Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution — Question 2

The working population in Russia was different from other countries in Europe, before 1917 in the following ways:

1. Unlike other european countries, workers in Russia were a divided social group. Some had strong links with the villages from which they came. Others had settled in cities permanently.
2. Workers in Russia were divided by skill. Metal workers considered themselves aristocrats among other workers because their occupation demanded more training and skill.
3. Divisions among workers showed themselves in dress and manners too.
4. Trade unions and workers’ movements were less developed in Russia. Some workers formed associations to help members in times of unemployment or financial hardship but such associations were few.
5. Despite their differences, workers joined together to strike when they disagreed with employers about dismissals or work conditions.