ABSTRACT
As in other parts of the globe the Germans of Russia would suffer persecution as a result of the entry into the Great War of their land of residence. From the summer of 1914 they became increasingly visible, leading to their persecution through a series of measures. These included property liquidation on a significant level. Similarly, in terms of sheer scale, they also became victims of one of the most dramatic acts of deportation during the First World War, especially against a group of German ethnicity. At the same time, they endured popular Germanophobia, manifesting itself most visibly and violently in the Moscow riots which took place at the end of May 1915, following on from similar events which had occurred on a global scale, especially in the British Empire, earlier in that month. The unique characteristics of the Germans in Russia included the longevity of their settlement, their relationship with the Russian state and the diverse nature of this community, which really divides into several groups.
