsia courage. Strikes in 1899 and 1900. Ministers killed in violence. Working class becoming more radical.

2) Tsar’s actions - appointed Plehve as head of Okhrana. Whose actions increased tension. Tsar tried to take power from Zemstva - industrial councils.

3) Plehve’s actions
Ran secret police - Okhrana. Hated Jews did nothing to stop progroms (attacks on Jews). He also set up trade unions and used agents (such as Father Gapon) to try and trap revolutionaries.

4) Demand for vote
In 1864 - Alexander II set up district councils - the Zemstva. This led to both Alexander III and Nicholas losing powing.. In 1905 the Zemstva proposed that Russia should have elected parliament (Duma) - the union of Liberation spread this view.

5) Russo - Japanese war
War was a result of competition over trade. Tsar had allowed timber to continue to be sold to Korea going against agreement with Japan. This led to Japan attacking the Russian Pacific fleet and winning the war. This was a major embarrassment to Russia and many of the populace protesting in 1905 believed that the Tsar was being badly advised.

6) Bloody Sunday
Putilov the biggest works in St Petersburg sacked 4 workers. Father Gapon originally an Okrahna agent called out his union on strike in sympathy. By 8th January 120,000 workers were on strike. A petition was taken to the winter palace on the 9th January where guards fired on the crowd.

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