What Were the Difficulties in Governing Russia in 1900?

From east to west the Russian Empire spanned over 4,000 miles and from north to south, approximately 2,000 miles. It measured one-sixth of the world’s total land mass.

The frozen tundra, miles of impenetrable forests, huge areas of grassland known as the Steppes, as well as the desert areas to the south, made up the complex features of the Russian landscape. In addition, each location had its own, often harsh, climate.

In 1900 governing such a land and its varied inhabitants was a bureaucratic and technological nightmare.

In addition, Russia’s industrial backwardness meant that movement between towns, cities and rural communities was fraught with difficulties.

Roads in Russia were extremely primitive outside of the large cities. Major centres like St Petersberg and Moscow might boast paved roads but in the provincial towns rutted earth, which      turned to mud, was the norm.

In winter these ruts became ice, making travelling by horse-drawn sleigh a hazardous business.

Roads were often blocked and even when clear, travel was slow and tedious.

Since many of the main towns and cities were situated  near rivers, steamboats were a popular means of transport for people taking long journeys.

In particular, the River Volga played a vital role in the movement of people from Moscow to cities as far as Astrakhan.

In winter, when the rivers froze solid, sleighs replaced boats.

It's interesting to note in the painting above by Repin that the barge is being hauled by human power whilst in the very distance there is a steamboat visible by the smoke from its funnel.  A commentary perhaps by the artist on the waste of resources by the state and a disregard for the welfare of its citizens?

In 1900 the Russian Empire was made up of approximately 150 million people. The majority lived west of the Ural Mountains, in European Russia, and had developed a deep pride in their customs and religion.

However, less than half the population of the Empire regarded themselves as true Russians, belonging to nationalities conquered by the European Russians of the west. They had their own languages and cultures.

Therefore, a major problem in governing Russia at this period was the deep resentment amongst many of the national groups towards their conquerors. A policy of ‘Russification’ (being forced to speak Russian, wear Russian clothing and adopt Russian customs) brought about widespread dissatisfaction.

Areas such as Finland, Poland and Latvia were overseen by Russian bureaucrats who ensured the Russian language was spoken in key areas such as law courts, schools and in local government.

In addition to seething resentments, divisions between national groups themselves exacerbated the situation.

The Cossacks were an exception.

Their skills at fighting on horseback made them invaluable to the Russian government. They were rewarded with land in return for service in the army and, as a result, were extremely loyal to the Tsar.

These key stumbling blocks:

• size and varied climate
• lack of efficient means of communication
• and the existence of different, often hostile, national groups

were all contributing factors to the difficulties of governing Russia in 1900.

Despite a vast network of spies, informers, police and army officials spanning the Russian Empire, Tsar Nicholas II would find it increasingly difficult to cling to power.

The spectre of revolt was ever present.

Source:  Russia & the USSR 1905-1942 by Terry Fiehn (John Murray, 1999)