Working Population in Russia before 1917

The working population in Russia before 1917 was unique compared to other countries in Europe due to several key factors.

Economic Structure
- Russia had a predominantly agrarian economy with a large population of peasants working on land owned by nobles.
- Industrialization was slow in Russia compared to Western European countries, resulting in a smaller urban working class.

Social Hierarchy
- The Russian Empire had a rigid social hierarchy with nobles, peasants, and the working class occupying distinct social strata.
- The working population in Russia faced harsh conditions and limited social mobility compared to their counterparts in other European countries.

Labor Movement
- The labor movement in Russia was relatively nascent before 1917, with limited rights for workers and minimal labor unions.
- Strikes and protests by the working population were met with harsh repression by the Tsarist regime, leading to limited collective action.

Political Climate
- Russia was an autocratic state under the rule of the Tsar, with limited political freedoms for the working population.
- The lack of political representation and civil liberties for the working class set Russia apart from other European countries where democratic movements were gaining momentum.

In conclusion, the working population in Russia before 1917 was characterized by a predominantly agrarian economy, a rigid social hierarchy, limited labor movement, and an autocratic political system, setting it apart from other European countries in terms of social and economic dynamics.