before 1917

• Before any revolution, the upper class controlled nearly everything
• Autocracy ruled
• During the 1890‘s, the size of the urban, middle and working class increased due to Russias industrial development. This gave rise to a more dynamic political atmosphere.
• Because of the bad conditions people were living in during the 1890s and early 1900s, it led to frequent strikes and agrarian disorders.
• Workers revolted in 1905 with widespread strikes and mutinies. The Tsar could barely keep control and was forced to initiate reforms along with promising the Duma.
• Had an alliance with France from 1894 to 1914.
• Russo-Japanese war from 1904 to 1905