The State Duma, also known as the Imperial Duma, marked a pivotal, albeit brief, experiment with parliamentary governance in the late Russian Empire. Functioning as the lower house of a newly formed legislative assembly, it represented a significant, though often contested, departure from centuries of autocratic rule. Its creation was a direct consequence of the tumultuous 1905 Revolution, a period of widespread social and political unrest that compelled Tsar Nicholas II to issue the October Manifesto, promising fundamental civil liberties and the establishment of an elected legislative body. This new assembly was intended to provide a forum for public discourse and law-making, though its powers were always subject to the Emperor's ultimate authority and the existence of an upper house, the State Council, which often served as a conservative check.

The Grand Setting: Taurida Palace

From its inception, the State Duma convened its sessions within the magnificent walls of the Taurida Palace in St. Petersburg, the imperial capital. This neoclassical architectural masterpiece, originally built for Prince Grigory Potemkin in the late 18th century, provided a grand and symbolically weighty backdrop for the nascent parliamentary proceedings. Its opulent halls witnessed heated debates, the rise and fall of political factions, and the often-strained interactions between the nascent representative body and the imperial government.

The Four Dumas: A Chronicle of Shifting Power

Between its inaugural meeting on April 27, 1906, and the dramatic collapse of the Russian Empire in February 1917, the State Duma saw four distinct iterations, each reflecting the volatile political climate and the ongoing struggle between imperial autocracy and the burgeoning forces of democracy and reform.

The First Duma (April – July 1906): The "Duma of National Hopes"

The First State Duma was a remarkably democratic body for its time, emerging from a relatively broad franchise. It represented an unprecedented diversity of national types and political viewpoints, featuring a strong contingent of liberal Constitutional Democrats (Kadets) and radical labor groups, alongside representatives from various ethnic minorities within the vast empire. This diverse composition led to immediate and intense clashes with the imperial government, particularly over issues of land reform and political amnesty. Its radical demands and unwillingness to compromise on core issues led to its swift dissolution by Tsar Nicholas II after just 72 days, dashing many hopes for a genuine parliamentary system.

The Second Duma (February – June 1907): The "Duma of National Anger"

Despite the government's attempts to influence the elections, the Second Duma proved to be even more radical and intractable than its predecessor. It again featured a significant representation of socialist and revolutionary parties, leading to continued deadlock and confrontational politics. Its short lifespan, lasting only 103 days, ended with its dissolution by Prime Minister Pyotr Stolypin, who then unilaterally changed the electoral laws in what became known as "Stolypin's Coup of June 3, 1907." This drastic measure fundamentally altered the electoral system, significantly reducing the representation of peasants, workers, and national minorities, thereby ensuring a more conservative composition in subsequent Dumas.

The Third Duma (1907 – 1912): The "Duma of Lords and Lackeys"

The changes in the electoral law had their intended effect. The Third Duma, convening for its full five-year term, was markedly different. It was dominated by conservative elements, primarily comprising gentry, large landowners, and businessmen. While often seen as less genuinely representative, this Duma was the most stable and productive in terms of legislative output. Under Stolypin's influence, it passed numerous laws related to agrarian reform, education, and national defense, providing a period of relative, albeit controlled, legislative activity. This Duma demonstrated that a limited form of cooperation between the monarchy and a conservative parliament was possible.

The Fourth Duma (1912 – March 1917): The "War Duma"

The Fourth Duma largely mirrored the conservative composition of its predecessor. However, its existence coincided with the escalating tensions leading up to and during World War I. Initially supportive of the war effort, the Duma increasingly found itself at odds with the imperial government's incompetence, corruption, and inability to manage the wartime crisis. As public discontent grew, the Duma became a focal point for opposition to the Tsar's regime. It famously formed the Progressive Bloc, urging for a government "enjoying the confidence of the country." The Fourth Duma played a crucial, though indirect, role in the events of the February Revolution of 1917, which led to the abdication of Nicholas II. While it ceased to function effectively on March 2, 1917, after the collapse of the monarchy, it was only formally dissolved by the Provisional Government on October 6, 1917, just weeks before the Bolshevik Revolution.

Legacy and Impact

Despite its limited powers and the constant threat of dissolution, the State Duma represented Russia's inaugural step towards constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy. It provided a vital platform for political debate, albeit often stifled, and allowed a segment of society to voice its concerns. Its brief history illustrates the inherent tensions between an entrenched autocratic tradition and the modernizing forces demanding representation, ultimately contributing to the revolutionary fervor that swept away the imperial order.

Frequently Asked Questions about the State Duma

What was the State Duma?

The State Duma, or Imperial Duma, was the lower house of the legislative assembly established in the late Russian Empire following the 1905 Revolution, designed to introduce an element of popular representation into the government, though its powers were limited by the Tsar.

When was the State Duma established?

The State Duma held its first session on April 27, 1906, as a direct outcome of the reforms promised in Tsar Nicholas II's October Manifesto of 1905.

Where did the State Duma hold its meetings?

All four State Dumas convened their sessions at the historic Taurida Palace in St. Petersburg, which served as the capital of the Russian Empire at the time.

How many State Dumas were there?

There were a total of four State Dumas that convened between 1906 and 1917, each with varying compositions and durations.

Why were the First and Second Dumas different from the Third and Fourth?

The First and Second Dumas were more democratic and represented a broader spectrum of society due to more liberal electoral laws. However, following the dissolution of the Second Duma, electoral laws were significantly altered by Prime Minister Pyotr Stolypin, leading to the Third and Fourth Dumas being dominated by conservative elements, primarily gentry, landowners, and businessmen.

What led to the dissolution of the State Duma?

The first two Dumas were dissolved by imperial decree due to irreconcilable conflicts with the government. The Third Duma completed its full term. The Fourth Duma ceased to function effectively with the collapse of the monarchy during the February Revolution in March 1917 and was formally dissolved by the Provisional Government in October 1917.

What was the significance of the State Duma?

The State Duma was significant as Russia's first elected legislative body, representing a crucial step towards constitutionalism and parliamentary governance, even though its powers were often curtailed. It provided an arena for political debate and laid foundational experiences for future representative institutions.