`Nothing is impossible in Russia but reform.' (Oscar Wilde, 1854-1900) Many historians would believe that Wilde's statement holds true for 1895, because of the strength of the Czarist regime under Nicholas II. Evidence can however be presented to argue that the regime had more security and strength in 1914. By looking at the weaknesses of Czarism in 1895, and the strength of Czarism in 1914, it becomes clear that the regime was more secure in 1914. Things were not healthy in Russia nearing the end of the 19th century, and things were getting better for the ordinary people at the start of the 20th. The Czar had changed the worrying yet subdued peasants into represented Russian citizens. Or so they thought.

The work and reforms initiated by Aleksandr III in Russia had not been enough to satisfy the revolting peasants. And so, a group of educated middle-class men assassinated him. This left...