The State Duma

What was the Duma?

To please the liberals, Tsar Nicholas II allowed a parliament called the Duma to be established. This was his main attempt to restore order following the 1905 Revolution.

When was the Duma created?

The Duma was established by Tsar Nicholas II in his October Manifesto, published on 30th October, 1905. After being dismissed for the first time in 1906 it was elected a further three times - twice in 1907 and once in 1912.

What was the Duma's purpose?

The Duma was a parliament which would confirm the laws of the Russian Empire.

What happened to the Duma during the First Word War?

The tsar took over direct command of the army and dissolved the Duma in 1914. But the war didn't go according to plan and the Duma was recalled a year later. By 1917, it was a main source of opposition to the tsar.

What was Tsar Nicholas II's attitude towards the Duma?

Nicholas II's attitude towards the Duma was mixed:

• ❖ As an autocrat, he disliked the idea of sharing power with the people.
• ❖ He didn't really trust the people to have a say in how the country was run.
• ❖ He saw it as a threat so limited its powers through the Fundamental Laws of 1906.
• ❖ He did, at times, treat it seriously.
• ❖ He saw it primarily as an advisory body, and he made sure that he always had the final say.