Autocratic Rule of the Czars:
Czar Alexander II brought some reforms in Russia and became famous among all. But after him Czar Alexander III and Czar Nicholas II became despotic. During their reign the political organisations like-Meer, Jemstvo and Duma had lost their political powers. The Czarist autocracy flamed the **** of unrest among the labourers, peasants, intellectuals and students of Russia. In course of time, public unrest increased in Russia. Thus, hatred towards the Czardom began.
Conditions of peasants: Majority of the Russians were agriculturalists. Major part of the land was owned by nobles and clergy and these peasants worked as farmers on daily wages. They were paid less and worked more and sometimes under debt, they were not even paid wages.
Status of industries: Industry was found in pockets. Prominent industrial areas were St. Petersburg and Moscow. Craftsmen undertook much of the production, but large factories existed alongside crafts workshops. Foreign investment in industries increased with the extension of Russia’ railway network.
Conditions of workers in the industries: Most industries were owned by private industrialists. Though the government supervised factories’ working hours and wages of the workers, but still rules were broken. ** workers were also paid less than men. Some workers formed associations to help members in times of unemployment and financial hardships. ,
Formation of socialist parties: All political parties were **** in Russia before 1914. The Russian Social Democratic Workers Party was founded in 1898 by socialists, who respected Marxist ideas. But because of government policies, it had to operate secretly as an ** organisation. It set up a newspaper, mobilised workers and organised strikes.
