SHORT TERM CAUSES OF THE WAR - SOCIAL ASPECT
By the 1890’s, all classes of Russia wanted to industrialize and modernize to keep pace with the other growing countries in Europe (Culpin 48). However, this rush to modernize imposed large taxes on the peasants, who could not afford it; this created lots of distress and frustration. Also, peasants were forced to sell more, which left them with less to eat, causing rampant malnutrition and illness throughout the peasant areas of Russia (Culpin 52). The influx of foreign business that came with industrialization brought radical and revolutionary parties that challenged the political structure of Russia (Culpin 53). The landlords and nobles were always apprehensive about a revolution that would change the balance of power within Russia (Culpin 52). A growing portion of Russian people become unhappy -- even more so after the mobilisation of Russia against Japan -- and the threat of revolution seemed to tear the empire apart (Culpin 53).
In 1905, Revolution finally broke out and lasted until the end of the year (Culpin 77-78). After these revolutions, some historians believe that Russia evolved into a more modernized and broadly-based society as well as with more education and industrial advancements. Other historians do not note much of a change in the conditions of the peasants and working force, and also place Russia on a track to further revolutions in 1914 (Culpin 79).