The history of Russia has always interested historians from different countries with its originality. Each of them explains this peculiarity in their own way, but they all agreed that there are three main factors that determine the difference between Russian history and Western.
Climatic factor
The harsh conditions in Russia are such that the agricultural work cycle is approximately 130 days. During this time, the peasant had to cultivate the soil, grow crops and stockpile livestock feed for the winter. Primitive tools were used that did not allow cultivating land at the proper level, so the life of peasant families depended entirely on weather conditions. Often it was not possible to return even the seeds in the crop. This meant that during the sowing season the whole peasant family worked without rest, day and night, using the labor of old people and children. While in Europe the peasants did not need such stress, their work season lasted much longer. In addition, a favorable climate made it possible to harvest 4-6 times a year.
Unfavorable conditions for farming directly affected the type of Russian statehood. Despite the low volumes of the aggregate product, the government withdrew the share it needed that went to the needs of the state. This served as the source of the birth of serfdom. Low productivity, excessive dependence on the vagaries of the weather contributed to the strengthening of the communal system, which guaranteed the bulk of the population could survive.
This factor determined the uniqueness of the Russian character. Features of housekeeping contributed to the development of the Russian ability to extreme stress, concentration for a long period of time all physical and mental forces. The constant lack of time has led to the development of character traits such as accuracy and thoroughness in work. The extensive nature of the cultivation of the soil contributed to the appearance of ease in the Russian people, a quiet change of place, but at the same time increased the craving for traditionalism, strict adherence to customs and the establishment of habits. The hard life of the peasants in the Russians caused unlimited kindness, a willingness to always help, reaching the point of self-sacrifice.
Geopolitical conditions
These include a large, poorly populated territory, poorly protected by natural barriers border, isolation from the seas and sea trade, the position of Russia between Asia and Europe, a developed river network.
A large territory required increased state control, the more the state's demand for surplus products increased, the stronger this control, which ultimately led to the enslavement of most of the peasantry. The low population density has led to a large number of different ethnic groups, differing in their cultural traditions and religion. The insecurity of the Russian borders led to constant raids by neighboring peoples and states. This required the authorities to take continuous measures to strengthen borders, i.e. material costs and human resources. Which in turn reinforced the role of the state. Remoteness from the seas and sea trade routes led to the need to sell goods to intermediaries cheaply, and import goods to buy expensive. Access to the seas has always been the main goal of Russia's foreign policy.
The presence of a developed river system led to the unity of the people and the state, river routes were much cheaper than land roads. It was very favorable for the development of Russian trade to pass through the territory of the state of the Great Silk Road from China to Europe. The finding of Russia between Europe and Asia formed a unique culture combining the influence of both cultures.
