The Peasants:
* Majority of the Population: The vast majority of Russians were peasants, bound to the land and subject to serfdom until 1861.
* Limited Freedom and Rights: They were essentially slaves, forced to work the land for their landowner, with little personal freedom or rights.
* Poverty and Hardship: Living conditions were often harsh, with poverty widespread. Food shortages and disease were common, and life expectancy was low.
* Emancipation: While the emancipation of serfs in 1861 was a significant change, it did little to improve their economic situation. They remained tied to the land and subject to strict controls.
The Gentry:
* Landowning Elite: The gentry, or nobility, owned the land and held significant political and social power.
* Privileged Lifestyle: They enjoyed a privileged lifestyle, with access to education, wealth, and influence.
* Political Power: The gentry dominated government and the military, shaping Russian policies and institutions.
* Social Inequality: A rigid social hierarchy existed, with the gentry at the top, holding significant power over the peasantry.
The Urban Population:
* Rapid Growth: Urban centers like Moscow and St. Petersburg experienced rapid growth during the 19th century, fueled by industrialization.
* Diverse Social Groups: Urban populations consisted of merchants, artisans, laborers, and a growing intellectual class.
* Challenges of Urban Life: Overcrowding, poverty, and social unrest were common in urban areas, as were strikes and protests.
* Emergence of a Middle Class: Industrialization led to the emergence of a middle class, which played a significant role in social and political change.
Overall Challenges:
* Autocratic Rule: The Czars held absolute power, with little tolerance for dissent or opposition.
* Corruption and Inefficiency: The government was often plagued by corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of accountability.
* Economic Instability: Despite periods of economic growth, Russia remained largely agrarian, with a weak industrial base.
* Social Unrest: The gap between the wealthy and the poor, coupled with political repression, fueled social unrest and revolutionary movements.
Notable Czars:
* Catherine the Great (1762-1796): Known for her enlightenment ideals and reforms, but also for her harsh treatment of opponents.
* Alexander II (1855-1881): Emancipated the serfs in 1861, but faced growing social unrest and was assassinated by revolutionaries.
* Nicholas II (1894-1917): His reign was marked by economic instability, political repression, and the disastrous Russo-Japanese War, ultimately leading to the Russian Revolution.
Conclusion:
Life under the Czars was a mix of privilege for the elite and hardship for the majority of the population. While some progress was made in areas like education and industry, the Czars' autocratic rule, social inequality, and economic instability ultimately created conditions ripe for revolution. The Russian Revolution in 1917 marked a dramatic shift, ending centuries of Tsarist rule.