Pre-Revolution Russian Society

Definition

Pre-Revolution Russian Society refers to the social structure and conditions in Russia before the 1917 revolutions, marked by stark class divisions and widespread discontent. The society was largely agrarian, with a vast majority of the population living in poverty as peasants, while a small elite class enjoyed significant wealth and power. This inequitable distribution of resources and rights set the stage for revolutionary movements that would eventually challenge the status quo.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Approximately 80% of the Russian population were peasants living under difficult conditions, often experiencing extreme poverty and lack of basic rights.
2. The nobility held significant power and privileges, often resisting reforms that would threaten their status, leading to tensions with the growing middle class.
3. Industrialization began to take hold in the late 19th century, leading to the rise of urban working classes who faced harsh labor conditions, fueling revolutionary sentiments.
4. The Russian Orthodox Church played a major role in society, often aligning with the monarchy and reinforcing the existing social order, which many saw as oppressive.
5. Widespread discontent among various classes, including peasants, workers, and the intelligentsia, ultimately contributed to the revolutionary movements that erupted in 1917.

Review Questions

• How did the class divisions in Pre-Revolution Russian Society contribute to the eventual revolutionary movements?
  • Class divisions in Pre-Revolution Russian Society created significant tensions between the wealthy nobility and the impoverished peasantry. With a majority of Russians living in poverty under serfdom or harsh working conditions, frustrations grew as their needs went unaddressed. The disparity led to calls for reform from both the burgeoning bourgeoisie and the educated intelligentsia, ultimately driving collective action that culminated in revolutionary movements aimed at overthrowing the oppressive social structure.
• In what ways did industrialization impact Pre-Revolution Russian Society, particularly for workers and peasants?
  • Industrialization brought about profound changes in Pre-Revolution Russian Society by shifting some economic focus from agriculture to industry. While it created jobs in urban areas, working conditions were often dire with long hours and low pay. This situation fueled discontent among urban workers who sought better rights and living standards. Meanwhile, many peasants remained tied to their agrarian lifestyles, but some began to migrate to cities for work, contributing to a growing awareness of social injustice and igniting revolutionary sentiments across classes.
• Evaluate how the role of the intelligentsia influenced political thought and action in Pre-Revolution Russian Society.
  • The intelligentsia played a pivotal role in shaping political thought in Pre-Revolution Russian Society by introducing radical ideas about reform and revolution. Comprising writers, thinkers, and activists, they questioned autocratic rule and advocated for democracy and social justice. Their influence was seen through literature and political discourse that inspired various movements among different social classes. Ultimately, their efforts helped mobilize public opinion against the existing regime, laying intellectual groundwork for the revolutions that followed.

Related terms

Serfdom:

A system of labor prevalent in Russia where peasants were bound to land and under the control of landowners, effectively functioning as property.

Bourgeoisie:

The middle class in pre-revolution Russia that began to grow in influence and wealth, often advocating for political reforms and rights.

Intelligentsia: The educated, intellectual elite in Russia who played a critical role in promoting ideas of reform and revolutionary thought during the pre-revolutionary period.