Nicholas II and the 4 Dumas

Before 1905, political parties were illegal in Russia.  After 1905, many different parties formed.  The 2 middle ground political parties were the Constitutional democrats (Kadets- more liberal) and the Octobrists - more conservative.  

The Duma was created but power very limited - Tsar had ultimate power (Article 87)

• 1st Duma (468 seats. Kadets have 185 & Trudoviks have 94.  SDs and SRs boycott it.)
  • The Duma was strongly anti-government as dominated by Kadets and Trudoviks (split of SR).
  • Main demand: land reform - taking more from landlords.  Kadets supported that but also wanted State Council to be abolished and for the government to answer directly to Duma
  • After 10 weeks, Duma was shut down leading to more liberal opposition…