In what ways the working population in Russia was different from other...
By the 1900 in some areas factory workers and craftsmen were almost equal in number. The working day was sometimes 15 hours compared with 10 or 12 hours in factories. Workers were divided a social group and also divided by skilled. Women made up 31 per cent of the factory labour force y 1914 but they were paid less than men. In the countryside, peasants cultivated most of the land. But the nobility, the Crown and the orthodox church owned large properties. They had no respect for the nobility. Nobels got their position through their services to the Tsar, not through local popularity. This was unlike France during the French revolution in Brittany, peasants respect nobles and fought for them.Frequently they refused to pay rent and even murdered landlord. In 1902 this occurred on a large scale in South Russia. And in 19 05 such incident took place all over the world.
In what ways the working population in Russia was different from other...
Working Population in Russia before 1917
Before the Russian Revolution of 1917, the working population in Russia differed from other countries in Europe in several ways. These differences can be attributed to various socioeconomic factors and the unique political and industrial landscape of pre-revolutionary Russia.
Socioeconomic Conditions:
- Agrarian Economy: Unlike many European countries that were rapidly industrializing, Russia remained predominantly agrarian. The majority of the Russian population were peasants engaged in agriculture, with limited access to industrial jobs.
- Serfdom: Russia was one of the last European countries to abolish serfdom, which was only officially abolished in 1861. This system tied peasants to the land, limiting their mobility and opportunities for social and economic advancement.
- Urban-Rural Divide: The working population in Russia was divided between the urban industrial workers and the rural agricultural laborers. This divide created distinct social, economic, and political dynamics within the working class.
Industrial Working Class:
- Factory Conditions: The industrial working class in Russia faced harsh working conditions, including long hours, low wages, and inadequate safety regulations. Many factories lacked proper ventilation and sanitation, leading to high rates of illness and mortality among workers.
- Political Repression: The Russian government, under the rule of Tsar Nicholas II, heavily suppressed workers' rights and labor movements. Trade unions were banned, strikes were met with violence, and workers' organizations were closely monitored or infiltrated by the secret police.
- Lack of Social Welfare: Unlike some European countries where social welfare systems were being established, Russia had limited social welfare provisions. Workers had limited access to healthcare, education, and unemployment benefits, making their living conditions even more precarious.
Rural Peasant Population:
- Feudal Obligations: Peasants in Russia faced feudal obligations, such as paying rent to landowners and providing labor on their estates. These obligations hindered their ability to improve their economic situation and limited their mobility.
- Poverty and Land Hunger: The majority of the rural population lived in poverty, struggling to make ends meet. Peasants faced land hunger, as the available land was often insufficient to sustain their families and fulfill their agricultural needs.
- Lack of Political Power: Peasants had limited political representation and were largely excluded from decision-making processes. This lack of political power further marginalized their interests and hindered their ability to advocate for their rights and improve their living conditions.
Conclusion:
Before the Russian Revolution of 1917, the working population in Russia faced unique challenges and limitations compared to other European countries. The agrarian economy, the persistence of serfdom, the urban-rural divide, harsh factory conditions, political repression, and limited social welfare provisions all contributed to the distinctiveness of the working population in pre-revolutionary Russia. These factors played a significant role in shaping the revolutionary sentiments among the working class and ultimately led to the overthrow of the Tsarist regime in 1917.
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