Russian Industrialization
Russia’s industrial revolution was later than most because the agricultural techniques used in the mid nineteenth century had not changed since the medieval period. Farmers still left a third of their land lie fallow so that it would replenish its supply of nitrogen. Without a strong agricultural foundation industrialization was impossible. In the latter half of the nineteenth century, the modern agricultural techniques came into common practice. Legumes were planted on land that once would have laid fallow as it replaced nitrogen more quickly. Legumes also created more fodder for cattle; sic more cattle could be kept. More cattle meant more meat, cheese, milk, butter, and natural fertilizer for more plentiful and substantial crops.The industries of coal, oil, iron, and textiles boomed once German and French backers began to invest in them. In 1897, Sergei Witte became Minister of Finance. The same year saw growth in industry and economy. Much of this growth was due to increased heavy industry and the expansion of railroads all over Russia. The enlargement of Russia’s industry meant more industrial workers. These workers had strikes, and in order to placate them a maximum workday of eleven and a half hours was implemented by the government in 1897.
Russia, always on the look out for a warm water port, found a suitable spot at the end of the Trans-Siberian railroad. The planned end point in the Trans-Siberian railroad was Vladivostok. However, by going through Manchuria as planned in the Russian-Chinese Friendship treaty of 1895, Russia gained Darien and Port Arthur – two warm water ports. This would have increased industrial productivity and overall economic health even more. Unfortunately, the Russian control of Manchuria led to the Russo-Japanese war in 1904, just before the railroad was completed. The lack of resources strained the economy. Industry was forced to put out wartime effort without workers. The disaster that the Russo-Japanese War turned into manifested itself in civil unrest, workers overworked and underpaid were starving in the cities because peasants farming in the country had no way to transport crops from the rural to the urban areas. Frustrated workers began to strike. In January of 1905 Moscow was crippled by strikes.
From 1905 to 1917 industry remained in a latent state. While it was not completely crippled it did not bring equal or sufficient wealth to all involved. When World War I came, Russia was not prepared and the lack of resources necessary in war halted economic growth. Workers were pulled from the factory, and conscripted in the army. The main reason for Russia’s difficulties During the First World War was lack of efficient transportation and sufficient ammunition. The Russians went to war with whole regiments of soldiers without weapons or ammunition. Many soldiers deserted the army to come home to kill a landowner and get himself more land. Without the proper supplies, the Russian forces were not motivated to fight. The loss of Poland in 1915 nearly halted the industrialization of Russia. Poland was the transportation and industry base of Russia, without Poland the war effort was impossible. The ensuing revolution of 1917, in which Nicholas II abdicated, also proved to be a thorn in the side of industry as it further slowed the process of economic and industrial growth in Russia as strikes spread and opposition toward the Czar grew. The Reign of Nicholas II saw the rise and regression of industry in Russia.Would you like to go back to the main OVERVIEW?
Works Cited
“Nicholas II.” Microsoft Encarta 98 Encyclopedia. CD-ROM. 1993-1997. Microsoft Corporation.
“Romanov, Nicholas II.” Academic American Encyclopedia. 1988 Grolier Incorporated
“Romanov, Nicholas II.” The Encyclopedia Americana International Edition. 1999 Grolier Incorporated
“Romanov, Nicholas II.” The World Book Encyclopedia. 1992 World Book, Inc.
“Russia.” The Encyclopedia Americana International Edition. 1999 Grolier Incorporated
“Russia.” Microsoft Encarta 98 Encyclopedia. CD-ROM. 1993-1997. Microsoft Corporation.
Written by: Cori Ford
Edited by: Paige Greco
Web Editor: Gordon Lathrop