In the 1900's, Russia was one of the poorest countries in Europe. Majority of the people in Russia were peasants. They were extremely poor and had hardly enough to eat. Then there was the rise in the number of industrial workers. They worked in mines and factories and received low wages and lived in deplorable housing conditions. The government tried to help but Russia had joined World War I and the war was a priority. Tsar Nicolas II had little interest in matters of the state. He ignored the hardships and struggles of the people and they in turn lost their faith in him. They were discontented and ready to revolt.