Before 1917, the situation of the working population of Russia was miserable in comparison to the other countries in Europe. Here are some of the differences between the working population of Russia and of other countries in Europe:

• About 85% of the population of Russia was dependent on agriculture while in Germany and France only 40% to 50% of the population was engaged in agriculture.
• Industrialisation happened late in Russia and industries were set up in small numbers. Workers were divided on the basis of social groups. About 31% of the factory labour force was women but still they were paid less than men.
• Despite such social divisions, workers were united enough to stop work when they disagreed with the factory owners about dismissal or working conditions or wages. The working hours in Russia were 15 hours whereas in other countries of Europe it was 10 to 12 hours.

• During Russian Revolution, the peasants wanted lands of nobles, they denied to pay rent and even murdered their landlords whereas during French Revolution, the French peasants respected nobles and also fought for them.