The history of Russia has always interested historians from different countries for its originality. Each of them explains this peculiarity in its own way, but they all agreed that there are three main factors that determine the difference between Russian history and Western history.
Natural and 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 the crop and stock up on fodder for the cattle for the winter. They used primitive tools of labor that did not allow to cultivate the land at the proper level, so the life of peasant families was entirely dependent on weather conditions. Often it was impossible to return even the seeds in the harvest. This meant that during the sowing period, the entire peasant family worked without rest, day and night, using the labor of old people and children. While peasants in Europe did not need this kind of stress, their working season lasted much longer. In addition, the 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 necessary share, which went to the needs of the state. This was the origin of serfdom. Low yields, excessive dependence on the vagaries of the weather contributed to the strengthening of the communal system, which guaranteed the possibility of survival for the bulk of the population.
This factor determined the uniqueness of the Russian character. The peculiarities of economic management contributed to the development of the Russians' ability to exert extreme effort, to concentrate all physical and mental strength for a long period of time. The constant lack of time 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 in the Russian people of ease of ascent, a calm change of places, but at the same time increased the craving for traditionalism, strict adherence to customs and the rooting of habits. The hard life of the peasants aroused in Russians boundless kindness, a willingness to always help, reaching the level of self-sacrifice.
Geopolitical conditions
These include a large, sparsely populated area, a border poorly protected by natural barriers, isolation from the seas and sea trade, the position of Russia between Asia and Europe, and a developed river network.
A large territory required increased control by the state, the more the state's needs for surplus product increased, the stronger this control was, 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 beliefs. The insecurity of the Russian borders led to constant raids by neighboring peoples and states. This required the authorities to take permanent measures to strengthen the borders, i.e. material costs and human resources. This, in turn, strengthened the role of the state. The remoteness from the seas and sea trade routes led to the need to sell goods to intermediaries cheaply, and to buy imported goods 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. The passage through the territory of the state of the Great Silk Road from China to Europe was very favorable for the development of Russian trade. The location of Russia between Europe and Asia has formed a unique culture that combines the influence of both cultures.
Religious factor
Religion has determined many of the spiritual qualities of the Russian people. Orthodoxy promoted the striving for exaltation through spiritual exaltation, abstracted from worldly values. Without interfering in the affairs of power, it influenced political traditions. Submission to the power of the king guaranteed the salvation of the soul after death. This made people believe in a political way of salvation of the soul with a strong communal component.
