My apologies, first of all, for posting this week's assignment so late.
Given how little we have covered this week, I do not believe we are fully equipped to tackle the Revolution itself.
Hence, I propose that you image yourself to be a very well informed resident of the Russian empire in the year of 1900. You are wary, of course, of all the internal rumbling and discontent in the country, of the revolutionary underground organizations both within and without, of the accompanying and seemingly chronic incompetence of the government and of all the problems unleashed by the recent state-buttressed industrialization drive. At the same time you recognize readily all the advantages associated with the relative youth of the Russian society; you discern rapid changes within the social structure and are mildly hopeful that the economic transformations may ultimately enable the country to discard the burden of its own - real and perceived - backwardness.
Experiencing this mixture of hope and chagrin, you are asked to outline for a less informed observer than yourself two or three alternative paths that Russia may possible traverse in the near future. What lies in store for the country? your interlocutor asks you. Give him your prognosis for the next twenty years (forgetting, of course, the fact that you - real you in 2014 - have all seen it and knows everything in advance). Substantiate your forecast with arguments and examples.
Given how little we have covered this week, I do not believe we are fully equipped to tackle the Revolution itself.
Hence, I propose that you image yourself to be a very well informed resident of the Russian empire in the year of 1900. You are wary, of course, of all the internal rumbling and discontent in the country, of the revolutionary underground organizations both within and without, of the accompanying and seemingly chronic incompetence of the government and of all the problems unleashed by the recent state-buttressed industrialization drive. At the same time you recognize readily all the advantages associated with the relative youth of the Russian society; you discern rapid changes within the social structure and are mildly hopeful that the economic transformations may ultimately enable the country to discard the burden of its own - real and perceived - backwardness.
Experiencing this mixture of hope and chagrin, you are asked to outline for a less informed observer than yourself two or three alternative paths that Russia may possible traverse in the near future. What lies in store for the country? your interlocutor asks you. Give him your prognosis for the next twenty years (forgetting, of course, the fact that you - real you in 2014 - have all seen it and knows everything in advance). Substantiate your forecast with arguments and examples.
By the early twentieth century Russia took the second place in the world - more 22mln.km - second only to the British Empire.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of population - 185.2 million people in the year 1914 - Russia took third place after Britain and China .
Total population of the Russian Empire in more than 100 nations.
In the beginning . Twentieth century the country faced the task of modernization.
In terms of national income , Russia was on the 4th place after the United States , Germany and England. But the income per person was 89 rubles. a year, i.e. , 5-8 times lower than in developed countries.
But overall, despite significant changes in all spheres of society, Russia lagged far behind the developed countries. Before the Russian Empire was a problem not only the modernization of the economy but also society itself.
If I relied on these facts, according to the modernization plan in 1900, I would not even be able to predict the first world war in 1914. Since the people had another problem and everything just worked without lifting his head. I would have thought about how the country will start to bloom later modernization policy.
At the beginning of 1900 Russian Empire was one of the Great Powers of Europe. But it economically and politically significantly lagged behind other Great Powers such as England, Germany and France. Such backwardness and discontent caused great excitement in the country. One of the reasons for this unstable situation is consequences of the First World War.Russian Empire had suffered tremendous losses,which angered the population.Hence,it shattered the authority of the tsarist goverment. Another,on of the most important reasons,is inteligentsii influence.Intelegentsii acted as "enlightener" for peasants. Inteligentsii wanted to modernize Russian Empire.The main example for them was Western Europe.But the policy which was selected by developED Western Europe,had completely different meaning for developING Russian Empire.
ReplyDeleteWhat ways can be selected by Russian Empire for a brighter future? I do not know exactly answers.But one thing is clear,Russian Empire will not remain the same.Before it becomes a country which the nation requires,they have to go through a lot of turmoil.
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ReplyDeleteIn the early 20th century Russian Empire was in difficult times: the crisis of 1900-1903, the land hunger, and most of all in my opinion was a difficult time for the peasants. nobody thought about the rights of peasants, do not take them seriously. They demanded ministerial responsibility to the people, guarantees the legality of government. But the government considered "cocky" their statement and denied to them. This cause the beginning of the revolution in 1905. In my opinion peasants wanted only justice, that they could achieve. I believe that in twenty years the peasants have their way! Finally disappear absolutism, will be created reforms and constitution, establish the honest Parliament! And Russian Empire healed again as a Great Power!
ReplyDeleteDespite the fact that Russia was one of the powerful and largest countries in Europe, it was dropped behind the other countries of Great Powers. The cause of such circumstance was the Peasants, that occupied vast part of its citizens, that pulled Russia back economically and politically. Of course, after the Emancipation in 1861, the life routine of peasants had changed, thich was unexpectedly for them. Moreover, the same role has an intelligensii, enlightening and influencing peasants, becoming the reason of country's backwardness.
ReplyDeleteThe future, that Russia may have, would be closely connected to Marxism, in my opinion. As he said, "The point about socialism was that, like capitalism, it was a predictable stage in the development of human society." It could be a beginning of Russia's leading over the other countries of Great Power. Who knows, the theory of 'capitalism' would make Russia to leave these countries behind.
Since 1900s , Russia was on the verge of revolt that were done by workers. It was affected by a number of events in the early twentieth century, such as : economic crisis, Russian -Japanese war , the unresolved question of the peasant and the exploitation of workers . As expected in 1905 there was the first Russian Revolution , whose aim was to improve the condition of labor, and give farmers a little more freedom . In the same year a Manifesto were signed, which encompasses : creating of State Duma, the idea of democratic freedom to people , the introduction of universal suffrage. From 1906 to 1907 there were small uprisings by the peasants, workers and soldiers. Unfortunately the Emperor Nicholas II acted in such way that was only convenient to him , dropping us, his people , without giving us the right to choose . For example, in 1905 he changed the electoral law , which is a violation of the Manifesto . The outcome of this revolution was different since they approved the Parliament which were consisted of the State Council and State Duma.
ReplyDeleteNow,when the revolution has already passed and parliaments were established , and it followed to the emergence of new parties : political, liberal and monarchist . Now, when the revolution continues but people still did not get what they want , when they didn’t feel the freedom , the right of individuals , people are ready to rebel again. Now it is difficult to determine whether such revolutions will reapeat or not, but I can say that they may exist again, because people that took contribution in revolution dedn’t feel themselves satisfied of what did they get. Probably , the country will rise until the government does not really care about their people, and possibly until they didn't replace their governor .
After the victory of the February Revolution, the political forces of the Russian society differently presented a problem of power. The country was at a crossroads. The political forces differently solved the problem of the choice of the way in which the country was supposed to go, which is reflected in the positions of the political parties. Alignment of political forces was divided into three blocks: the left wing – Bolsheviks, on the right – Cadets and Octo, and the role of the center played Mensheviks - SR unit. These three blogs differently have seen alternative ways of development of the country.
ReplyDeleteCadets held bourgeois-democratic reforms, the Constituent Assembly, the establishment of a democratic republic; they wanted that the country was moving on the path which moved West Europe. The main goal of Mensheviks-SR unit was socialism. But Russia was the most backward of the world powers, in this country hadn`t yet ripened prerequisites, so any socialist experiment was doomed to failure. At the same time Bolsheviks came out of hiding and had the opportunity to operate legally. They came out of hiding extremely weakened and a small, but as they turned to political work, the Bolshevik Party began to rapidly increase its membership. Their alternative path of development was embarked on an immediate transition from the bourgeois-democratic revolution to the socialist revolution, the result of which was to be the establishment of the dictatorship of the proletariat.
It is important to clarify , that we looked forward of crowning our emperor. Indeed, we expected the amendments or changing of the reforms, and of course , of our great Empire. Unfortunately, our "great" emperor does not perform his duties, for instance during his crowning, that was in 1894, approximately 4000 people had died, but events for the coronation proceeded according to the program: in particular, the same evening gala ball took place at the French ambassador . The Emperor was present at all scheduled events. Furthermore, the revolution , that happened in 1905, gave the rise of doubting whether our emperor deserves to govern.I do not guess what will happen later, but regarding all this events something will happen with the patience of ordinary people, and , indeed with governing of our emperor. Moreover, the changing of our regimen will definitely happen.
ReplyDeleteI think there could be two alternative paths:
ReplyDelete1) As a result of the revolution in 1905, there formed a dual power: the Tsar and the State Duma. If the country has developed in this direction and has been taken the right laws and reforms to facilitate the peasants, and stimulating economic development, so maybe we have seen that in Russia there would be something like the British monarchy.
2) As a result of the February Revolution in 1917, temporary government came to power and if it was able to suppress the Bolsheviks` uprising, conduct necessary reforms and raise the industry, possibly Russia would develop in a democratic way and today would be something like the U.S..
In the period of 1900 and till the end of the World War I, in Russian Empire was a lot of occurs that influenced the standard of living of the population. There were crisis in 1899-1903, Russian-Japanese war, a huge amount of strikes because of the bad working conditions, and the most influential one was World War I. Costs and expenses for all these incidents were overly large, which led to the interruption in growth of Russian Empire. However, empire took one of the dominant position in world agriculture. The gross harvest of grain in 1913, from the five major crops amounted about 85 million tons. A lot of grain was given to the export. Also, along with the agriculture industry is rising, for the period 1887-1913, production increased by 4.6 times, country took 4-5 places in the world in absolute size of iron ore, coal and steel production. Therefore, I think that development in agriculture and industry will enable The Russian Empire to prosper.
ReplyDeleteВ начале 20 века в России бурно развивалось революционное движение. Это было связано с экономическими и политическими условиями в России. В тот период у власти стояли очень слабые лидеры, а в обществе полным ходом шло изучение теории Карла Маркса и Фридриха Энгельса о всеобщем равенстве, построении социализма с переходом в коммунизм. Эта теория была утопична, но очень привлекательна для простого народа. В это время на историческую арену России выходят такие сильные личности как Ленин, Троцкий, Плеханов и естественно они должны были воспользоваться ситуацией в обществе, когда верхи не могли управлять по-новому, а низы не хотели жить по-старому. Такие лозунги революционеров как «заводы и фабрики- рабочим, земля- крестьянам» поднимали народ России на борьбу с царской властью. Революционеры во главе с Ленином свершили революцию. Я думаю, история была бы совсем другой, если бы царская власть была бы сильной и более жесткой по отношению к революционерам. Если бы власть изолировала от общества Ленина, Троцкого, Зиновьева, Свердлого и других, внедрила бы в экономику России реформы предлагаемые Столыпиным, то страна окрепла бы экономически. В политическом плане Россия должна была изучить идею демократического развития общества, которая реализовывалась в США с 1789 года, а также внедрить ее в Российском обществе. Это привело бы державу к более цивилизованному и развитому обществу.
ReplyDeleteIn the early 20th century Russian revolutionary movement rapidly was expanding . This was due to economic and political conditions in Russia. In that period, the authorities were very weak leaders , and society in full swing was studying the theory of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels of universal equality , building socialism with the transition to communism . This theory was utopian , but was very attractive to ordinary people. At this time, strong personalities as Lenin, Trotsky , Plekhanov appeared on the historical arena of Russia and naturally they had to use the situation in a society where the upper classes could not manage in a new style and lower classes did not want to live in the old way. Revolutionaries` slogans such as " plants and factories to the workers , land to peasants" raised the Russian people to fight with the royal authority . Revolution occurred . I think the story would have been different if the royal power was stronger and more rigid with respect to the revolutionaries. If the authorities isolated from society Lenin, Trotsky , Zinoviev, Sverdlov and others, if they introduced to the Russian economy reforms proposed by Stolypin , the country would be economically strengthened . Politically, Russia was to explore the idea of democratic development of society , which was established in the U.S. since 1789 , as well as to introduce it in the Russian society . This would lead to power more civilized and developed society .
ReplyDeleteEnd of XIX century . in Russia was a period of rapid economic growth. Industrial enterprises, banks , railroads , joint stock companies grew like mushrooms after rain. Especially heavy industry was rising rapidly . Impressive economic growth rates . Successful financial reform in 1897 stabilized the national currency. It seemed a big success will never end.On the background of turbulent economic achievements seemed invisible and unimportant , some far from the best features of the Russian economy, which subsequently played a sinister role . Russian capitalism in the second half of the XIX . was slightly susceptible to scientific and technical progress . New machines, machine tools, advanced equipment penetrated the Russian production , but on a small scale , much smaller than in the advanced countries of Europe and the United States . Lack of equipment made up for cheap labor , hence the desire to create a huge business with lots of workers. The so-called concentration of production , which many Soviet historians considered evidence of progressivity of the Russian economy , in fact, is the result of technical backwardness .In Russia there was a lack of capital. This led , first, to accelerate the corporatization , and secondly - to a wide borrowing from abroad and attract foreign capital . Narrow domestic market will inevitably require large working capital. The vast majority of Russian companies held only on the continuous low-interest loans , which ultimately played a fatal role .
ReplyDeleteI liked Akmaral's answer,and I agreed with her opinion about royal authority.In my mind Russia after 100 years will be much more different than now,in 1900. We have some problems with economics, and with industry. European countries much more ahead as in using technical gadjets. We have some political disagreements,if it gets more worthy, it might be the war happen in the future.I hope that everything will be good.
In the end of XIX century Russia suffered Russo-Turkish War and the assassination of Alexander II.
ReplyDeleteAnd my prognosis (as person living in the beginning of the XX century) for the near twenty years are:
1) The peasants constitute the majority of Russians population and they have not sufficient land, also, "the mir (village council) would still periodically redistribute the strips so that each household had an equal share." (Sheila Fitzpatrick, The Russian Revolution). So the peasants will not bear these situations and they will go on strike that will be supported by the rest of dissatisfied population. As the result Russia will be a republic state.
2) The peasants will always complain about their situation but they will not do anything to fix it. Thus Russia will still be a monarchy and the standard of living will decrease while the Tsar will not realize it and till he do smth with it.
In any way, I think Russia will have some problems in industry and economy.
In Russia was growing crisis of socio-political system of industrial society. According to the fact, there was The First World War. Nevertheless, the war pushed Russia to other changes in the political and economic system. Presenting myself like a person living in the beginning of the XX century in Russia, I prefer to be an intelligent person. First of all, there have been profound changes in the economic development and people's living conditions. World was entering a new phase of the industrial period. One of the changes in Russia in 1900, I would suggest revolution in political system, and then I would predict opening new fields of mineral resources thus increasing industrial situation. However, the most important thing is the use of these resources in correct way. Correct way means profitable for society not for several members of government. The factors as increasing the role of science and enlightenment would appear like essential condition to prosperity. Discussing about the revolution, which occurred in 1917, in my opinion, it would depend on participation of people and interference of other countries, which are pursuing their ulterior motives.
ReplyDeleteAt the beginning of the 20 century situation in Russia was very difficult. Developing economic crises, problems with land issue and domination of landowners have created social tension in society. Also big territory created fragmentation and large differences between social classes. For example, most of population lived in rural area and were not fully informed about economic news or political changes. This population was not free, such as the same class in other countries. And I think they were not ready for revolution in its real meaning. May be they understood of necessity of change way of living, but for this society needed inelegant intellectuals and the proletariat, which was the small percent. I think these mentioned problems could be solved by some significant reforms in economy and politics.
ReplyDeleteAs the inhabitant of this time a can say that only one thing, of course, Russia needs changes. And these changes will happen. We might expect some new rules or laws, which will give more freedom to peasant, because current position of peasant slows down developing of Russian society.
Despite the fact that Russia in those years was called an empire, they were not in good condition. In the early 20th century, the Russian Empire was in difficult times, they had a downturn in the economic sphere in the 1900-1903 crisis. The most important issue was the question of land, it has been particularly acute in the European part of the peasants land holdings were small and there were not enough. My predictions for the next 20 years are as follows, I think they will solve this with the land reform will be created and the constitution will be economic development, and will be like earlier great power!
ReplyDeleteMy dear listener, you came here to ask me about the future of Russia. I would like to say that the future is in the hands of peasants because they are major part of Empire (about 77, 5 %). If they will keep rending the air but doing nothing Russia will stay as a monarchy. But I think it is clear that the well-being will decline dramatically. But if peasants make a protest against the authority there voice will be heard. Probably they won’t win in the war of government& mortals but people up there will know that their power no longer exists. And one day it will bring the crush of monarchy.
ReplyDeleteToday we have a completely destroyed country,where government does nothing, and does not try. I think in the near future, we will have something amazing that will shake our country .Someone seize this turmoil.Really hope that the revolution or uprising lift our spirits and give us the desire for a better life. I think people are tired from complications. They want the European life, and therefore what happens is what happened in Europe
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