Russia Empire

## Russia Emperor

(Nicholas II)

**Russian Empire**, (in Russian Российская Империя and commonly known as Russia), was an imperial nation located on the Eurasian continent. Its capital was Saint Petersburg.

## **HISTORY**

### Russo-Japanese War

In 1904, the Russo-Japanese War broke out. In the early stages of the war, Russia had the advantage, and in 1905, they achieved victory over Japan. This victory boosted the morale of the Russian people and played a crucial role in restoring confidence in the empire's rule.

To improve their situation against Japan, Russia deployed new military forces. These forces were organized through internal reforms and consisted of individuals conscripted from workers and peasants. Additionally, Russia addressed ethnic issues in regions like Poland and the Baltic states to strengthen internal unity.

In August, the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party held its congress, leading to a split between the Leninists and the Mensheviks. In December of the same year, Nicholas II established the first national parliament in the Russian Empire. However, the elected representatives did not necessarily reflect the people's opinions, and Nicholas II's authority remained strong. Moreover, Rasputin, a monk favored by Alexandra, was exiled to Bulgaria by Nicholas II, persuaded by government officials like Kokovtsov.

### **Prosperity after the Russo-Japanese War**

In the aftermath of the war in 1906, Russia regained political stability due to its victory, and labor and revolutionary activities began to subside. The Russian government pursued reforms and adopted a policy aimed at democratization. In the same year, the Eastern Bank was established, allowing entry into Asian markets. This bank generated significant profits through trade with China and played a role in promoting Russia's economic growth.In April, the First Duma was convened, but the reactionary autocratic forces held strong influence, leading to the suppression of reformists. Furthermore, in June 1906, laborers in Moscow protested against the violence of security forces and held large demonstrations. This incident was investigated by Duma members, leading to measures such as the dismissal of police officers.

In April 1907, the Second Duma was convened. Reformists gained more seats, but the autocratic forces remained powerful. However, in August, Nicholas II leaned further towards autocracy and responded to the growing influence of reformists by dissolving the Second Duma.

### **Conflict with Great Britain**

In 1907, as part of its southern expansion policy, Russia continued its traditional approach towards Iran to enhance its political, economic, and military influence. Similarly, Britain aimed to secure oil production and transportation routes along the Persian Gulf coast, increasing its influence within Iran.

Subsequently, Russia intervened militarily in Iran to secure the nominal rights of the emperor, gaining the support of the Iranian government. This increased Iran's trust in Russia and provided a diplomatic card to counter Britain's influence. On the other hand, Britain, seeking unilateral colonial control, failed to gain support from the government and peasants, resulting in a defeat to Russia.

In 1910, Russia expanded into northeastern China (the Manchuria region), prompting a response from Britain. This intensified the power struggle in northeastern China, but ultimately, Britain withdrew after losing the competition.

In 1913, Russia entered Afghanistan, leading to British opposition. While Britain sought to incorporate Afghanistan into its sphere of influence, an agreement was eventually reached to avoid war. During this period, significant events also occurred within the Russian Empire.

### **Stolypin Reform**

Between 1907 and 1912, Pyotr Stolypin implemented reforms to modernize rural areas in Russia. He introduced a range of reforms aimed at securing land ownership for peasants and improving conditions for workers. His reforms improved the rural situation and raised the living standards of peasants.

Specifically, Stolypin promoted land reform. He guaranteed land ownership for peasants and introduced a system allowing for the free sale and inheritance of land. This encouraged peasants to work harder and increased the productivity of agricultural land.

Improving workers' conditions was also a crucial aspect of Stolypin's reforms. He reformed labor laws to promote better working conditions and protect workers' rights. These reforms included limits on working hours, the introduction of vacations, and protections against labor accidents, all aimed at enhancing the welfare of workers.

Furthermore, Stolypin focused on education and infrastructure development. He established schools and healthcare facilities in rural areas, aiming to increase education and improve sanitation. He also promoted the construction of railways and roads, improving transportation networks between rural and urban areas.

Stolypin's reforms achieved some success. Land ownership guarantees for peasants increased their motivation and productivity. Improvements in workers' conditions and education raised living standards in rural areas and partially reduced social inequality.

However, these reforms faced opposition from some conservatives and landowners who feared losing privileges during the process. They held hostility towards Stolypin, and in 1911, he survived an assassination attempt by reactionary forces.

Stolypin's reforms continued but were constrained by the outbreak of Great War in 1914. Russia, allied with France, entered the war, temporarily quelling social unrest and dissatisfaction. While the war elevated Russia's international status, it also brought economic burdens and social upheaval.

From 1912 to 1914, the Russian government strengthened the authority of the Duma (parliament) and promoted parliamentary democracy. The government granted the Duma approval over budgets and legislative powers, giving it a more significant role. These efforts aimed to limit government authority and provide oversight and checks by the parliament. The government also advanced political reform by appointing liberal-minded members of parliament.

### **Great War**

Then in 1914, World War I broke out. The Russian Empire fought alongside its ally France. The war temporarily calmed social unrest and discontent within the empire. Russia's participation in the war also helped the empire improve its international standing.

### **Decline after the Great War**

In 1918, the Allied Powers, including Russia, emerged victorious over the Britannia-Germania Alliance forces, bringing an end to World War I. Russia had participated on the side of the Allied Powers and celebrated the victory. However, the war had left Russia economically weakened due to exhaustion and the burden of military expenses.

In 1919, the Russian government aimed to rebuild the domestic economy, but public discontent began to arise due to the country's involvement in the war. The government initiated investment projects and worked on improving unemployment rates, but progress was limited. They also implemented policies to support agriculture and increase agricultural production. During this time, the mobilization of Korean laborers in Korean territories under Russian control significantly increased.

Furthermore, the Russian government undertook reforms in the education system. They expanded higher education institutions and strengthened vocational training, focusing on developing human resources and improving the quality of the workforce. This effort aimed to enhance the quality of the labor force.

### **Chernogem reform**

The Chornozem Reform was an economic policy implemented by Prime Minister Pyotr Stolypin in 1919. Stolypin focused on the economic recovery of Russia by directing efforts towards the development of industrial regions in the north and agricultural areas in the south. In the vicinity of the Ural Mountains, industries such as steel and machinery production were promoted, while agricultural reforms were carried out in the farming regions, granting land to peasants.

However, the Chornozem Reform did not produce the expected results. Improvements in unemployment rates and economic revitalization were limited, and issues such as the weakness of local administration and problems related to corruption came to the forefront. There were challenges in implementing the policies, including difficulties in advancing investment plans.

Korean Labor Mobilization and Social Issues: During this period, the Russian government increased the mobilization of Korean laborers in the Korean territories under Russian control to secure labor for factories and farms. However, the treatment of Korean laborers was unfair, and they were subjected to harsh working conditions, leading to social problems. There were calls for improvements in their working conditions and efforts to protect their rights.

### **Naval Rebuilding Plan**

After Great War, Russia initiated a naval rebuilding plan with the aim of defending its African colonies. This plan involved diplomatic negotiations with various countries to acquire the necessary resources and technology and promote research and development by domestic engineers and researchers. As a result, Russia successfully incorporated the required technology for building modern warships, leading to an improvement in naval power.

With the enhancement of its naval capabilities, Russia also focused on its relationships with neighboring countries and aimed to increase its presence in the Arabian Sea. Additionally, a significant military and commercial port was constructed in Abadan, Iran.

Furthermore, Russia invested in maritime education within the country and emphasized the training and development of naval personnel. This led to the cultivation of highly skilled and combat-ready naval personnel, contributing to the improvement of naval power.

However, the naval rebuilding plan required substantial financial resources and effort, making it challenging to balance with the domestic and diplomatic issues faced by the Russian Empire. Increased military expenses placed a burden on the population, leading to hardship. Additionally, there were occasional conflicts with the French Navy, which was operating in the Asian region.

### **Assassination of Piotr Stolypin**

The assassination of Pyotr Stolypin in 1919 by Korean anarchists in Harbin had significant repercussions in Russian politics. After Stolypin's death, the Russian Empire underwent the following changes:

Firstly, the Emperor adopted a more authoritarian approach in response to Stolypin's assassination. He frequently dissolved the Duma (parliament) and strengthened his control over politics. This led to the Emperor's personal will having a substantial influence on domestic policies.

Alexander Trepov succeeded Stolypin as Prime Minister. He aimed at economic recovery and domestic stability, implementing strict economic policies. Additionally, Goremykin carried out severe repression of socialists, politically exiling them to consolidate control.

The repression of socialists under the Trepov government was harsh, including executions of prominent socialists like Trotsky, Zenzinsky, and Luijkov. These measures suppressed the socialist movement and bolstered the government's authority.

Following Stolypin's death, the Russian Empire witnessed an increase in the Emperor's authoritarian rule, accompanied by frequent dissolution of the Duma. Trepov's appointment as Prime Minister and the harsh repression of socialists both strengthened government control but also contributed to political instability. These political fluctuations had an impact on the economic recovery and establishment of social order in the Russian Empire.

### **Failure of the Eastern Land Reclamation Project**

In 1920, the Russian government achieved some success in economic recovery, leading to a decrease in the unemployment rate compared to the previous year. During this year, as part of the Eastward Expansion Plan, the Russian government implemented the Manchurian Settlement Plan. The goal of this plan was to encourage migration from rural areas to urban centers, promote new land development, and industrialization.

The plan included financial assistance to migrants, providing agricultural land, land distribution, securing industrial sites, improving transportation infrastructure, and enhancing education and healthcare services. Migrants were offered new housing, land allocation, and training in agricultural and industrial techniques. Through this plan, the Russian government aimed to open up new agricultural land, expand agricultural and industrial production, and improve the unemployment rate.

However, the implementation of the plan required significant financial resources, and it took time for migrants to adapt to their new land. As a result, the plan's results did not materialize immediately. Additionally, the lack of land and funds led many migrants to face poverty and difficulties.

### **Industrial Age**

In the 1920s, the Russian Empire government turned its attention to new industrial sectors such as aviation and automobiles and invested in research and development. The government established research facilities across the country and allocated significant funds to promote scientific and technological advancements. As a result, many companies began developing new technologies and products, establishing the Russian Empire as a pioneering presence in fields like aviation and automobiles.

In the field of aviation, Andrey Tupolev developed two aircraft, the ANT-2 and ANT-3, which later evolved into models like the ANT-4, ANT-5, and ANT-6. Aircraft manufacturers like Tupolev, Ilyushin, and Yakovlev were founded, leading to the growth of the Russian Empire's aviation industry.

In the automobile sector, the first Russian Empire automobile manufacturer, AMO (later known as ZIS), was established. In 1924, the first mass-produced Russian Empire car, the "ZIS-5," was produced in Moscow, followed by the "ZIS-6" the following year. These vehicles were also used for military purposes, contributing to the improvement of the Russian Empire's military capabilities.

In the 1920s, the Russian Empire government focused on the Eastward Expansion Plan, scientific and technological development, land reform, industrialization, and the growth of aviation and automobile industries. These policies and initiatives led to some economic recovery, a decrease in unemployment rates, and industrial growth in certain sectors. However, challenges and constraints accompanied the implementation, and the overall situation remained somewhat unstable.

### **dark age**

During the period from 1920 to 1930, the Russian Empire pursued economic development and industrialization while grappling with issues such as economic disparities and social inequality. Under Prime Minister Goremykin's leadership, efforts were made to promote domestic industrialization and enhance the country's technological capabilities to stimulate the economy. The government also emphasized trade with the United States and France and aimed to introduce foreign technologies and products. However, changes in U.S. economic policies led to an economic crisis.

In the late 1920s and 1930s, industrialization progressed, resulting in challenges such as deteriorating working conditions, environmental problems, widening economic disparities, and depopulation of rural areas. The rise of large corporations and business conglomerates contributed to wealth concentration, while workers faced hardships, and small businesses and farmers experienced decline.

During this time, regional disparities within the Russian Empire became more pronounced, particularly between the prosperous agricultural regions in the south and the resource-rich northern areas. Additionally, economic disparities and social inequality among different ethnic groups contributed to ethnic issues. Regions like Ukraine, the Caucasus, and Central Asia saw frequent uprisings and rebellions aimed at independence or labor rights. These uprisings challenged the unity within the Russian Empire.

In 1925, a peasant uprising occurred in Ukraine, demanding land reforms and independence. In 1930, a major rebellion, known as the Helsinki Uprising, took place in Finland, where the struggle for national freedom and independence unfolded. Similarly, in 1930, Azerbaijan and Georgia also witnessed demonstrations and strikes calling for independence and workers' rights. However, these rebellions were suppressed by the Russian Empire, leading to intensified repression.

While industrialization was advancing in the Russian Empire, issues such as economic disparities, social inequality, and ethnic tensions became increasingly prominent. Despite economic growth driven by industrialization, the living conditions and wages of workers did not improve, and social injustice expanded. Additionally, environmental problems became evident as factory emissions and pollution increased.

In 1926, cultural anthropologist Lev Sternberg published a thesis titled "Siberia as Viewed from the Romanov Dynasty." This thesis highlighted the rapid expansion of Siberia and the lack of attention it received from the Romanov dynasty in terms of governance.

The thesis argued that Siberia had a diverse array of indigenous cultures, making modernization challenging. Siberia was home to various ethnic and tribal groups with unique lifestyles, languages, and belief systems, and these cultures had rich traditions that had been passed down over generations.

On the other hand, Nicholas II had imperialistic ambitions for Siberia, seeing it as an opportunity for expansion, similar to the ambitions in regions like Arabia and Africa. The thesis suggested that such imperialistic tendencies in non-modern states could potentially lead to the collapse of the nation.

### **The Milyukov Era**

When Prime Minister Trepov passed away due to a worsening illness in 1930, Pavel Milyukov assumed the role of Prime Minister. Shortly after taking office, Milyukov formulated the Milyukov Plan to rapidly advance industrialization within Russia. The plan aimed to focus on industrial development for nine years, with the goal of making the Russian Empire the world's leading industrial nation. It included policies such as the nationalization of key industries, securing funds for government-led industrialization projects, substantial investments in heavy industries centered around chemistry, steel, petroleum, automobiles, and aircraft, as well as efforts to attract domestic and foreign capital, particularly from the United States.

However, this plan led to issues such as a significant migration of the rural population to urban areas, depopulation of rural regions, and a decline in living standards for workers. It also strained the national budget, leading to inflation and a decrease in the overall quality of life for the citizens. Simultaneously, military expenditures increased. While this policy garnered support from some business leaders and elites, it faced criticism from the general population, contributing to social instability.

Milyukov pursued a centralistic leadership style and an ambitious industrialization plan with a focus on heavy industries. He introduced new technologies and machinery and embarked on constructing new cities. However, the accelerated migration from rural to urban areas exacerbated depopulation in the countryside and widened the gap between laborers and the impoverished. These policies initially gained support from certain business elites but eventually faced widespread criticism from the general population, leading to increased social instability.

In an attempt to regain political stability, Milyukov later pushed for political reforms and efforts to improve the welfare of laborers and farmers. However, by this point, social unrest had already intensified, and the reforms were insufficient to alleviate the growing discontent.

Ultimately, Milyukov's policies, while initially garnering support from both domestic and foreign sources, faced mounting criticism and contributed to social instability.

### **The Great Depression and the Fate of Empires**

The Great Depression that began in 1931 had a significant impact on the Russian Empire. It resulted in a reduction in the Empire's trade exports and exacerbated domestic economic crises. The sharp decline in trade with the United States was particularly challenging for the Russian Empire, pushing it into a difficult economic situation.

To address this crisis, the Russian Empire focused on promoting domestic industrialization and aimed to establish a self-sufficient economic system. However, this economic policy brought about new problems such as increased poverty among workers, social inequality, and obstacles to the growth of emerging and small businesses.Additionally, as the 1930s began, regional and ethnic disparities and inequalities within the Russian Empire deepened, leading to a rise in ethnic independence movements and acts of terrorism. Regions like Ukraine, the Caucasus, and Central Asia saw an increase in independence movements due to dissatisfaction with Russian rule, which threatened the Empire's internal unity.

Additionally, as the 1930s began, regional and ethnic disparities and inequalities within the Russian Empire deepened, leading to a rise in ethnic independence movements and acts of terrorism. Regions like Ukraine, the Caucasus, and Central Asia saw an increase in independence movements due to dissatisfaction with Russian rule, which threatened the Empire's internal unity.

In 1932, labor strikes became frequent, with workers demanding improved working conditions and higher wages through demonstrations. However, the Russian Empire's government responded with repression rather than meeting these demands, resulting in increased unemployment and a growing population of impoverished citizens.

The outbreak of the Polish Independence War, triggered by the Krakow Uprising, saw fierce battles between the Polish Independence Army (White Eagle Legion) and the Russian military. The White Eagle Legion, consisting of nationalists, independence-seeking civilians, and former soldiers, fought for Polish independence against Russian rule. While specific casualties and details are unclear, the White Eagle Legion eventually emerged victorious, leading to the recognition of Polish independence through the 1933 Treaty of Brest.

In 1933, peasants initiated protests against the Russian Empire's land confiscations and excessive taxation, resulting in uprisings. However, the Russian Empire's government mobilized its military to suppress the uprisings, leading to further discontent and poverty in rural areas.

By 1934, ethnic issues resurfaced, particularly in regions like Ukraine, the Caucasus, and Central Asia, where independence movements intensified. Simultaneously, the activities of the Helsinki Free Alliance escalated, with the deployment of a 1000-strong force in Helsinki, though complete suppression was not achieved. The Russian Empire also saw a deepening economic gap and social inequality, further fueling social unrest and reducing support for the government.

In 1935, the Russian Empire's government attempted to address ethnic issues by introducing policies such as expanding autonomy and strengthening ethnic education. However, these measures proved insufficient, and ethnic issues continued to persist, resulting in ongoing independence movements and acts of terrorism.

Around 1930, inspired by the Sternberg Thesis, Anastasy Vonsiatsky began advocating for a movement called "Reconstruction" (Rekonstruktsiya) in response to his dissatisfaction with Russia's current situation and the need for reforms. He gained support from intellectuals and the educated class and started promoting the Reconstruction movement through enlightening activities. Vonsiatsky, through essays and lectures, emphasized the need to reconstruct Russia's social and political system and modernize it. He also proposed measures to address social inequality and improve living conditions to attract public interest.

In 1931, Vonsiatsky organized the National Revolutionary Labor and Peasants' Party and focused his activities in Moscow. The party's membership grew to over 300 people by 1932.

Around 1933, conspiracy theories about Tsar Nicholas II's illness and the hemophilia of Crown Prince Alexei began circulating. Vonsiatsky utilized this situation to advocate for the construction of a modern nation called "New Russia."

Vonsiatsky expanded his party's membership and organized gatherings and demonstrations, particularly in Moscow. He provided a concrete vision for New Russia, emphasizing the correction of social inequalities, protection of workers' rights, and educational reforms.

Following the defeat in the Polish Independence War, Vonsiatsky began advocating for the reunification of Poland, emphasizing the "Unitary Ethnic Theory" that focused on ethnic unity and solidarity. He promoted the idea of a unified state centered around Russia, aiming to integrate regions like Poland and Czechoslovakia and achieve modern progress.

Vonsiatsky Unitary Ethnic Theory was based on a form of ethnic egoism, emphasizing Russia's ethnic unity while showing less concern for ethnic oppression. His Greater Slavic idea aimed to create a unified nation based on ethnic unity, discarding concepts such as Poles, Czechs, Slovaks, and focusing on a shared Greater Slavic identity.

During this period, the Russian Empire faced a severe economic crisis due to the Great Depression, which led to economic turmoil, widening wealth gaps, ethnic tensions, labor strikes, and peasant uprisings. These events highlighted the flaws in the Empire's economic policies and social system, affecting governance stability.

Overall, this period of the Russian Empire's history revealed a chain reaction of economic crises and social unrest, shedding light on the Empire's vulnerabilities and the complexity of ethnic issues. These issues continued to influence subsequent eras, presenting significant challenges to the Empire's governance and societal stability.

## POLITICS

### **National spirits**

**Domination of the financial oligarchy**
* Consumer goods factory correction -3%
 In the shadow of the modernization achieved by the empire is the "financial oligarchy".This system brought prosperity to Russia, but it also contributed to the disparity between the rich and the poor among the population.The country's economy, turned by a few wealthy people, is like brittle and very cold ice.

**Impact of the Great Depression**
* stability -15%
* Degree of production efficiency maintained -10%
* Production efficiency limit -15%
 The Great Depression of 1931 also affected the Russian Empire.The home country, which had close ties with the U.S., was hit second only to the U.S., and the damage was incalculable.

**Old Military Power**
* Division Defense -15%
 The military of the empire is aging.Despite repeated victories in the Russo-Japanese War and other major wars, the military has not changed much since those times, and there is no sign of any change, still clinging to past glories.The Russian army is no longer a sick man.

**Military Radicalization**
* Stability -10%
 The empire faces many problems.But the problems will not be solved anytime soon.There are many politicians and military officers in the country who are concerned about the country and are part of the unrest movement.

**Imperial intrigue**
 Who among the people of St. Petersburg does not know about the black rumors about the imperial family. Nikolai's long-standing ill health, the incurable illness of Crown Prince Alexei....These are the conspiracy theories that are spreading throughout Russia.