Discuss the causes and consequences of the 1905 Revolution in Russia.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the causes and consequences of the 1905 Revolution. For causes, candidates may focus on a range of long-term causes, such as liberal frustration with autocratic rule. This led to the growth of revolutionary parties, or economic problems. Other long-term issues included the poor working conditions in many parts of Russia and the land hunger that prevented landless peasants from improving their situation. Other candidates may emphasize short-term and immediate causes, for example Russia’s defeat in the Russo–Japanese War and Bloody Sunday both of which highlighted government incompetence. When discussing consequences, candidates may again differentiate between short- and long-term effects. In the short-term, there was some apparent reform (the October Manifesto and the establishment of the State Duma). When considering the long-term, candidates may argue that Russia began the process of reform under Stolypin because of the 1905 Revolution or that the 1905 Revolution highlighted the weakness of the monarchy and that it was a dress rehearsal for 1917.