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In what ways were the lives of Russian people affected by the First World War? Explain your answer. - AQA - GCSE History - Question 5 - 2023 - Paper 1
Question 5
In what ways were the lives of Russian people affected by the First World War? Explain your answer.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In what ways were the lives of Russian people affected by the First World War? Explain your answer. - AQA - GCSE History - Question 5 - 2023 - Paper 1
Step 1
Complex explanation of changes
Answer
The impact of the First World War on the lives of Russian people was profound and multifaceted. One significant change was the harsh economic ramifications that the war imposed on various social classes. The war caused severe shortages of food and essentials, leading to widespread starvation, particularly among the working class and peasantry. As a result, people faced extreme hardship, which exacerbated social tensions.
Additionally, the Russian military suffered enormous casualties, with millions of soldiers killed or wounded. This not only left many families mourning the loss of loved ones but also destabilized communities and economies, particularly in rural areas where men were the dominant labor force. The death toll disrupted agricultural production, leading to food insecurity.
Moreover, the war intensified political unrest. Workers began to demand better wages and conditions, while peasants became increasingly frustrated with the aristocracy and the Tsar's inability to resolve wartime issues. These growing frustrations were pivotal in igniting the Russian Revolution of 1917, as the people's need for change became undeniable as they witnessed the incompetence of their leaders in responding to the crises brought on by the war.
Step 2
Developed explanation of changes
Answer
The societal transformations were prominent as well. The government’s focus on the war effort resulted in the neglect of urban workers’ needs. Food and fuel shortages were rampant, leading to strikes and protests among laborers in cities such as Petrograd and Moscow. Thus, the immediate lives of ordinary Russians were deeply affected by the war, as they were prioritized last in terms of supplies and labor rights.
Furthermore, the war hastened the mobilization of women into the workforce. As men went off to battle, women took on roles in factories and farms, fundamentally altering gender roles in society. This shift paved the way for later social changes, as women began to demand greater rights and recognition for their contributions.
Step 3
Simple explanation of change
Answer
Overall, the First World War significantly transformed the fabric of Russian society, creating a legacy of discontent that eventually contributed to the fall of the Tsarist regime. The drastic change in living conditions and the rising disillusionment with the ruling class were critical factors that reshaped Russian history during this tumultuous period.