Modern History - Revolutions and Turmoil - The Russian Revolution.

Essay by imperetUniversity, Bachelor'sA+, May 2006

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The fact that the autocracy collapsed in Feb. 1917 is not very surprising at all. One might agree that if for some favourable reason World War I did not take place then neither would the Russian Revolution. Or it may have happened, but later than it did. There was mass discontent spreading throughout Russia at the time of Tsar Nicholas II and the war put too much of a strain upon the nation for it to recover. The 'undeveloped' country had huge problems that ultimately led to financial collapse. Russia was falling apart from the outside in. Many reforms were abolished and new revolutionary groups were starting to emerge.

Conscripts suffered because Russia was a 'backward' country that lagged behind most other European nations. Its technology, education system, and form of government were far inferior to countries like France, America and England. Some revolutionary groups such as the 'Westernises' tried to embrace western ideas, but other groups as well as the Tsar's secret police opposed them.

Therefore Russia remained resistant to western influences and was 'behind the times' in no position to be fighting either the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05 or The Great War (WW I). Because of repression from the Tsarist monarchy and reluctance to change Russia was stuck back in the 18th century and therefore lost the Russo-Japanese War. This was a major set back for Russia not only because they didn't get their ice free port but also because they lost! This was significant because the people of Russia believed Asian countries were somehow inferior to European countries like Russia. This was quite damaging to Russia's reputation and made a large percentage of the people realise how 'behind' Russia was. During this war Russia used mainly conscripts that cost money and food. The manpower needed was...