The Peak of the Russian Empire and Its Legacy

During its peak period, the Russian Empire reached its greatest territorial extent and influence. This occurred particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, circa 1895, when it controlled approximately 22.8 million square kilometers (8.8 million square miles). At this time, the empire stretched across Europe, Asia, and North America, making it one of the largest empires in history.

Key Regions Under Russian Control

The vast territory of the Russian Empire included regions such as modern-day Ukraine, the Baltic states, Finland, parts of Poland, Central Asia, Siberia, and the Russian Far East. This extensive reach not only made the Russian Empire a dominant global power but also presented complex challenges in governance and integration.

Peak Influence and Power

The Russian Empire continued to exert significant power and influence until the early 20th century, including the period after World War I. However, there were notable events that marked crucial turning points. For example, the unsuccessful Russo-Japanese War and the Russian Revolution of 1917 significantly weakened the empire. Around 1914, the empire's land mass was over 13.5 million square miles, highlighting its immense geographical reach.

Post-World War I and Post-Revolutionary Periods

Following World War I and the Russian Revolution, the empire's influence suffered a major setback. The Soviet Union, a version of the Russian Empire, took over and began a new chapter of history. Before selling Alaska to the United States in 1867, the empire held territories that extended to parts of Poland, Finland, Central Asia, Siberia, and what is now Belarus, Ukraine, and Moldova. Despite these losses, the empire maintained considerable influence in global affairs.

Reforms and Agricultural Development

In the years leading up to the revolution, significant reforms were implemented. The land reform of the Stolypin era, initiated during the reign of Nicholas II, aimed to modernize agriculture and increase land ownership among farmers. This reform included extensively expanding peasants' rights, implementing decreased taxes, revoking passport taxes, and promoting the right of movement. The establishment of the Farmers' Bank played a crucial role in facilitating land purchases and improving farming technology.

The Stolypin land reform significantly transformed the rural landscape. By 1916, approximately 172 million dessiatins of land was privately owned by peasants and Cossacks in European Russia. Innovations in farming technology and educational institutions further supported agricultural development, leading to a substantial increase in grain, root vegetables, and cattle production. The number of industrial enterprises, especially in the textile and metallurgical industries, also saw significant growth. By 1915, the stock capital of large trading companies in Russia had grown by nearly 340%, reflecting the empire's continued economic progress.

Decisive Events and Decline

However, the decision to enter World War I on the side of the Entente was a significant turning point, marking the end of the empire's progress and its very existence. This decision was influenced by factors such as the desire to protect fellow Orthodox Serbia and the ambition to control the Bosporus Straights. The entry into the war put an end to the empire's progress and significantly weakened its position on the global stage.

The decline of the Russian Empire through these events illustrates the complex interplay of geopolitics, socio-economic factors, and internal reforms that shaped its fate. Despite its peaks and achievements, the empire faced numerous challenges that ultimately led to its collapse and transformation into new political entities.