How did Tsar Nicholas II survive the 1905 Revolution? (6 marks)

The 1905 Revolution shook Tsar Nicholas' power, yet he survived the rebellion by using using two main strategies. Firstly, Nicholas conceded some degree of power to the Russian Parliament, known as the Duma. The October Manifesto effectively established a constitutional monarchy, whereby freedom of speech and freedom of the press were guaranteed. This action satisfied middle class liberals, for example, the Kadets. Furthermore, Nicholas reluctantly lowered taxes, pleasing the Socialist Revolutionaries, who then ceased fighting in rural areas. Therefore, Nicholas survived the 1905 Revolution by conceding some power to a constitutional monarchy.
However, these concessions were not concrete, as the Tsar disregarded the Duma's opinions and recommendations. Furthermore, rioting was still common in urban cities, mainly due to the Bolsheviks' persistent violence. For example, mutinies similar to the Potemkin Rebellion continued into 1906. Tsar Nicholas responded by deploying the Cossacks to crush outbursts of fighting. Therefore, Nicholas II also used coercion to retain power and survive the 1905 rebellion.