How Did World War 1 Affect The Russian Economy

World War 1 had devastating impacts on many countries around the world, even those who weren’t directly involved in the war. Russia was one of those countries deeply affected, as the war had lasting impacts on their economy and social structure for decades after the war ended. The Russian Revolution was the result of World War 1. Russia entered the war in August of 1914 under the rule of Nicholas II. Unlike its European allies, Russia was lagging behind in their economy, as they had a majority agricultural industry throughout the 1800s. Tsar Nicholas knew that Russia allying behind Serbia and its other allies may help them advance their economy by seizing land and strengthening their diplomatic relations. Russia and Serbia were part of the

After only three years of war, Russia had 4,950,000 wounded soldiers, and over 1,700,000 casualties. By the war’s end, Russia had weakened their international relations, shrunk their grain, coal and oil industries, and due to the millions of casualties, left women as the primary caretakers and providers for their families. Nearly every aspect of Russian economy and society had completely deteriorated which ultimately led to the Russian Revolution, and it began in March of 1917. Known as the February Revolution, it marked the beginning of the nine month revolution that would dismantle the functionality of the country for decades after. It took place in Petrograd, the Russian capital at the time, and was supported by 90,000 men and women on strike. These week-long protests began to turn violent, with many demonstrators opening fire and rioting against police officers. In result, Tsar Nicholas had to abdicate his throne for safety precautions and to hopefully subdue his protesters from causing any more harm to the nation’s capital. After he resigned, the Provisional Government issued a set of liberal principles in hopes of westernizing the country. This included improvements to civil rights and freedoms, and the organization of elections for a Constituent Assembly. A month later, Foreign Minister Pavel Milyukoz informs its Allies that Russia plans to continue their involvement in the war until its over. This telegram is leaked to the press, sparking an even larger public demonstration in Petrograd. Milyukov resigns within