Russia before 1881

Worlds largest state

Tsarist Russia was the largest land empire in modern history. It was over 5000 miles.
Before the extension of the railway east, it would take would take months to travel form St Peterburg to Vladivostok.
Russia was divided into sections of vegetation.
The main crop area was in the west near the asian part of the empire.

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Russia was a rural country with agriculture as a mainstay of the economy.
Agriculture had to feed Russia's large and growing population.
Grain was the biggest export for Russia.
Even though Russia was rich in coal and iron their industrial side was modest.
At the top of society was the Tsars who had absolute power.
Underneath was the court, containg leading landowners and members of the government.
These were led by the orthodox church which supported the Tsar.
The capatalists are under them.
Then their is the army.
Finally are the peasents and the serfs.

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Serfdem was the biggest problem facing Russia.
Over 80% of the population were peasents and over half were serfs.
In 1861 the serfs were amacipated however they were not completely free.
They were tied to the land and they had to pay their owners compensation.
They had to ask village elders if they could leave the village.
This moderenised Russia dramtically.
He introduce the first form of elective government however it was limitd to wealth and education.

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