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Aided by Italy, Napoleon III challenges Russia`s claim as the "protector of all Christians" through the Crimean War. Napoleon III`s actual intention behind the campaign was to limit Russian expansion in Balkans and the Mediterranean Sea.
The Russian defeat in the Crimean War sparks need for economic industrialization and military improvements. -
Completion of railroad construction, as well as growth of cities and the new (exploited) working class caused the first waves of Russian industrialization.
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The Emancipation of 22.5 million serfs is introduced, to prevent loss of Russian gentry`s land, control over peasants, and legal priviledges yet grant peasants their freedom. Little actually appened as there were still limits to peasants` land use and movement.
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Nationalist riots in Russia-controlled Poland cause Alexander II to restore his repressive policies. The return to this repression caused widespread public discontent.
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A terrorist bombs assissnates Alexander II, ending his reign since 2 March 1855. Contrary to popular belief, Alexander II`s assissnation did not lead to national freedom, but rather, more oppressive rule under Alexander III.
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The publication of Lenin`s pamphlet "What is to be Done?" aruges that the working class needs a revolution. His belief ultimately lead to his, and the Bolsheviks`, majority in Parliament.
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Lead by Sergey White, Russia undergoes rapid industrial development, causing the growth of the working class.
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The Russian Revoution breaks out, to be followd by revolutions in Persia and the Ottoman Empire.
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With much money put into Russia`s war against Japan, Japan`s victory made Russian citizens want poltiical reforms and economic relief. In on of their peaceful demonstrations, hundreds of protesters were murder, in an event otherwise known as Bloody Sunday.
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Russia fights 2 local Balkan Wars against Austria-Hungary. The result was a complete deadlock, with neither side willing to concess nor compromise.
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Russia, alongside Austria, begin universal male suffrage.
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Archduke Franz Ferdinand is shot. This event, alongside European tensions (which could not be solved by further expansion since Europe & its colonies accounted for 80% of the globe) caused the outbreak of WWI.
