1. A Day in the Life
Russia in the 1800s

2. Peasantry
90% of the Russian population were peasants in the late 1800s
Most had been serfs until ended in 1861
No legal rights
Could not own land
Not free to move
Left in poverty

3. Intellectuals Conflicted with all-powerful tsar
Began writing ideas for change and improvement of Russia
Educated class became known as intelligentsia
Groups met in cafes, parks, and taverns to discuss new ideas

4. Clergy
Russian Orthodoxy maintained power in Russia since the 10th century
Based on sacred rituals and saints
Daily life revolved around the church and the leaders of the church maintained some influence

5. Nobility 1% of the population Controlled the land and wealth
Lived in luxury with extravagance
Maintained power by oppression of the serfs

6. Activity Task
Review the materials (Text book, Human Record, viable internet sources) in your groups on what life is like in 1800s Russia.
Brainstorm ideas to create a 2-5 minute dramatization about your group for the class.
Include introduction of your members & their societal roles.
Be descriptive about the setting and time.
Develop strategies to involve the audience.
Use creative touches – props, visuals, sound effects (power point slides and the document camera can make excellent backdrops).
Rehearse until presentation time.
Be sure that your presentation will complete the handout.
You have 25 minutes to prepare!
Groups (two of each): serfs/peasants, intellectuals, Nobles, Clergy. Attached reading is only a starting point, not enough for performances.

7. Activity Wrap-up What was life like in 19th century Russia?
How would you describe tsarist society?
How were the groups alike? Different?
Given the conditions of tsarist Russia, what changes do you think might occur in Russia in the 20th century?

8. Writing Exit
Write a clear thesis to compare the different groups of Russian society in the late 1800s.
Be sure to include a roadmap with at least 3 categories for further discussion.