Paul Milyukov in 1914

Paul Milyukov was born in Moscow, Russia in 1859. He studied history at the University of Moscow and became involved in the student protest movement.

Milyukov wrote several history books including Studies in the History of Russian Culture. An opponent of Russia's autocratic regime, his criticisms of Nicholas II resulted in him being sacked from the university and banished from Russia.

Milyukov moved to the United States where he taught at the University of Chicago. During the 1905 Revolution he returned to Russia and helped establish the Union of Liberation and the Union of Unions. This resulted in him being arrested and imprisoned.

On his release Milyukov helped to form the Constitutional Democratic Party. Initially a harsh critic of the Duma he eventually agreed to stand for election. Milyukov was elected to the third and fourth Dumas.

Paul Milyukov

1. Was highly critical of Nicholas II and the autocracy.

2. Wanted Russia to have universal suffrage.

3. Wanted the Russian government to allow freedom of expression and an end to political censorship of newspapers and books.

4. Thought Russia should support Serbia against the Triple Alliance.

5. Thought Russia should honour its obligations and support the Triple Entente against the Triple Alliance.

6. As the Russian Army was the largest army in the world he was convinced that Russia would defeat Austria-Hungary and Germany in a war.