Term

What was Russia like in the early 20th century?

Definition

- Vast - The Russian Empire covered 1/6 of the world's surface - Ruled by Tsar Nicholas II of the Romanov dynasty - Had a population of 125 million people - Faced a number of political, economic, social, religious and geographical problems which led to discontent and growing opposition which threatened the tsarist regime

Term

Reasons for discontent: Subject Nationalities

Definition

- Russian empire was made up of more than 20 different peoples: Russia was a foreign language for 60% of these people who were known as subject nationalities - Many of these people resented being part of the Russian Empire due to the policy of 'Russification' whereby they were forced to speak Russian, wear Russian clothes and follow Russian customs - Russians were also often given the important jobs in non-Russian areas

Term

Reasons for discontent: the government

Definition

- Russia was an autocracy. All power lay in the hands of the tsar who believed he ruled by divine right. - About 70% of the population were members of the Orthodox Church which was closely linked to the tsar and supported his way of ruling. They taught that he was God's chosen representative on earth. - The tsar's council of ministers ran various governmental departments, but could not make important decisions - civil servants carried out the day-to-day work of government, but were poorly paid. Bribery and corruption were rife. - Russian people had little freedom: trade unions and strikes were forbidden, newspapers and books were censored. - The tsar was determined to suppress all opposition using the Okhrana, his secret police.