One of the most powerful countries, including all northern Asia as well
as eastern Europe. It is an absolute monarchy, ruled by the Czar
Nicholas II at Petrograd (St. Petersburg). He came to the throne in
1894.
The population is mostly Slavic, and the racial sympathy is therefore
with the Balkan peoples. Russia, like Austria and Germany, would like a
port on the Mediterranean, as she now has access to the Atlantic only
through the Baltic Sea and the Dardanelles (between the Black Sea and
the AEgean).
Sixty years ago Russia attacked Turkey, menacing Great Britain's route
to her Oriental possessions. These two powers combined with France and
repulsed Russia in the Crimean War. Since the time of Peter the Great
the Russians have had their eyes on Constantinople, and as long as they
cannot have it will try to prevent Germany or Austria from getting it.
Seven-eighths of the peasants are farmers, and two-thirds of the land is
sown to cereals.