Detailed Summary
In 1914, the Russian Empire was a sprawling entity ruled by Tsar Nicholas II, encompassing modern-day Finland, the Baltic states, parts of Poland, Ukraine, and extending to Central Asia and the Caucasus. The empire was religiously and ethnically diverse, predominantly adhering to Russian Orthodox Christianity, but also including Catholics, Muslims, and other faiths.
Social Structure
Approximately 85% of the population relied on agriculture, a significantly higher percentage than in many European nations like France and Germany. While industrialization was beginning to take root, concentrated in cities like St. Petersburg and Moscow, most of the economy remained tied to subsistence and market-driven agriculture. Notably, many industries were privately owned, and working conditions were difficult, with long hours and sparse wages. A labor force divided by skill and gender led to tensions and rising associations among workers to address grievances.
Economic Challenges
Economic hardship was pronounced; many people struggled with poor living conditions, food shortages, and limited wages, leading to periodic strikes and social discontent. The divide between the aristocratic class and the peasantry fueled resentment, as the latter increasingly sought land reform and social justice.
Political Landscape
The political atmosphere was charged, with revolutionary ideas gaining traction. All political parties were illegal prior to 1914, but underground movements were forming to challenge the Tsarist regime. The rise of socialist ideologies emphasized collective ownership and workers' rights, setting the stage for more radical upheaval.
This backdrop of social tension, economic instability, and political repression created an environment ripe for revolution, culminating in the events that would unfold in 1917.