How Significant Was the First World War on Russia 1914 – 1918?

The First World War was very significant in bringing change to politics and economy.
Before the war, Russia’s economy was slowly expanding but still in a fragile state, the
majority of the population were still peasants.
Its significance can be seen in the change of political system of Russia, hyperinflation and
ultimately the fall of the Tsar.

Their steel production was on par with major countries such as France and Austria-Hungary
and Russia had the largest gold reserve of any country. Between 1908 and 1914 the country’s
economic growth had seen an overall increase of 8.5%.
Hyperinflation on the people of Russia (specifically peasants)

The First World War had a major social impact on Russia which lowered the standard of
living, and led to the February Revolution. By 1917, The people of Russia had felt the
extremes of the war. There was a huge shortage in foods, industrial supplies and coal.
By 1917, Russia had 15.5 million soldiers and Conscripts, potentially even more however
there was a major shortage of weapons, and the Army could not equip the surplus. 84 to 88%
of the conscripts were peasants. The withdrawal of peasants from their farms meant there was
a shortage of workers in farms, and less food being produced. Between 1914 and 1917, food
crop in Russia had declined by 10 million tonnes from 52,136,000 to 41,885,000 tones. In
addition, there was a higher demand for food in the army. In 1914, the army’s supply of
wheat was 387,040 tonnes, and by 1917 their food supply had increased to 3,690,000.
This would have affected the majority of Russia, but peasants and the working class the most
as they were most financially unstable. The agricultural decline from the war was reduced
when The Treaty of Brest Litovsk was signed However it only fully recovered when the NEP
was introduced in 1928, where the agricultural and industry production was on par with pre-
war 1913.
1928 recovery date

Between “ ” and “ ” food shortages

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The impact of World War One had adverse effects on Russia’s economy. It can be argued
that by 1914 Russia’s economy had reached an okay level of stability. The currency was on
the gold standard and they had the largest gold reserves of any European country. However,
this stability was crippled by the war. Government spending on the war went from 4 million
to 30 million roubles. Russia had to remove their gold standard and introduce Quantitative
Easing. From 1914 to 1916, wages had increased by 100% (average unskilled labour wages
rose from 1.25 to 2.5 roubles on average). But, living costs had risen by 300% (average
monthly rent had increased from 2 to 8 roubles). Increasing the amount of money in
circulation only made the value of roubles drop significantly. Before 1914, one rouble
equated to about £0.50. After 1923, £1 would equate to 5,040,000,000. The resulting
economic downfall meant trading was not profitable, so farmers would hoard grain instead of
selling.
It can be argued that if the without the war, the economy’s stability could have been
sustained.
The government decided to introduce Quantitative Easing.
The First World War had negative impacts on the Russian people’s standard of living. It can
be argued that the consequential recessions caused mass unemployment, famine and
WWI ultimately caused the fall of the Tsar. When the
The First World War was significant because undermined the Tsar, and ultimately, lead to his
abdication. By 1915, Russia had lost several battles against the Germans. They lacked in
organisation, militaristic skills and war supplies. When the Tsar decided to take personal
command of the army, it highlighted his weaknesses and showed he knew little about the
command and organisation of large military forces. The Germans launched multiple
offensives including the Gorlice–Tarnów Offensive. What was to be a minor offensive,
caused the collapse of the Russian line, and their deep retreat far into Russia. There were up
to 400,000 casualties, an absolute embarrassment for the Russians. The Tsar’s decision to
take charge meant he was seen as having the responsibility for the defeats. It was these
defeats which further ruined his reputation and showed the
Politically, this was a significant change, over 300 years of the Romanov Dynasty, suddenly
removed. However, the social impact was less significant, it can be argued that the people of
Russia still underwent the same oppression from authority.
However, it could be argued, that the Tsar would have been forced to abdicate without the
First World War. It was clear to see Russia was falling behind the rest of the world
economically and the autocratic rule of the Tsar was outdated. There was already a revolution
in 1905, which nearly brought an end to his reign, the people of Russia might have revolted
again.

The First World War was significant because it brought left-wing socialism into government.