Three Major Demands of Russian Workers in the 1904 Strike in St. Petersburg

The strike of Russian workers that took place in St. Petersburg in 1904 was a significant event in the country's history and marked a turning point in the labor movement. The workers rallied together to demand better working conditions, higher wages, and political reforms. Here are the three major demands raised by the striking workers:

1. Improved Working Conditions:
The first demand put forth by the Russian workers was for improved working conditions. At that time, many workers in St. Petersburg were facing harsh and unsafe working conditions. They were subject to long hours, low wages, and unsanitary environments. The workers demanded shorter working hours, better ventilation in factories, and the implementation of safety measures to prevent accidents. They also called for an end to the use of child labor and the exploitation of women workers.

2. Higher Wages:
Another key demand of the striking workers was for higher wages. The workers argued that their current wages were inadequate to support themselves and their families. They demanded a significant increase in wages to ensure a decent standard of living. The workers believed that their labor was undervalued and that their employers were benefiting from their hard work without providing fair compensation. They sought fair wages that would allow them to meet their basic needs and improve their quality of life.

3. Political Reforms:
In addition to improvements in working conditions and wages, the striking workers also called for political reforms. They demanded greater political freedom, an end to censorship, and the right to form trade unions. The workers sought the abolition of oppressive laws that restricted their rights and limited their ability to advocate for their interests. They believed that political reforms were necessary to address the systemic issues they faced as workers and to achieve a more equitable society.

Overall, the workers' demands in the 1904 strike in St. Petersburg reflected their desire for better working conditions, higher wages, and political reforms. These demands were driven by a sense of injustice and a determination to challenge the oppressive labor practices of the time. The strike played a crucial role in shaping the labor movement in Russia and paved the way for future struggles for workers' rights and social justice.

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