Nicholas II Society 1894-1917 (Unit 3, Topic 3) Flashcards
How did the Workers Stay the Same?
-By 1900, the workers numbered around 3 million and by 1913 there were 6 million
-Working conditions were grim with long hours, harsh discipline and accidents were common. Wages were low apart from a small section of skilled workers
-Housing was expensive and in short supply, workers lived in huge overcrowded buildings in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Many slept around their machines after long shifts
-There were some attempts to improve conditions:
1897, Working day was limited to 11.5 hours
1912, Sickness and accident insurance
What about the Workers Changed?
-By 1900, 1/3rd of fathers of workers had been in the industrial business. The rest, ex peasants retained their village connections and many returned for the harvest. Many Moscow workers 90% sent money back to the relatives
How did the Peasants Stay the Same?
-Divide between the rich and the poor but the Stolypin reforms gave the kulaks some consolidated plots of land
-Areas benefitted from industrial development like railways
-Peasants continued to live in harsh conditions and land huger remained
How did the Middle Class Stay the Same?
-Many worked for zemstva-lawyers, civil engineers, managers, doctors
-The Morozov family were successful middle class capitalists, they employed 54,000 workers
-The number of home-grown businessman was increasing
How had the Middle Class Changed?
-Middle Class women made progress in professional statuses which was different to decades before
-Number of Middle Class voluntary organisations increased
How did the Nobility Stay the Same?
-Continued 80% of land selling, by 1914 50% of land remained unsold
-Small numbers developed estates, using more methods and machinery
-Some fell into debt and lost their land
-They equally retained their status in the Russian hierarchy
How did the Nobility Change?
-High social status meant that they wanted to remain out of politics with traditional landowners nobles felt their status was under threat. Many needed business and government sponsorship.
-After 1908 a significant number took positions in the Duma , representing a wide spread of political views
