ABSTRACT
The Russian Revolution has lasted longer than any other in history, but the period during which it was in the process of elaboration was also of unequalled duration. The Russian proletariat became particularly strong during Alexander III's reign, that is, during the period of the most violent reaction, when the disillusioned intelligenzia were losing faith in themselves and their ideals. The intellectuals of Western Europe, since they were drawn from the people, shared in the triumph of the middle class when it succeeded in setting revolutions in motion. In Russia the interests of the middle class were closely allied to the State's, and the Government put the police system at its service and at the disposal of property owners. The Russian middle class welcomed the War with enthusiasm, since they were financially bound to Western Europe. European banking groups financed the Russian banks, which became agents for Parisian and London bankers and the manufacturers of Sormovo and Ivanovo-Voznesensk.
