The 1905 revolution was primarily a result of the economic depression rather than the failings of the Tsar, how far do you agree with this statement?

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“The 1905 revolution was primarily a result of the economic depression rather than the failings of the Tsar”, how far do you agree with this statement?

        

Russia’s industry had grown at an enormous rate since 1890 but in 1899 Russia was hit with a huge depression that produced widespread unemployment and urban discontent. Towards the end of 1902 and through early 1903, there were widespread mass strikes throughout the major cities in the country. During the lead up to 1905 the economic depression in Russia played a large part in the attempted revolution. Clearly, however it must be remembered that it was not enough on its own to cause the events of 1905 but it is its inter-relationship with other elements in Russian society that explain why there was an attempt at revolution in 1905.

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The tsar instead of turning his attention to the growing domestic problems tried to shield by getting involved in a war with Japan. The idea was that it should be a “small victorious war”, aimed at getting the people of Russia to support the government and avoid revolution through turning attention away from problems at home. Unfortunately, the Russian army sustained a series of devastating defeats. In 1905, Port Arthur fell to the Japanese, further proving the incompetence of the Tsar and his government. Even worse for the government was that the war meant that inflation rose rapidly causing prices ...

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