Timeline Monday 30 October 1905

Events on Monday 30 October 1905 2

• 1905 Nicholas II issues the October Manifesto Tsar concedes civil liberties and an elected legislature Facing mounting unrest, Tsar Nicholas II issued the October Manifesto, promising civil liberties, a broadened franchise, and an elected legislature, the State Duma. The concession split the opposition and temporarily calmed the revolutionary wave, though it left the tsar's autocratic powers largely intact. It marked Russia's first step toward constitutional government.
• 1905 The October Manifesto A constitution, signed under duress Drafted by Sergei Witte and put to the Tsar on 14 October, the manifesto grants freedom of conscience, speech, assembly and association, and an elected Duma without whose approval no law may take effect. Nicholas argues for three days and signs on 30 October, writing afterwards that he felt sick with shame. Liberals accept it and go home. Socialists call it a trick. The opposition coalition breaks, which was the point. Old Style 17 October.