Tsarist Russia faced a crisis of legitimacy from "summary" of A People's Tragedy by Orlando Figes
The crisis of legitimacy that plagued Tsarist Russia stemmed from the fundamental question of who should rule the country and how they should rule it. For centuries, the Romanov dynasty had ruled Russia with absolute power, claiming their right to rule as a divine mandate. However, as the 19th century progressed, this traditional justification for autocratic rule came under increasing scrutiny and criticism. The Tsarist regime's legitimacy was further undermined by its inability to address the growing social and economic problems facing the country. The vast majority of the population lived in abject poverty, while a small aristocratic elite enjoyed immense wealth and privilege. This stark divide between the haves and have-nots bred resentment and discontent among ...
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