Mock Duma—December 1916

Background:

Russia has experienced a half a century of radical change since the freeing of the serfs in 1861. The country has rapidly industrialized feeding a growing working class, which has sympathies with the philosophy expounded by the socialist movement. The small but influential middle class is drawn to the liberal values of the western democracies including freedom of speech, press, assembly etc. Meanwhile, the nobility, which owns most of the land, frowns upon serious reform. These competing factions have resulted in the Russian government moving back and forth between reform impulses (which brought about this Duma) and crackdowns such as during the Bloody Sunday demonstrations. In foreign affairs Russia has experienced a series of disastrous defeats including an embarrassing loss in the 1904—1905 Russo—Japanese war, and a series of setbacks in the ongoing First World War. Where should Russia go from here, December 1916??you, the Duma will decide.

Citizen Responsibilities

The teacher will separate you into:

� 3/4 peasants

� 1/8 workers

� 1/8 soldiers

On the first day

• Read, highlight, and answer the three questions from �Plight of the Russian Peasant�
• Read and highlight �Peasant and the Industrial Worker.�
• With the rest of the Russian citizens meet and create the procedures for the Mock Duma that will be held tomorrow in class. The chairperson will organized the discussion and plan for the following:
• Procedures for the speeches
• The length of the speeches (between 1.5 to 2 minutes)
• How speakers should address the body of Duma before each speech.
• What will be the order of speakers? (Czar is last, Lenin is second to last.)
• Applause?
• How should the speakers dress? Like the real character would have.
• You are welcome to bring signs with appropriate slogans to bolster your characters viewpoint
• Procedures for the meeting
• What are seating arrangements for speakers?
• How will you open the Duma? How will you close the Duma?
• Organize the refreshments

On the day of the Duma

• During the speeches, take notes on the speakers and their positions. Write a journal entry briefly describing the positions of each speaker. What were their interests, concerns, and objectives during the Russian Revolution? How would their points appeal to you as a worker/peasant/soldier? The journal is due the day after the Duma.
• Your grade will be as follows: 15 points on procedure of the Duma (Did the speakers know what to do? Overall smoothness? Did we end on time?) journal entry with stapled notes 20 points

Speaker Responsibilities

Gregory Rasputin, Vladimir Lenin, Prime Minister Peter Stolypin, Czarina Alexandra Fedorovna, Czar Nicholas II, Leon Trotsky, Alexander Krensky, Michael Rodzianko, Father George Gapon, General Kornilov, and Paul Miliukov.

• Read and highlight background information provided by Mr. Davey focusing on �points to remember.�
• Research more background information from the Internet and write down the Internet address and take notes on helpful information.
• Prepare a speech (1-2 minutes in length) to give the Duma. Turn your speech into Mr. Davey with t your additional research on the top of your speech. In your speech include the following
• A brief description of your background.
• A simple summary of your concerns.
• A clear statement of your objectives.
• All information must be accurate.