AQA · A-Level · History
Course version: 7042 · Version from Sept 2017
Political authority, government and Tsar; Nicholas II as ruler: political…
Full specification wording
1H Tsarist and Communist Russia, 1855–1964 – The collapse of autocracy, 1894–1917: Political authority, government and Tsar; Nicholas II as ruler: political developments to 1914; 1905 Revolution; Duma government
Nicholas II inherited an absolute autocracy in 1894, believing his political authority was divinely ordained.
Checked against the AQA 7042 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 6
- 2 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Nicholas II inherited an absolute autocracy in 1894, believing his political authority was divinely ordained. His rigid approach to government stifled reform, culminating in the 1905 Revolution following Bloody Sunday and the disastrous Russo-Japanese War. To survive, Nicholas issued the October Manifesto, promising a legislative Duma. However, political developments to 1914 revealed his reluctance to share power. Through the Fundamental Laws of 1906, he reasserted his supreme autocratic power, limiting the Duma government. While the First and Second Dumas were radical and quickly dissolved, Stolypin’s electoral changes ensured the Third and Fourth Dumas were dominated by conservatives, creating a facade of constitutional government while preserving the Tsar's ultimate authority.
What earns the marks
- Assess Nicholas II's personal characteristics and his commitment to upholding autocratic political authority.
- Evaluate the causes and immediate consequences of the 1905 Revolution, including the October Manifesto.
- Analyse the limitations placed on the Duma government by the 1906 Fundamental Laws.
- Compare the composition and effectiveness of the four Dumas in the political developments up to 1914.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Claiming the 1905 Revolution overthrew the Tsar.
Put it right: It actually forced concessions but left Nicholas II in power.
Stating the Duma had full legislative power.
Put it right: The Fundamental Laws allowed the Tsar to veto legislation and dissolve the Duma.
Confusing the political makeup of the Dumas.
Put it right: The first two were radical and clashed with the Tsar, whereas the latter two were conservative due to franchise restrictions.
Exam tips
- Use the Fundamental Laws of 1906 as concrete evidence of Nicholas II's refusal to relinquish autocratic political authority.
- When discussing the Duma government, distinguish between the radical early Dumas and the compliant later Dumas to show nuance.
- Link the outbreak of the 1905 Revolution to both long-term political grievances and short-term triggers like the Russo-Japanese War.
Try the lesson
The start of the 1H Tsarist and Communist Russia, 1855–1964 – The collapse of autocracy, 1894–1917: Political authority, government and Tsar; Nicholas II as ruler: political developments to 1914; 1905 Revolution; Duma government lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What was the primary purpose of the October Manifesto issued by Nicholas II in 1905?
Listen
Nicholas II inherited an absolute autocracy in 1894, believing his political authority was divinely ordained. His rigid approach to government stifled reform, culminating in the 1905 Revolution following Bloody Sunday and the disastrous Russo-Japanese War. To survive, Nicholas issued the October Manifesto, promising a legislative Duma. However, political developments to 1914 revealed his reluctance to share power. Through the Fundamental Laws of 1906, he reasserted his supreme autocratic power, limiting the Duma government. While the First and Second Dumas were radical and quickly dissolved, Stolypin’s electoral changes ensured the Third and Fourth Dumas were dominated by conservatives, creating a facade of constitutional government while preserving the Tsar's ultimate authority. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Assess Nicholas II's personal characteristics and his commitment to upholding autocratic political authority. Evaluate the causes and immediate consequences of the 1905 Revolution, including the October Manifesto. Analyse the limitations placed on the Duma government by the 1906 Fundamental Laws. Compare the composition and effectiveness of the four Dumas in the political developments up to 1914. Exam tip: Use the Fundamental Laws of 1906 as concrete evidence of Nicholas II's refusal to relinquish autocratic political authority.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Autocracy
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Duma
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Autocracy
- An absolute system of government that Nicholas II inherited in 1894, believing his political authority was divinely ordained.
- Duma
- A legislative assembly promised in the October Manifesto, whose government was limited by the Fundamental Laws of 1906.
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