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 occasionally
 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 geographical
 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 government
 tutelage and decentralization. When the Government was enlightened
 enough to adopt a liberal policy, the country rapidly
moved toward progress; but as soon as the Government became absorbed
 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 struggle
 between the two forces became more and more apparent. The reactionary
 elements clung to the view that the future of Russia depended
 on the preservation of that autocracy which had built up a
powerful state; while the liberals believed that only the free development
 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 present
 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, Nicholas
 ruled Russia with an iron hand. Life and property were entirely
at the mercy of the police. Every vestige of freedom was ruthlessly