Explain the economic and society of russia at the beginning of 20th century
Answers
At the beginning of the 20th century, the vast majority of Russia's people were agriculturists. About 85 per cent of the Russian empire's population earned their living from agriculture. (i) Cultivators produced for the market as well as for their own needs and Russia was a major exporter of grain. (ii) Industry was found in pockets. Prominent industrial areas were St Petersburg and Moscow. (iii) Large factories existed alongside craft workshops. (iv) Many factories were set up in the 1890s when Russia's railway network was extended and foreign investment in industry increased. (v) Most industries were the private property of industrialists. The government supervised large factories to ensure minimum wages and limited hours of work. (vi) Workers were divided into social groups on the basis of skill. Division was also visible in dress and manners also. (vii) Some workers formed associations to help members in times of unemployment or financial hardship. (viii) Despite divisions, workers united themselves to strike, work when they disagreed with employers about dismissals or work conditions. (ix) Like workers, peasants too were divided. They also had no respect for the nobility. (x) Russian peasants wanted the land of the nobles to be given to them. (xi) They pooled their land together periodically and their commune divided it according to the needs of individual families.
The first half of the 20th century was a turbulent time for Russia.
The political system was drastically and violently transformed, there was an explosion of avant-garde art, and then Stalin led the country through the violent period of industrialization.
Many believe that it was during that time that Russia gained enough force and resources to be able to defeat the Nazis in the WW2.
The First World War started in 1914, Russia was allied with UK and France and fought against Germany, Austro-Hungarian Empire and Turkey.
This war changed completely the map of Europe and lead to the collapse of the Russian Empire as well. Emperor Nikolay the Second handled the power to the Temporary Government on February 27th 1917.
The Temporary Government attempted to gain control over the country, but it was supported by the bourgeois only.
The situation was used by Bolsheviks who got popularity among soldiers and workers because of their populist slogans and charismatic leader Vladimir Lenin.
Bolsheviks revolted on October 25th 1917. It took four more years of Civil war for Bolsheviks to get control over the whole Russia.
To the end of this period Russian republic was completely devastated.
Millions of people were killed, industry collapsed, famine started, Russia lost control over Poland, Finland, Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia.