Pre-revolutionary Russia Nicholas 2 Only true absolute monarchy left in Europe No type of representative political institutions Nicholas II became tsar in 1894 Celebration feast Russo-Japanese War (1904) ? defeat led to pol. instability The revolution of 1905 Peaceful protest organized by a priest Went through streets of St. Petersburg end up at palace, troops open fire Leads to Duma Russian parliament Nicholas 2?s compromise with the peasants Rapid growth of (discontented) working class Vast majority of workers concentrated in St. Petersburg and Moscow Looking for jobs Horrible famines- leading to famine in cities and countryside (1905- 1917) Conservatism Continues: 1905-1917 Tsar paid no attention to the Duma; it was harassed and political parties suppressed ?