INTRODUCTION 
BY PRINCE GEORGE E. LVOV 
THE history of the Russian people presents remarkable instances 
of rapid transitions. A country with an immense territory covering 
one-sixth of the surface of the globe and with a large agricultural 
population, traditionally peace loving and conservative, Russia oc- 
casionally surprises the world by outbursts of feverish activity. A 
foreign observer may find difficulty in explaining it. 
Two forces were struggling in Russia. Historical and geographi- 
cal reasons demanded the formation of a strong central government 
for the defense of the frontiers against the enemy. On the other 
hand, the progress of the nation called for freedom from govern- 
ment tutelage and decentralization. When the Government was en- 
lightened enough to adopt a liberal policy, the country rapidly 
moved toward progress; but as soon as the Government became ab- 
sorbed in increasing its own despotic powers and encroached upon 
the freedom of the nation, the era of progress was brought to an 
end. As the educational standards of the nation improved, the strug- 
gle between the two forces became more and more apparent. The re- 
actionary elements clung to the view that the future of Russia de- 
pended on the preservation of that autocracy which had built up a 
powerful state; while the liberals believed that only the free devel- 
opment of the resources of the nation might serve as a foundation 
for its future greatness. 
The second half of the last century and the beginning of the pres- 
ent one, up to the Revolution of February-March, 1917, presents an 
excellent instance of the struggle between the two forces. It opened 
with the transition from the reactionary reign of Nicholas I to the 
enlightened and liberal rule of Alexander II. The reign of Nicholas 
I marks the high point in the development of Russian absolutism. 
The whole country trembled before her master. Everything was sub- 
Ject to the will of the Tsar. After the deportation to Siberia of the 
Decembrists who attempted to conspire against the Emperor and 
planned for the introduction of a constitutional government, Nicho- 
las ruled Russia with an iron hand. Life and property were entirely 
at the mercy of the police. Every vestige of freedom was ruthlessly