In what ways was the working population in Russia different from other countries in Europe, before 1917?
The working population in Russia, before 1917, was different from working population of other European countries in below mentioned ways :
(i) The vast majority of the Russian population were agriculturalists. Around 85% population was engaged in agricultural functions. This percentage was much more than that of other European countries. For example this ratio was 40% and 50% in France and Germany respectively.
(ii) Industrial revolution came in other countries of Europe and most of the industries were in the hands of local people. But in Russia, most of the industries were established with foreign investment. Foreign investors were exploiting the Russian labourers. Condition of labourers was quite pitiable even in those industries which were in the hands of Russian people. They give minimum wages to their labourers to compete with foreign investors.
(iii) Women labourers in Russia were given less wages as compared to other European countries. The working day was sometimes 15 hours. But this condition was completely changed in other European countries due to certain legislations.
(iv)The farms of Russian farmers were quite small as compared to other European countries.
(v)Russian farmers never respected their land lords as they were autocratic in nature. They hated them a lot. Quite often they refused to pay taxes and even killed their land lords. On contrary to this, French farmers were very much in favour of their landlords as they fought in their favour during French Revolution.
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