Explain the condition of workers in Russia before 1917.

The following points state the conditions of workers under the Tsar in Russia before 1917

(i) At the beginning of 20th century in Russia, most industry was owned by industrialists.

(ii) Government supervised large factories to ensure minimum wages and working hours.

(iii) In craft units and small workshops, sometimes working hours were 15 hours, compared with 10 or 12 hours in big factories.

(iv) Workers were divided into different social groups and they were also divided by skill.

(v) Women consisted of 31 per cent of the factory labour farce. The wages of a female worker were less than a male worker.

(vi) Some workers formed associations to help other workers in times of hardship.