To what extent was the lack of political reform the main reason for the 1905 revolution?

Political reform was an important reason for the 1905 revolution occurring. The autocratic monarchy meant that nothing could be done without the Tsar's permission which consequently lead to pressure building amongst the classes within Russia. This lack of democracy and change in government lead to social unrest amongst the three main opposition classes, as they wanted a parliament and civil rights.  However, the 1905 revolution occurred as a result of a number of other important factors.

The economic recession is another important reason for the 1905 revolution as it lead to the peasants and workers opposing the Tsar. The peasants became opposed because of the huge debt they had as a result of the increase in taxation, introduced by the government. Their debt increased after the emancipation of serfs as they had mortgage repayments. The workers became anger over the rate of unemployment and falling wages as a result of this economic recession. The anger felt by both these classes lead to an up rise in the opposition to the Tsar and ultimately lead to revolutionising over the poor economic conditions of their country. This shows how the revolution was economically motivated and how the long term effect of the economic recession was an important factor which lead to the 1905 revolution.

Another reason for the 1905 revolution occurring was the humiliation that came from the Russians being defeated by Japan in the Russo-Japanese war in 1905. Russia expected an easy defeat of Japan, however the military commanders had not prepared effectively and did not understand their enemy. The distance the men and materials had…