Introduction to Russia

Russia: Geography& Population

 Social Structure of Russia
Nobility, the church, the army, the capitalists
(middle class) and the workers & Peasants.
 Peasants and the countryside
• 80% of Russia’s population lived in communes.
• There were some prosperous peasant farmers
called kulaks.
• Overall, working and living conditions of
peasants were dreadful.
• Farming was backward and primitive.
• Life expectancy 40 years.
• Diseases and hunger.
New Industries, cities & the working class

• Since the later 19th century the tsar wanted to

see Russia as an industrial power.
• Senior minister Sergie Witte introduced
policies for rapid industrialisation.
• Oil& coal productions doubled.
• Many new industries, peasants migrated to
the cities to work in the industries.
• Increase in populations means more demand
for food and fertile land.
• Teachings of the church, most peasants were
loyal to the tsar.
• Some peasants supported the Social
Revolutionaries
• Their aim was to take the land from
thearistocrates and give it to the peasants.
 Working conditions
• Harsh working conditions, poor salary,
housing.
• Trade Unions were abolished. No protest
allowed.
• Workers suffered from illnesses, alcoholism
and appaling working conditions.
 The middle classes
• As a result of industrialisation, a new class
emerge- the capitalists.
• They were landowners, bankers, traders &
businessmen.
• Before this Russia, had a small middle class-
shopkeepers, lawyers& university lecturers.
• Capitalists main concern was to control the
economy & the workforce.
Was Tsar Nicholas ready to bring Russia in line
with other superpowers- ready to bring
change and modernisation to Russia?
Is Tsar Nicholas ready to let go of his absolute
power??????
What were the 5 Pillars of Tsarism?
Aristocrats (Council of Ministers), civil servants,
Okhrana, army – Cossacks & Orthodox
church
Okhrana- Secret police
Cossacks- A loyal army regiment
How did Tsar Nicholas govern Russia?
• Nicholas through autocracy (absolute power)
controlled the empire.
• He lacked commanding leadership.
• He avoided making important decisions.
• He did not delegated day-to-day tasks in a
huge country like Russia.
• He felt threatened by able & talented
ministers. Eg Count Witte & Peter Stolypin
• He disliked confrontation.
• Encouraged rivalry between ministers to keep
them divided.
• He appointed family members & friends to
important positions.
Was Nicholas II suitable for Tsardom?
 Russia before 1905 Revolution
• What were the issues that led to the 1905
Revolution in Russia.
 Whomight
Who might Whywould
Why would
rebelin
rebel in peoplewant
people want
Russia?
Russia? torebel?
to rebel?

Whatwould
What woulditit
Whatwould
What woulditit takefor
foraa
take
taketo
take tostart
startaa revolutiontoto
revolution
revolution?
revolution? succeed?
succeed?
Industrial Growth
 Political Cause

 Autocratic rule
- supported by Okhrana
- revolutionaries dealt with harshly
 Lack of political participation
- middle class possessed wealth but little say
- no elections, no political rights
 Economic Cause

• Backward compared to the rest of

Western powers
• Industrialization – Beginning
• Agriculture – low production
 Social Cause
Hard life
• Peasants – high taxation &
Insufficient land & food
• Workers - poor working
conditions (little pay & long hours)
cramped living conditions &
insufficient food
Russia’s Problems
Social Discontent
 Political groups/Opposition to the Tsar
• The Liberals
• The Socialist Revolutionaries
• The Social Democrats
The Russo-Japanese war 1904-05
 POP QUIZ
1. What were the 2 2. How many percent of
continents that the land in Russia was
Russia span? fertile?

4. What is “Russification”?
3. Name the
“breadbasket of
Russia”.
 POP QUIZ
1. What were the 2 2. How many percent of
continents that the land in Russia was
Russia span? fertile?

• Europe & Asia 25%

4. What is “Russification”?
3. Name the
“breadbasket of Non- Russians are made to
Russia”. speak Russian, wear Russian
clothes and follow Russian
customs.
Ukraine
5. Name the ruler of 6. What were the 5 Pillars of
Russia in 1905. Tsarism?

7. What was the 8. Name the 3 main groups which

social structure of opposed the Tsar?
Tsarist Russia like?
5. Name the ruler of 6. What were the 5 Pillars of
Russia in 1905. Tsarism?
Council of Ministers, civil
Tsar Nicholas II servants, Okhrana, army –
Cossacks & Orthodox church

7. What was the 8. Name the 3 main groups which

social structure of opposed the Tsar?
Tsarist Russia like? • Social revolutionaries (Peasants’
Party),
Nobility, middle • Social Democrats (Mensheviks &
classes, working Bolsheviks – Communists)
class & peasants. • Liberals (believe in constitutional
monarchy)