The queue before the institution “Treasury wine shop.” The photo was taken in 1914, shortly before the disastrous “Prohibition”. The first swallow arrives in the people on July 16 of the same year – a regulatory act, a royal decree on the complete prohibition of the trade in alcohol during the mobilization period. The confirmation follows as the “Highest Commandment (Sovereign Emperor) of August 22, 1914” On the extension of the prohibition of the sale of alcohol, wine and vodka for local consumption in the Empire until the end of wartime”. Consumption of alcohol is reduced from 4.7 liters per capita per year to 0.3 liters. (now 12 l.) Other warring European countries, despite the fact that they drink there no less than in Russia (or even much more, like in France), they don’t even think to introduce anything like that
Peasants, petty bourgeoisie, part of the bourgeoisie have to forget about the times of cultural wine drinking, companionship in taverns, fraternization classes. Hundreds of distilleries are being closed or repurposed. 300,000 people employed in this industry lose their jobs. A photo for memory – restaurant “Kontan”, Moika Embankment, 58, 1913. Oh, what are all these self-confident, respectable people. Where will they be after just five years? What should they tell? Even two years later, if they remain alive, respectable gentlemen will be ready to give up all their fortunes for a single boiled chicken.
However, trade in alcohol, according to special articles of the Resolution, continues in restaurants of the first category and aristocratic clubs. In other words, the nobility, as well as the priesthood, does not affect the Russian “dry law”. This state of affairs, as a matter of course, causes a split in society. Further, if in 1913 the income from the sale of alcohol makes up 28% of the state budget, then in 1916 (the peak of the military campaign) 1.5%. The peasants, with very low efficiency, allow a significant part of the grain to produce mash and moonshine. Hidden consumption of alcohol (extremely poor quality) increases many times. Above all, previously law-abiding citizens become accustomed to the thought of opposing the state, which sets a non-child term of five years for moonshine making. In the capital of the Empire, power over the minds of civilians and the military, firmly occupied by cocaine. The city on the Neva becomes the recognized center of the criminal world. The photograph – a banquet of Russian officers, 1916
The state of things in the world on the eve of the First World War. England seems to be the tip of the iceberg, in comparison with its numerous and generally well developed colonies (burgundy color). The area of the Empire – 32 million square meters. km., population, including Aboriginal people – 480 million people. It is followed by France (blue) with its 39 million citizens and Portugal (dense green). Russia – the largest continental power area of 22 million square meters. km and a population of 170 million people (1916). The area of the German Empire (brown) before the Great War is 0.55 million square meters. km., population 68 million people. Its closest ally is Austria-Hungary, 0.7 million sq. M. km., population 53 million people. Once the founder of the Second Reich (since 1866, from the Battle of Sadow), Chancellor Bismarck urges the German people not to get involved in the seizure of colonies, so as not to lose blood purity. But, for some time now, Germany has taken over the territory in Africa. Its appetites are hampered by Britain and France, which have already divided the Black Continent between themselves. But this is not the main thing. In Germany, the generation of 43-year-olds has been shaken, from the moment of birth (1871) who did not know what a real war is – and who yearn for it. The Germans like to fight, this is their national hunt. Such sentiments dominate throughout Europe. In addition to Russia, the people of which are nauseated at war with Japan and are more concerned with their own problems.
Paris first half of 1914 in color. In all of Europe, the war between civilized, cohesive economic and cultural ties and states remains unthinkable. In sophisticated Vienna, you drink coffee in a street cafe, smiling at passersby. In Berlin, you read a newspaper, eat a sausage with cabbage, drink a delicious beer – and no one bothers you. After moving to London, you rent a room with a view of Big Ben – and the receptionist does not care if you are English, Russian, German, Italian or Hungarian. This is the case throughout Europe, until July 28, 1914. A month earlier, headlines appear about the murder of the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne and his wife. The capital of Bosnia, Sarajevo? Show it on the map – Herr, Monsieur, Sir… Why should this disturb us?
After the assassination of the Archduke Ferdinand and his wife, the Serbian government agrees with all the points of the German ultimatum, except for just admitting the Austrian police to its territory. In response, on July 28, the Austro-Hungarian heavy artillery begins shelling Belgrade. The idea – just play muscles, not implemented. At the same time, infantry units of Austria-Hungary, with the support of gunboats, are organizing a crossing over the Danube. The photograph shows the calculation of a large-caliber mortar before the start of the war, in the vicinity of Belgrade. The end of July – the beginning of August 1914.
Began… Austrian guns bombard Belgrade, July 28, 1914
Already on July 31, general mobilization is announced in Russia. At that time, such a behavior of a country means its imminent, inevitable entry into the war. The German Kaiser issues an ultimatum to Nicholas II on the return of the status quo. The king responds to Wilhelm with a meaningless telegram, and considers that his duty fulfilled. In addition, the Russian sovereign cherishes the idea of the straits of the Bosporus and Dardanelles, the Mediterranean islands, which can only be captured in the context of a major war. The movement of troops also ensures a strong attachment of the Russian aristocracy to foreign capital, owning 90% of profitable enterprises in Russia. Some historians still believe that Nicholas II acted wisely, without stopping mobilization, showed solidarity with foreign friends. All of us should be judged by the fruits. In just four years, the Russian Empire, outside of valor and glory, will lose 40% of European territory, and a reasonable king in this century will end his days in the Ipatiev house. In the photo – mobilized workers. August 1914. Music of the time – “Farewell of the Slav” (listen) …“Прощание славянки”, слушать
To a certain extent, the mood of the street also influences the decisions of Nikolai Romanov. In conservative Russia, where there has long been an acute shortage of at least some news, almost any event meets with joy. In the cities of the Empire dominated by a patriotic attitude. Just a month later, with news of the first major casualties, this attitude will change to a deep despondency.
Germany