Russia.—­In 1914 Russia was an empire occupying one seventh of the land area of the world and inhabited by about 180,000,000 people.  During the nineteenth century the country was ruled by absolute monarchs called czars, under whom political and social conditions were corrupt and oppressive.  However, some progress was made during the century.  Serfdom or slavery was abolished from 1861 to 1866; restraints upon newspapers, publishers, and schools were partly withdrawn.  Natural resources were developed, factories established, and railroads built.  But these measures only served to whet the appetite of the people for more liberal government.  The activities of revolutionists and reformers were met by most severe measures on the part of the government.  Thousands were transported to Siberia and many were executed.  Even as late as 1903 five thousand persons were imprisoned, exiled, or executed for political activity against the Czar’s government.  An attempt of the people to force a representative government upon the Czar failed after a seeming success in 1905-1906; for the Duma, or legislative assembly, then created was given little power.

Russia has not been fortunate in her relations with the neighboring states.  Her great ambition, the occupation of Constantinople, was repeatedly balked by other countries.  In an attempt to obtain an ice-free harbor on the Pacific, Russia brought on the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905, in which she was disastrously defeated.  In another direction Russia was more successful.  She posed as the protector of the Slavic provinces under Turkish rule and saw the day when nearly all of them were free.

Russia is a country of vast territory, enormous population, and unbounded natural resources.  But before the war it had no experience in self-government.  Its land and mineral resources were not used for national purposes.  A small governing class, with the Czar at the head, controlled its tremendous powers and wealth.  Naturally, when an insurrection is successful against such a government, the people lose all self-control and go to great extremes.  Liberty and self-government succeed only when all the people are willing to abide by the laws made by the majority.  May this time soon come for Russia!

Suggestions for study.—­1.  Look up facts concerning Napoleon Bonaparte, Gladstone, Bismarck, Cavour, Garibaldi, Victor Emmanuel I. 2.  On outline maps of the world show the principal colonial possessions of Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, and Holland. 3.  Show on an outline map of Europe the location of peoples that had not attained to national independence before 1914. 4.  Compare the size and population of the European countries with your own state in the American Union. 5.  How far did the people in European countries possess a share in their government in 1914? 6.  Look up in detail the government of Germany.

References.—­For facts