How serious were the dangers to the Tsarist government of Russia from 1900 to the outbreak of war in 1914?

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How serious were the dangers to the Tsarist government of Russia from 1900 to the outbreak of war in 1914?

        Russia was facing an increasing number of crises in the years following 1900. However, the danger they posed to the Tsarist regime must be analyzed before a conclusion can be made.

        Firstly, there had been rapid industrial growth in the 1890s. This led peasants to move towards cities in search of more attractive and well-paid jobs in factories. When a depression followed in the 1900s, many were left unemployed and their bitterness made them a threat to public order.

        This was followed by the 1905 Russo-Japanese War. Although it was intended to divert public thought from the problems facing the empire, it backfired due to defeat in the war. The defeat was humiliating and blamed on the government’s inept handling of the war. There was a series of protests and mutiny of the Polemkin in particular was a huge danger to the Tsar, whose rule depended on the army.

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        In 1905, when a peaceful demonstration by Father Gapon resulted in a massacre, there were nation-wide protests and strikes. The people could no longer see Tsar Nicholas II as a father figure. So serious was the situation that Nicholas II had to grant concessions in the October Manifesto.

        After the 1905 Revolution, there was a resurgence of industrial growth which meant a stronger proletariat. This new generation had not experienced first-hand the suppression following the 1905 Revolution and hence their urge to violence had not been tempered.

        The Russian economy needed to modernize if it wanted to keep up with ...

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