... this industrialisation had profound effects on Russian society. Industrialisation led to many peasant migrants coming to the cities from the countryside in order to work in the new factories. As a result there was severe overcrowding, especially in the two principal cities, Moscow and St Petersburg. Class consciousness was becoming more evident, with the development of a working class who recognised their poor working conditions and the differences between themselves and the factory owners. As well as the growth of the trade unions, various political groups were becoming increasingly active. The Liberals, Social Revolutionaries and Social Democrats all demanded reforms of some kind, and the grim situation of the working class gave them a platform to call from. Under Alexander III Russia experienced significant industrial expansion during a period that has become known as the 'great spurt'. Much of this economic success was to the credit of Sergei Witte, ...

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