Russia, Russian expansion, Russian imperial domain, multiethnicity, central power, World War I, Russian Revolution, Alexander II, Crimean War, Great Reforms, industrialization, development of railways, national rail network, Russian military, Treaty of Paris, Sergei Witte, Witte's Reforms, Russian Far East, policy of Russia, Russian Empire, Russo-Japanese War, Chinese Eastern Railway, Trans-Manchurian Railroad, Trans-Siberian Railroad, Pan-Slavism, Great Steppe, Russification, Bolsheviks, tsarist regime, Manchuria
On the eve of World War I in 1914, Russia is one of the most backward powers and the entire political system collapses in 1917 with the Russian Revolution. However, these two elements are opposed to the will of the tsar Alexander II in 1856, who, after the defeat of the Crimean War, decided to fully reform the country in order to catch up with the other major European powers. These reforms are known as "the Great Reforms" and they enabled Russia to be a more modern and industrialized society. Indeed, Russia underwent a period of rapid industrialization during the second half of the 19th century, with the development of heavy industries such as iron and steel production, as well as the expansion of light industries such as textiles and consumer goods. This process was supported by the construction of a modern transportation infrastructure, including the development of a national railway network. The rapid growth of industry and the development of a modern transportation system led to the growth of cities in Russia. The population of Russia's largest cities, such as Moscow and St. Petersburg, grew significantly during this time period, and new urban centers emerged in other parts of the country as well.
[...] For instance, the Russo-Japanese War of 1904 and 1905 represents a desire for Russia to expand in the west of Asia against Japan. Indeed, the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905 was one of the first conflicts of World War I and was the result of various tensions and rivalries between Russia and Japan. One of the main reasons for the war was Russia's desire to expand in Asia and protect its economic and strategic interests in the region. Russia had already established a significant presence in Asia, including in China and Korea, and was seeking to extend its influence in the region. [...]
[...] This expansion is facilitated by the ideological justification of the government. Thus, this period represents an expansion of an increasingly multinational empire. But, as the disappearance of the natives in Siberia shows, this expansion is at the expense of the wills of individuals. From then on, this expanding empire is confronted with national claims. An Expanding Empire Confronted With National Issues This leads me to my final part about the difficulties of this Empire to expand because of the resurgences of national issues that claim to be against the government. [...]
[...] For example, the Russian language became compulsory in schools and the property of the Polish Catholic Church was confiscated, with all the monasteries closed. Sixty thousand owners accused of having participated in the movement were sent for deportation to Siberia. Thus, the Polish insurrection reinforces the tropism of the tsar towards a violent and reactionary policy. This revolt had great consequences in other parts of the Empire, which also underwent a policy of Russification, such as Ukraine, the Baltic States, Armenia and Finland. [...]
[...] Therefore, we can ask ourselves how, between 1856 and 1914, the authority of the central power tried to build and impose itself on the multiethnic Russian imperial domain despite the rise of national affirmations. To answer this question, I will first talk about a centralized Empire which is multiethnic, then the civilization's policy of Russia and to finish with, an expanding Empire confronted with national issues. A Multiethnic Centralized Empire First of all, the Russian Empire is an autocratic empire, this is a type of political system in which a single individual, known as an autocrat, has absolute power and authority over the state. [...]
[...] Thus, in the second half of the 19th century, the context is very unstable in Russia and revolts, often little organized, spread throughout the whole territory. This instability led to repression against small groups of people such as the Jews, for example, which became scapegoats through many pogroms. These were attacks against Jewish communities often encouraged by the Russian government. The pogroms in Russia were motivated by a variety of factors, including anti-Semitism, economic resentment, and political instability. Many non-Jewish Russians saw Jews as a foreign or outsider group and blamed them for social and economic problems. [...]
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