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The last war we fought resulted in a defeat at the hands of Japan, in 1904-5, huge losses of ships and of territory in China.Recently the newspapers have been full of stories of strikes and shooting by soldiers, e.g. of the striking gold miners.Last year was an important year for the Romanov dynasty. 1913 marked 300 years of ruling Russia.The last few years have seen real economic growth in Russia, and progress on huge projects such as the Trans-Siberian RailwayRussia has not fought a majorEuropean war since 1854-5, when it was fought to a standstill in the Crimea.The Empire’s nationalities, such as the Poles and the Finns, are restless and a threat to the stability of the Tsar’s rule.Russia now has a Parliament (since 1906) and this has defused some of the tension, as the middle classes, the professions and the nobility can advise the government.Most of the Tsar’s most determined enemies are out of the country as exiles, with little real influence.Most of our soldiers are peasant conscripts. They cannot serve for too long as they will be needed to bring in the harvest and maintain food supplies.The severe illness of the Tsar’s only son is a real worry for the security and continuity of Romanov family rule.Germany has the most modern army in Europe; highly professional and well-trained.This war was started by Austrian aggression against Serbia. We owe it to protect the Serbs, who share our alphabet, religion and cultureRussia now has modern arms factories, such as the Putilov steelworks.Russia is joined in a Triple Entente with France (since 1894) and Britain (since 1907).The British and French are relying on the Russian “steamroller” to hold down and destroy the German and Austrian armies.The workers in the arms factories are very volatile, and have illegal political action committees called “Soviets.”Russia is a country of faith. God will preserve the Tsar and protect his Empire, people and church.The Tsar has a duty to lead the people of Russia in war. ................
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