The Russian Revolution
The Peasants
The peasant population grew from 50-75 million from 1860-
1900. Resulted in growing shortage of land
Until 1906, peasants did not have right to own their own
land
2 out of 3 households were unable to feed themselves w/o
going into debt
Changes Among Peasantry
The literacy rate in Russia rose from 21% to 40% between
1900 and 1914
By 1904, 9 of 10 peasant recruits into the army from
Moscow and St. Petersburg were considered literate
By 1911, more than half of all peasant children were
attending primary school
Issues of Concern (Among Bolsheviks
and Mensheviks)
Political Freedoms
Education
The Rights of Workers
Nationalities and Minorities
Political Freedoms
Sovereignty of people in elected assembly
Universal suffrage (right to vote)
Regional and Local self government
Unrestricted freedom of speech and the press
Elimination of class privileges
Education
Free and comprehensive education for all children at
government expense
Provisions from state for food, clothes, and school supplies
for poor children
The Rights of Workers
Limit working day to 8 hrs.
Complete ban on overtime work
Prohibition of child labor
State insurance for workers against old age
Criminal responsibility of employers who violate laws
intended to protect workers
Nationalities and Minorities
Elimination of class privilege by race or nationality
Right to learn in one’s own language
National self-determination for all nations
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