Obstacles to Modernisation

Question 1

How did Russia’s geography hinder modernisation?

Answer 1

• Much of Russia was covered by either the dense Tyga forest or frozen tundra
• This made their large reserves of coal, gas, and oil inaccessible
• Russia’s geography inhibited efficient exploitation and transportation of resources that could drive industrialisation

Question 2

How did Russia’s political situation prevent modernisation?

Answer 2

• Russian politics was rooted in autocracy such as the 300 year Romanov dynasty
• Fundamental Laws of 1832 declared Tsar as absolute ruler
• This prevented modernisation as there was no government to represent the people - liberal views were stifled

Question 3

How did the Church prevent modernisation?

Answer 3

• The Russian Orthodox Church was very conservative and deeply opposed to political change
• The Church had become detached from the emerging urban population with one suburb in Moscow having only one priest for 40,00 people
• Thus would exacerbate the opposition to liberalism and the church was determined to preserve Tsarism
• Therefore Russia was unable to modernise as powerful institutions were not keeping up with changes in society

Question 4

How did Russia’s social structure prevent modernisation?

Answer 4

• The peasantry made up 82% of the population
• There was a diminutive commercial class of only 1.5%
• It is the middle class that drives industrialisation as they have both the interest, skill and incentive. Without it Russia could not follow the western Industrial Revolution
• This would prevent modernists there was no development that could help the struggling agricultural system or production of goods

Question 5

How did Russia’s economy prevent modernisation?

Answer 5

• Only source of industry was Urals Region which produced iron and other raw materials
• Production was on a domestic scale and not industrial or factory driven
• Poor transport system and lack of effective banking made it difficult for businessmen to raise capital
• In 1890 Russia’s GDP was $107,722 million, Britain’s GDP was over triple

Question 6

How did the Russian military prevent modernisation?

Answer 6

• Top ranking generals were nobility who bought commissions in the army
• Conscription was used as punishment any of the military were made up of criminals
• Large military that costed 45% of gov GDP but not made up of most skilled - no meritocracy
• Therefore military could not defend and conquer

Question 7

How did the Russian civil service prevent modernisation?

Answer 7

• Full of nepotism
• Power was passed down to people who only cared for themselves
• Prevented modernisation as only those with similar conservative ideology were able to get positions of power