Dumas - Lead Up to the Russian Revolution of 1917

Reinstatement of the Tsar's autocratic power in the Fundamental Laws of 1906. The Duma's power was limited before any real action had been taken. The Duma became dependent on the Tsar's abaility to veto any decisions made by the Duma

The Duma, in 1906, was mostly consisted of liberals and centrists or the Kadets and Octobrists.This first Duma was extremely aggressive towards the government and lobbied for major land and political reforms. The Tsar quickly dissolved this Duma after 73 days.

The second Duma was made in 1907. This Duma consisted of members that represented different sides of governing. Many extremists also found their way into the Duma, making it very unorganized and disruptive. It was also closed down after three and a half months.

The third and fourth Duma was the result of a rigged election system that favoured the conservative land owners and was against industrial workers. These Dumas came to represent large numbers of the middle class who were near the middle in terms of their level of extremities or moderation. This Duma was able to achieve limited successes regarding social reforms. With the impending WWI looming, this proved disastrous for Nicholas II. He continued to refuse power to the Duma and eventually led to their plot to overthrow the Tsar.

The effects of the Duma:

• Political parties were given a right to form and to have a say in politics. Debates and the freedom of press was allowed. 
• Dumas were able to make some progress for social reform such as mandatory insurance for industrial workers and universal education at a primary level
• Tsar Nicholas II still showed resentment towards the Duma; refused to co-operate entirely
• Dumas misrepresentation for the people. Fundamental Laws of 1906 and Electoral Laws of 1907 cause over representation of certain groups such as landowners and under representation of industrial workers and peasants
• Overall the Dumas representation by various parties created arguments that divided the parties in favour of the Tsar, but because of the Tsars failure to fully cooperate with the Duma, it still remained against the Tsarist regime. Key events such as WWI, creation of the Fundamental laws, rigging the elections in 1907 brought harmful effects to the regime.