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RUSSIA 1905-41 Russia was (and is) a vast country that is difficult to govern: Russians only made up about half the population Many languages, races & cultures were to be found within the empire Russia stretches over many time zones & climates, most of the latter are harsh Russia is land-locked and therefore isolated Russia was an autocracy ruled by Tsar Nicholas II, (Romanov) he was: Young & inexperienced Did not really want to rule, but took on the burden as a God-given & unavoidable sacred duty He was a devoted family man much influenced by his German wife, Alexandra He was unfortunate to rule at a time of rapid change, modernisation and major war The characteristics of Russia were: An inefficient administration A secret police (Okhrana) A supreme Orthodox Church No parliamentary structures (before 1906) No opposition was allowed An inadequate Tsar, a disliked Tsarina and an invalide Tsaravitch It was rapidly becoming industrialised, but was still backward & inward looking Over 70% of the population were peasants (muzhiks); serfdom had only been abolished in 1861 BACK TO TOP |