Question

question 49 (mandatory) (1 point)
the abdication of tsar nicholas ii of russia in february 1917 was caused by
a) a widespread conspiracy headed by grigori rasputin that included many members of the royal family,
b) poor health exacerbated by the harsh conditions he experienced at the front lines, where he was personally commanding the russian army.
c) a loosely organized march of women demanding food, fuel, and political reform that quickly spiraled into a mass strike which the army joined.
d) the concerted effort of a small group of revolutionaries led by v. i. lenin who seized the centers of governmental power in petrograd.
question 50 (mandatory) (1 point)
the british were especially interested in controlling the suez canal because it
a) allowed them to control their mandate of palestine.
b) allowed them to complete the \cape - to - cairo\ railroad.
c) cut the travel time to their colony of india in half.
d) guaranteed their control of egypt.
e) demonstrated their superiority over the french.

Explanation:

Question 49

To determine the cause of Tsar Nicholas II's abdication:

• Option a: Rasputin's influence was present but not the main cause of abdication. Eliminate.
• Option b: His health issues at the front weren't the primary reason for abdication. Eliminate.
• Option c: The February Revolution began with women's march for food/fuel/political reform, leading to mass strike and army joining, pressuring the tsar to abdicate. Correct.
• Option d: Lenin's Bolsheviks (small group) seized power in October, not February. Eliminate.

To find why British wanted Suez Canal control:

• Option a: Mandate of Palestine was post - WWI, Suez interest predates. Eliminate.
• Option b: "Cape - to - Cairo" railroad wasn't the main reason for Suez control. Eliminate.
• Option c: Suez Canal drastically reduced travel time to India (a key colony), making it vital. Correct.
• Option d: Control of Egypt was related but not the main reason (India was more crucial). Eliminate.
• Option e: Demonstrating superiority over French wasn't the primary motive. Eliminate.

Answer:

c) a loosely organized march of women demanding food, fuel, and political reform that quickly spiraled into a mass strike which the army joined.

Question 50