State any three effects of the First World War on the Russian economy.

The effects of the First World War on the Russian economy were

(i) Russia had few industries and the country was cut off from other supplies of industrial goods by German control of the Baltic Sea.

(ii) Industrial equipment disintegrated more rapidly in Russia than elsewhere in Europe. By 1916, railway lines began to break down.

(iii) Able-bodied men were sent to fight the war. Thus, labour shortages resulted, shutting down industries and small workshops producing essentials. Large supplies of grain were sent to feed the army. For the people in the cities, bread and flour became scarce.