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.