VCE Revolutions Practice Exam

The significant characteristic of Tsarist Russia, particularly regarding social tensions, was indeed a lack of representation for the working class. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a vast majority of the population consisted of peasants and workers who had little to no voice in the political system. The autocratic regime of the Tsar did not allow for democratic representation or the establishment of institutions that would give the working class the opportunity to influence governance or advocate for their rights. This disenfranchisement contributed to widespread discontent and ultimately helped fuel revolutionary sentiments across the country.

In contrast, the other options present scenarios that do not accurately reflect the social realities of Tsarist Russia during this period. The abundance of wealth among peasants is misleading, as most peasants lived in poverty and faced harsh living and working conditions. High literacy rates among the poor were not characteristic of Tsarist Russia, where access to education was limited and literacy rates were generally low, particularly among rural populations. Furthermore, the notion of a strong middle class with political power does not align with the historical context of Tsarist society, where the economic and political power was concentrated in the hands of the nobility and the Tsar, leaving the middle class relatively