Russia

Problems with ruling Russia

The Tsar had a lot on his plate to deal with Russia was a very hard country geographically, economically, culturally and financially to deal with.  

• Massive population
  • Out of which only 40% spoke Russian
• Backwards and out of date (including the calendar)
•  Huge class divides due to an autocratic system
• Poor transport
  • Army can't move effectively
  • Resources can't move effectively
• Development split East/West
  • West was developed with industry and factories based there
  • East left undeveloped and rural and poor
• Harsh winter climate made everything harder
• Surrounded by other countries - potential threat (Japan) 
  • Massive War failure 1904
  • Big blow to people's trust and respect in the Tsar

But above all; the Tsar was a weak character.

• Not imaginative like his predecessors
• Not forceful
• Poor management
• Disliked confrontation and making big or important decisions
• Corrupt and placed family members in high positions
• Tried to cling  to Russia's big power status

However; the Tsar did have good points

• Well organised police
• Loyal to family and had attention to detail
  • …