Lesson plan
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
The Revolution spreads
October Manifesto The Dumas
Nicholas' advisers
World War I
Conclusion
Web Wiz
The Dumas
Despite these challenges from the Tsar the first Duma proceeded to make demands for a proper say in government, a say in the appointment of government ministers and land reforms among other things. Prime Minister Witte promised to consider these demands but Nicholas refused them all. Unwilling to keep his promises in the October Manifesto he dismissed Witte and after only six weeks dismissed the first Duma for what he called 'illegal acts', that is it criticised the government and demanded reforms. The second Duma was dismissed after only three months for the same reason.
Before calling elections for the Third Duma in 1907, the new Prime Minister, Peter Stolypin, illegally changed the electoral laws so that only the very rich could vote. It was hoped that by this means a conservative Duma would be elected which would support the Tsar. Although to a large extent the Third and Fourth Dumas were merely 'rubber stamps' for the Tsar, during their term in office a number of reforms were introduced.
So, effectively, by 1907 the Tsar was back in control and still ruling as an autocrat. Refer to the lesson on Analysing pictures. Look at the picture below and answer the following questions in full sentences. You will need to use your knowledge of the whole lesson to support your answers.
Exercise 5.7: Explanation
Exercise 5.6: Picture Study "In the State Duma" by revolutionary artist, Alexander Kudinov, 1906.
Nicholas wrote: "I have a constitution in my head, but as to my heart, I spit on it."
Leon Trotsky wrote about the Fundamental Laws: 'All is given and nothing is given... A constitution is given but autocracy remains'.
Look at the quotes above on the October Manifesto. Write a paragraph explaining what each man meant in these quotes.