Pre-Soviet Union Russia (1900-1920)

In the early 1900's while still in the time of Tsars, Russia was undergoing vast, rapid changes politically and socially due to an upcoming war. These changes would soon help to shape the Russia that is today. At the start of WW1 Russian Tsar Nicholas II took the offensive against Germany and Austria-Hungary, whilst in the middle of reform and political strife. For the Russians the war was not pleasant as food was sparse and leadership was lacking. Repeated military failures accompanied with the lack of bureaucratic support was more then enough to turn large pockets of the population against the government. By the middle of 1915 the impact of the war was tremendous. Food and fuel were impossible to come by, casualties were at an all time high, and inflation was mounting. Strikes increased among low-paid factory workers, and the peasants, who wanted land reforms. In the years to come Russia would have a civil war, and the Tsars would ultimately conform to the wants of the people. The autocracy would soon become a communist ran country. The effects that the first world war had on the population of Russia was devastating, 3.5 million soldiers died and the country was in desperate need of a turn around.

Russian children and families head away from enemy lines.

Location: Near Smolensk, Russia

Date: 1917