Notes On Russia, Tsar, Romanov & Russian Revolution

Resource Description

The Russian Revolution

Political Revolutions (definition)

Political Revolutions are relatively sudden, violent and fundamental changes to government which, over a period of time, change the nature of society as well. Where revolutions are unsuccessful, or limited in their location or extent, they tend to be called rebellions, revolts, insurrections or uprisings.

Another important feature of revolutions is that they are essentially a process rather than an event. Revolutions are best seen as a series of interconnected events involving significant change over time. 

The Social Structure of Tsarist Russia

Tsarist Russia was a stratified society with a high concentration of wealth and privilege. Power was acquired by the Tsar and Tsarina, people of political importance (proximity to power of the Tsar), religious power of the Russian Orthodox church, and the Russian military.

Tsarist Russia operated a rigid social heirarchy with the royal family and nobles at the top and the peasants and workers at the bottom. At the end of the 19th century, peasants noticeably contributed to about 80% of the population.

How was Tsarism Implemented?

Russia has been under autocractic rule for hundreds of years. This means that the ruler has absolute power – are not obligated to consult with any other individuals about decisions. Tsars ultimately believe that they were put in that position of power by God.

There were four main pillars of power in Tsarist society that held up Tsarist rule and aided in the implementation of Tsarism – the Russian Orthodox Church, the Government, the Bureaucracy and the Police. The church entices the public in believing and having faith in the system, and the police enforce that submission. This situation made Russia highly politically unique in the Western European world.