Continuities And Changes In Russia Essay

During the period 1855 – 1956 Russia was involved in many major wars, all of which played an important role in its development. With the exception of the Second World War many of the wars Russia was involved led to defeats for them and these defeats exposed the weakness of the Tsar or government in charge. War outlined the flaws in the presiding system and highlighted Russia’s faults, and thus placed a spotlight upon the shortcomings of the Russian leadership. Such pressure prompted the Tsars and other leaders to react and change in order to appease a nation on the brink of an oncoming revolution therefore Trotsky’s statement that ‘war was a locomotive of Russian history’ is true as it led to significant changes such as the Emancipation of the Serfs and the Abdication of Tsar Nicholas. …show more content…
During Alexander III’s reign changes were made but Russia was not involved in a war during this time. Significant changes were introduced when Russia was not at war such as Witte 's 'Great Spurt ', the Five Year Plans & Collectivisation but these factors can be attributed to war as they came about in preparation for war and for Russia to perform better in their next war. Changes in Russia’s development could have also been due to the ideology and personalities of the leaders because after the Second World War not many significant changes were seen in Russia as Stalin was very set in power and he was a strong and unopposed leader compared to Nicholas II who was a weak and ineffective leader and during his reign the first socialist state was created after the First World War. Nevertheless, war is very important and relevant when looking at change in Russia as important changes were introduced almost after every war Russia was involved