ABSTRACT
The last days of July and the first days of August 1914, so crowded with events in Europe, witnessed a sudden change in the temper of the Russian people, but there was no corresponding change in the government. None of the Powers involved in the European War, not even Germany, and were thoroughly prepared for five years of campaigning under the exhausting conditions of modern warfare. During the war a stupid experiment was performed on the Russian industrial proletariat. Our chief concern is with the effect that it had upon Russian economic life. The military specialists of the autocracy did not expect a prolonged war, which would exact the use of all their technical development, a sound organization of the rear, and all the strength of those engaged. The assistance contributed in 1916 and 1917 by the Allies relieved the strain upon the Russian administration, and increased activity was observable in the Russian munition works.
