From the late 19th century, Russian Tsars had been keen for Russia, to become an industrial power. Policies were introduced that led to a rapid industrial growth, some Peasants left the land to work in these new industries. This lead to over crowding, in the cities. Workers had to endure long hours, low pay and atrocious working conditions. Other type of people were coming looking for a new life, over in Moscow, but their living conditions hardly changed. Unlike every other European country, there were no government regulations on child labour, hours, safety, or even the slightest type of education. Low pay, unguarded machinery and brutal discipline made the Peasants realise that working in the factories is no better than working on the land.
A result to the industrialisation, was that the Middle class grew, e.g. (teachers, shopkeepers, civil servants, were joined by industrialists, bankers, traders and businessmen.) Until this time, the middle class were very small, they included shopkeepers, lawyers and university lecturers. These capitalists increased the Middle class, particularly in the cities. Their main concerns, were about the economy and the, management of the workforce. The fights between the capitalists and workers were to play a very big part in Russian History.
Russia was run by an Autocracy. By the Early 20th Century, the most great power had been given to the people, at least some say in how the country was run. But Tsar Nicholas II was determined to preserve the Autocracy. He avoided making big important decisions, so he appointed friends and family (who were probably incompetent) into high positions of power. The word Autocracy means people with unrestricted power. This is what the Tsar was, as he had absolute power to rule Russia. Tsar gave His people The Duma or the October Manifesto, this was the Russian word for Democracy and to have an elected government or Parliament. Tsar also gave the Fundamental Laws, these were laws that agreed to the existence of the Duma, but also put so many limitations on powers, that the people could do virtually nothing. Tsar Nicholas II, also managed his officials poorly, he felt threatened by such able and talented ministers. These people were like, Count Witte and Peter Stolypin. He sacked Count Witte, and hired Peter Stolypin. Stolypin was most famous for his “Carrot and Stick method.” This meant he would give something but take a lot of something else, it is like a donkey method. If you want to make a donkey carry on walking, you could either lure him with a carrot or beat him until he started to walk. This was known as the Stolypin method.
In 1904 Japan declared war with Russia. It was assumed that Russia would beat Japan very quickly, but that is not how it worked out. The Russian Navy were humiliatingly destroyed, Russian people were horrified. Defeat against a “second class” power like Japan suggested that Russia was not being ruled properly. Count Witte was the key figure of the Russian and Japanese War. In that he created the Russian situation in the Far East, lost control of it in the power struggles, watched the war destroy his efforts and then returned to favour just in time to clean up the mess by bringing the peace, to each other.
The 1905 Revolution was an uprising of the people of Russia calling for a change in their government. It was started by anxious troops opening fire on peaceful marchers in St. Petersburg on January 9, 1905, a date that has since been called “Bloody Sunday.” Tsar Nicholas II, after struggling to regain control of the nation for almost a year, found peace by creating the October Manifesto, a document which granted basic civil liberties and rights to the Russian people and gave citizens a voice in the government through the election of the Duma. Father Gapon, a priest, organised and led the protestors. In an attempt to settle the dispute, George Gapon decided to make a personal appeal to Nicholas II. He drew up a petition outlining the workers' sufferings and demands. This included calling for a reduction in the working day to eight hours, an increase in wages and an improvement in working conditions. Gapon also called for the establishment to end the Russian and Japanese war.
Over 150,000 people signed the petition and on 22nd January 1905, Gapon led a large procession of workers to the Winter Palace in order to present the petition to Nicholas II. When the procession of workers reached the Winter Palace it was attacked by the police and the Cossacks. Over 100 workers were killed and some 300 wounded. The incident, known as Bloody Sunday, signalled the start of the 1905 Revolution.
