Social and cultural change 1880-1914

Question 1

Main causes that lead to social change

Answer 1

• Development of a middle class meant the role of nobility was in a state of flux
• Growth in population (from 74 million in 1858 to 128 mil in 1897 and 178million in 1914) - around 80% were peasants which caused an increase in urbanisation

Question 2

How did the workforce increase rapidly (statistic)

Answer 2

By 1900 the urban workers numbered around 3 mill -only 2.5% of population

Question 3

Key elements of development of a workforce

Answer 3

Constant interaction between town and country which was conducive to development and social change - in 1907 half of Moscow printers kept farms in their home village and 90% sent money back to relatives

Question 4

Arguments fort work force not improving in the years 1880-1914

Answer 4

• working conditions grim long hours (normally over 11 hours a day) - high rates of disease
• In 1890s employment was not stable or secure - labour force changed regularly
• Living conditions in the workplace, it was common for factories to have dormitory accommodation
• Urbanisation meant traditional family structure was dislocated, by urbanisation - wages could not finance families

Question 5

Overall did the workforce improve during these years

Answer 5

Despite the upheaval of the 1905 revolution and booming industry after 1908, the Russian government made no real attempt to improve worker’s conditions

Question 6

Changes in countryside

Answer 6

Areas outside the central afgericultural regions area, peasants enjoyed higher living standards - The peasabtsb