Using the information in this lesson answer the following question:
List the ways in which the Tsar broke the promises he made in the October Manifesto in 1906.
Nicholas wrote: “I have a constitution in my head, but as to my heart, I spit on it.”
Leon Trotsky wrote about the Fundamental Laws: ‘All is given and nothing is given… A constitution is given but autocracy remains’.
Look at the quotes above on the October Manifesto. Write a paragraph explaining what each man meant in these quotes
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This constitution that was put through was a paradox to Nicholas’s autocratic ideals. “I have a constitution in my head, but as to my heart, I spit on it” Nicholas in this quote explains that he thinks that a constitution is the right thing to do for the country, but what he wants as a ruler and a person is an autocratic state. “All is given and nothing is given… a constitution is given but autocracy remains” in this quote Trotsky explains his frustration at the paradox which had occurred in Russia.
Nicholas and Trotsky came from opposing ends of the Russian political spectrum. In his quote, Nicholas demonstrates his reluctance to give up his autocratic power and present a constitution to the Russian people. Trotsky’s writings give a different point of view where he gives an indication of his frustration at the progress of reform, and states that there has been no change.
Leon Trotsky wrote about the Fundamental Laws: ‘All is given and nothing is given… A constitution is given but autocracy remains’, by this Leon stated that constitution would never work in Russia, a constitution was given but autocracy would remain. Nicholas wrote: “I have a constitution in my head, but as to my heart, I spit on it.” Nicholas stated that he knew that Russia needed a constitution but he felt in his heart that it was not necessary. In essence they both had the same idea about a constitution that it was needed but from their point of view it wouldn’t work. In the end it turned out they were both right, even though they had different views on what would work.
Nicholas illustrated his affirmative thoughts toward autocracy and his disbeliefs towards a constitution as Trotsky identifies the in competency of having a constitution because of autocratic rule. According to Nicholas’s diary, Nicholas wrote “I have a constitution in my head, but as to my heart, I spit on it” indicating Nicholas knows the peoples choice would be to have a constitution but he deep down he know he cannot let go of his autocratic power. Leon Trotsky stated “’All is given and nothing is given… A constitution is given but autocracy remains” showing that all the power of the empire lies with the Tsar no mater how strong the opposition of the Tsar is.
Nicholas II states that the constitution he introduced, or was introducing at the time, was a constitution he felt was wrong. This is because Nicholas states that “I have a constitution in my head, but as to my heart, I spit on it.” He is posing that the constitution is one he is against, but he is forced to introduce it. Trotsky states that “All is given and nothing is given… A constitution is given but autocracy remains”. This statement means that the constitution introduced is pointless, as autocracy remains. It was the autocracy that they wanted to change. It also is saying that the Tsar still remains the one and only power and that any opposition has next to no power.
He means as in that if he doesn’t he needs to have a constitution to keep Russia in a peaceful state but Nicholas doesn’t want to have a constitution because it then takes his autocratic power away from him.
Where as Trotsky is saying that Nicholas has agreed to the constitution but has found ways to make it work in his favor such as: *the tsar, not the duma, would appoint his ministers.
*The conduct of foreign affairs was the responsibility solely of the tsar.
* The tsar retained the right to rule by decree (without the elected parliament)
*The duma could not pass laws without the tsar’s agreement.
So pretty much most of the things that the people wanted they were robbed of. They finally got their constitution but it’s still not what they wanted it hasn’t got what they wanted which is what Trotsky is writing about.
Nicholas meant in his paragraph that he has an idea for a consitution in his mind, but he feels as though that idea is not a good one looking at it from the perspective of a normal man and not a leader of a country having to make decisions that affect people in different ways.
Leon stated that “all is given and nothing is given…A constitution is given but autocracy” which is saying that to gain something you have to loose something, meaning
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