Russia's First World War : A Social and Economic History

Written for students of modern European and Russian history, this new study looks at how the First World War affected Russia.  The theme running through the book is that war can itself be seen as revolutionary; rupturing established social and economic ties and creating new social and economic relationships, affiliations, practices and opportunities.

Looking at the radical visions deployed by generals, technocrats and professionals, not just the familiar revolutionary names, it brings together the findings of Russian and non-Russian historians and draws upon fresh research.

The story of Russia’s First World War remains largely unknown, neglected by historians who have been more interested in the grand drama that unfolded in 1917. In Russia’s First World War: A Social and Economic History Peter Gatrell shows that war is itself ‘revolutionary’ – rupturing established social and economic ties, but also creating new social and economic relationships, affiliations, practices and opportunities.

Russia’s First World War brings together the findings of Russian and non-Russian historians, and draws upon fresh research. It turns the spotlight on what Churchill called the ‘unknown war’, providing an authoritative account that finally does justice to the impact of war on Russia’s home front