With just my mother working there wasn’t enough food to support my two little sisters Aimi, the older of the two, and Olina, and my brother Viktor, who is the baby of the family, so I was forced to take my father’s job at the factory. 

My sisters, now 16 and 17 have married and moved away to live with their husbands.   Olina lives in the country, just outside of Tula with her husband Lenya, a peasant farmer.   Aimi moved to St. Petersburg with her husband Luka, who works in a factory there.

I’m still living in our shack with: Mother, who is too old now to work, Viktor, who recently started working along side me in the factory, and my wife Tamary.   We were married five months ago, and she is with child. She is still working as a seamstress, but will have to stop soon.

The streets of the great Moscow are littered with beggars, although no one has any money to give them except for the upper classes that seem content to ride in their carriages and continue to line their own pockets.   Ha!  Beggars begging beggars!   Funny isn’t it?   My father would have never have imagined that Russia would get this bad.   “The greatest power in the world,” he used to call it, even while he was struggling to put food on the table.   It’s nearly impossible to make a living these days.   If only the Czar could see us, I know he would help.

I stayed in my father’s position at the factory until 1891 when the Czar began constructing the Trans-Siberian railway and a new factory opened up here in Moscow assembling the locomotives.  I, of course, couldn’t resist being a part of the newest wonder of the modern world, and jumped at the chance to play a part in this great chapter of Russian history.   russian revolution

There is talk of another strike at the factory. I will pray for them, but I cannot afford to participate, and it will make little difference.   There are ten men willing to take the place of anyone who strikes.   We can’t even return to our native village because we have lost all contact with its people.

Food is scarce. It has been ever since the famine in 1891, which claimed the lives of a half million Russians.   Adding to the problem is the heavy taxation of the peasants.   I’m not sure how we’ll get by once Tamary has to take leave, but we’ll manage. We always do.

Alexander

Dear Bohdan;

It has been a long time my friend to long since we have been in contact, and I assume full responsibility. I apologize for responding to your last letter, but it has been hectic around here for the past nine months or so with my wife being with child.

On that subject Tamary gave birth to our child not eight days ago. It is a healthy baby girl; we decided to name her Alexandra. We decided to carry on the tradition of my father and name her after the czarina, yet most people mistake it for naming her after myself. She weighs just six and a half pounds, and is a bit small but the midwife says she will be fine.

The birth went generally well. There were although a few tense monuments, but I was assured it is those with few complications that generally turn out worse. Tamary is fine but is still a little edgy, as she has been for the past few weeks, but I understand this is also not uncommon.

Money has been especially tight lately with Tamary being out of work me supporting the family with the help of my brother. The taxes have steadily increased and this has helped very little as you might have guessed.

Thank God for the wisdom and patience he has granted the czar, epically in recent response to the insolence shown by the members of the Zemstovs. Who are they to question the will of the all-knowing czar, placed on the throne by the God himself? We all know that the Zemstovs only hide the poor state or the union to line their own stomachs and wallets. If the czar could see only see us I kn0ow he would restore the union to its former glory.

The factory is fairing well. The work id difficult, the pay is little but at least it is honest. Viktor continues to fair well in the factory. He catches on well to almost anything, and as young as he is, just 14, many men twice his age have a respect for him they don’t have for any other. I truly believe he will progress further than me or any of my filthy companions here in the factory. Times have bee tough but we will survive. We always do

Sincerely

Alexander

Dear journal;

What a glorious day today was, with the coronation of the new czar Nicholas. What a grand procession it was along the 6.5 Km route. Tamary, Alexandra, Viktor and I had to fight and struggle nearly 20 ft back, my backaches today since due to our poor position Viktor insisted that I put him on my shoulders, even though he is now 14. With his current size I’m sure he could heft me onto his shoulders far easier than I him. I can’t get over how much he has grown; he is eating us out of house and home.

The ball is tomorrow and how I long to be there however it is impossible for an urban worker such as myself. If today’s procession was any indication of the grandness of the ball, I know it will be talked about for years to come.

Mother wanted so badly to attend the procession, and still wants to attend the royal procession, but she has taken ill. It doesn’t seem serious yet but I think she is to old and mal nourished to fully recover. Yet my hope remains. We’ll survive. We always do.

Alexander

May 26, 1896 Moscow

Dear Journal;

Although I couldn’t observe the day’s festivities, Viktor and I gathered outside the cathedral. We went 4 hours before the procession began and were rewarded by catching a glimpse of the czarina. Although we didn’t see the czar as we had hoped, but we were sufficient pleased none the less. We also observed many officers and high raking officials in their splendid garb with their grad horse drawn carriages.

It has been rumored that at the banquet there were dozens apon dozens of lambs, enough pheasant to feed the factory for a year, and even ice cream, which I haven’t tasted for years now.

Mother’s condition actually improved over night, and my optimism for a full recovery has increased. I still worry though.

Tamary will return to work sometime, as soon as next week. Mother will then remain at home and care for Alexandra. The extra money russian revolution will be greatly needed as we have nearly exhausted our funds, but we’ll survive. We always do.

Alexander

Dear journal;

What an “eventful” day today has been. Another show of the incompetence by the czar’s advisors ordering less beer and mugs than necessary for the picnic. How is the czar expected to concentrate on pressing affairs of state when he is constantly cleaning up the mess of those under him?

Let me explain precisely what happened. Tamary, Viktor and I had gone down toward the picnic, leaving mother at home, and thankfully Alexandra with her. The day started smoothly enough with many wagons headed toward the site of the picnic, when back the road further a rumor started that there was not enough beer or mugs for us all. As you can imagine a stampede erupted, and many people were trampled. Thank God none of my family was injured. Many people believe that this was a sign of weakness in the czar, but those of us with brains know better.

Actually, the czar yet again showed us his infinite wisdom in the way he handled the incident. I would have been trampled myself if I had know that the czar was going to visit the injured, and 1000 rupees is no small sum of money these days.

The czar also realized that the fact that even under such circumstances diplomacy must take president, not just for today but for tomorrow as well. Those who challenge his decision to carry on the banquet with France, our only ally in Europe, are daft. Should a man chop off his arm because he lost a finger? No. No more should we endanger relations with France over an event such as these days. russian revolution

When we returned home after the fiasco, mothers state had improved, she, to my surprise, has actually made a full recovery, so I will no longer fear while I am away at work.

Alexandra is also doing remarkably well. Just as the midwife said she has remained healthy. Yet still small she has grown substantially, and I do not expect her growth to slow. Thank God for our many blessings.

Money is still tight, although Tamary is back to work, and times are tough, but we’ll survive we always do.

Alexander

Dear Journal;

It has been a long time since my last entry, and many things have happened since then.

Probably the most tragic of which was the passing of my mother. She died of age at 48, to young in my books, but longer than many these days, just 1 ½ years after Viktor and his new wife Stokia moved to St. Petersburg. He got a job supervising production in a factory there. He was a good boy, but has turned into a great man. He has exceeded all expectations I ever had for him. His wife had twin boys about ½ a year ago; both are healthy and look as if they will be giants. So Tamary and I decided, with no one too look after Alexandra, and Viktor’s wife looking after his children at home we would move to St. Petersburg with them. I am now working UNDER Viktor and he continues to him amaze me.

Aimi’s husband Luka joined the military in 1902 and with the conflicts with the Japanese over Korea he has been called to war. Thus my sister, who is yet to have children of her own, has moved in with us all. Our family is yet again growing quite large. With most of the income coming from Viktor I feel bad, for he never hesitates to pay more than his share for everything. God bless him, I should have had more brothers.

The war however does not seem to be going in our favor, or so says Luka in his frequent letters. I also gather this from the “Journal of an Officer” posted in the newspaper. As poorly as the war is going I maintain hope through the power of the czar, and his great wisdom.

Viktor has been around less and less these days, or so it seems. I also have noticed him slipping out in the middle of the night, but I am yet to confront him. I have also noticed that he seems to be growing increasingly critical of the czar. I wonder if the two are related, but I doubt it? russian revolution

Hopefully the war will turn in our favor. It is said that the wart is being fought on the solders of the urban worker, and it is quite a load to bear, but we’ll survive. We always do.

Alexander

Dear Bohdan;

What horrible days these last few have been. The fools all marched down to the palace. Wanting the Czar to meet with them. The guards said no, and started shooting. Didn’t they know the czar wasn’t there? Well I guess I found out what Viktor was doing all those nights, working with father Gapon. He was at the lead of the march, but unlike father Gapon he was brave enough to stay there. Viktor was shot and killed.

The czar, ha, I have supported him all these years, but no more! I have seen the light through the shroud of his oppression. He doesn’t care for his people. It’s just whatever makes him richer. Why are we still losing the war? The Czar. Why are we all poor? The czar. Why was a wife made a widow, and children fatherless? The czar. It’s all him. It’s all his fault. Finally the czar and czarina deny all faults in the matter? Deny killing my brother. Dam them. God has turned his back on Russia for the sins of a few.

The past week have although made one thing clear to me. Russia needs one thing and one thing alone. An end to the tyranny of the czar’s reign must end. A new government representing all people must be created. No matter the cost. Lives may be lost; yes, but how many die each day from hunger. If we must die to stop death than surely this is a just sacrifice. We must die if need be, die for the cause. russian revolution timeline

The children and women are all fine. The children are all to young to realize why Viktor isn’t coming home. Without Viktor’s income, which is almost twice that of mine, I’m not sure how we will get bye. Times have though been rough before. We’ll survive. We always do.

Alexander

Acceptance speech to Social Democrats;

Dear friends, co-workers and colleagues, I would like to start of by thanking you for my warm acceptance into your group. I know we will be mutually beneficial, not just amongst our selves, but also for all of Russia.

As we all know January 22nd of this year is a day that will live on in the hearts and minds of all of us. For me there is a special attachment as I lost my poor late brother in the massacre of Bloody Sunday, when many good men were shot and killed by the czar’s soldiers. The czar denies all responsibility. Can he not control his men, or did he just order the attack himself? Either way it shows a severe lack of competence in Nicholas the czar of Russia. There is only one thing that will remedy the problem and that is the immediate dethronement of the czar.

With one objective, there are many ways to achieve it. The czar in his “infinite wisdom” could step down, or he could be forced off the throne by a revolt, or even by violence if necessary. Of course it would be preferable for him to step down himself, for death is surely a terrible thing, but should force be necessary we must al be prepared to lay down our lives for the cause.

I myself am not a well-educated man and realize that a leadership position is a role I am not best suited for. However I am well liked and respected in my factory, and my brother has made the Denisei name well known. I know I could recruit many men to the cause and start revolts, if necessary. I also know I could be useful in battle, God forbid it comes to that, but if it does I will not hesitate to lay down my life. russian revolution

My brothers a great change must come about. And great changes require even greater measures, which we must take and I will personally battle at the front of the line to brig them about. Times may get tough. Men may die, but we’ll survive. We always do.

Your friend and brother,

Alexander

Address to Social Democrats;

My friends, my brothers, my colleagues, I would like o begin today by thanking you all for granting me this great opportunity to come before you and speak today. It is a great honor.

What great advances the “cause” has made over the past few months. Elected government, freedom of speech, and a right to a trial to name just a few. These are steps in the right direction, and they have given us much hope, but Trotsky is right, the change has not yet been large enough. First of all the czar must be completely removed from power. Any power in his hands is in the hands of a man that could ruin us all.

The revolt has proved to be a useful tool in our fight for freedom, but this latest failure has embarrassed the entire party. I take partial blame; in fact a large portion of the blame may fall on my shoulders, but my brothers, it is far too large a load for me to bear myself. Perhaps if you all had have aided me by convincing the workers it would have worked. Perhaps if we all shouldered the load instead of expecting someone else to do it we would have been successful. So were must all take this as a lesson, but a costly on it is as 270 of our brothers were arrested. We must rise up against the czar to end his reign of evil. My brothers for to long we have been oppressed, and we have come to far to turn back now or settle for a compromise. We must persevere through trying times; push forward for the future of this great nation.

As I have said before lives will be sacrificed if need, but my brothers what honor is greater than dieing for ones country. Should we fail our lives will be wasted, as so many before us have. Russia must become a power; we must industrialize with the rest of the world. One day Russia was a great power and she must be restored to her former glory.

Times will not get better unless someone steps up and does something about things. It may get harder before it gets easier, but we’ll survive. We always do.

Thank you,

Alexander Denisei

Dear Journal;

Here I lay in my bed, condemned for the sins of another. To say the war is going well would be a lie; it is far from going well. I long to be at home with my dear family: my beloved wife, my dear cherished daughter. Alas, here I am at the front of a war machine. A machine yes, but a broken one, being slowly, peace by peace torn apart. Who would have guessed before the war that this would be the state of us? It’s all the cursed czar. Without him all our problems would disappear.

Ok let’s start at the beginning. I didn’t want to be here in the beginning. They said we were stronger than the Germans for walking to the battle, stupid is all we are if you ask me. What good is an army if we are too tired to fight? No good at all. Marching at all hours of night to make up for lost time, because of a late order we all knew would arrive sooner or later. Is everyone a complete fool?

Then came the attack. Perhaps no one told the Germans we were supposed to attack first. When the shells began to drop the officers were the first to run and hide. At least they could see they were no better than any other before they died. Perhaps if someone with a little common sense was in charge. How difficult is it to know that if your being bombed retreat, or fight, don’t just watch and hope nothing hits you. Its stupid, the whole system, fighting with you sword against a gun, I have seen no good come to anyone attempting that strategy. Wearing all our gear? I have seen few dead men care about looking civilized. russian revolution

The only sane people I have met around are the nurses. What courageous women. Perhaps they should be out fighting, for I’m positive they could lay waste to the entire Russian army. That’s were I am no in the nurses camp helping them, thank God I survived this long. I am twice as happy hear as out on the front fighting, at least here you can talk to people between the men coming in. Some walking, some crawling, some even bellies in the dust like a snake. We do what we can, which is little, but we must do our best. holocaust timeline

Thank god we are finally retreating. It is about time we realized we couldn’t win this war. It doesn’t stop the steady flow of men coming in though. We work night and day, and the gunfire never stops. I say let the Germans come. One tyrant or another what does it matter. Times are getting worse, I wish I could go back to the days of marching, but I’ll survive. I always do.

Alexander

Dear Journal;

The social democrats have fallen completely. The Czar, in recent days, has tightened his grip on the country. The Duma has proven its self completely useless, being just a little puppet of the czar outing on a show for all the lowly peasants who know no better than to believe it is still working. We must though not give up, for the people cant fight for themselves, and if we don’t fight for them who will?

Look at all these other mislead parties, most of us all following the same main goal, to redistribute the wealth of Russia for a better country for us all. For our families, our friends, we all want the best and with our common goal it can be accomplished.

What is ahead for Russia is a thing of great speculation. Will the czar continue to rule? No I don’t believe so.  The people greatly long for peace above anything else, and this is what Lennin has promised them, for this they will pay any price. I believe this should be and will be Russia’s new path. Once new government takes over, and it will, some changes will need to come around, the industrial age must come about in Russia, and it will need to come about on the backs of the men of Russia. Give Germany what they want. We Russians are resistant, and as such, when we catch up to the rest of the world will be able to retrieve from Germany what is rightfully ours. The dead of the past will not be forgotten, but for now they must be let go.

As for more short time I see the czar falling and rising in his place Lennin, or Trotsky perhaps, at the head of the new movement called communism. Under this new system no man is better than any other. Everyone has a say, everyone will share their wealth. There will be no rich, no poor, everyone will have enough to get by, and will work hard for the glory of their nation. russian revolution

My family does well. Now 19 Alexandra has finally found someone to make his happy. I might say I am none to disappointed with him myself. He like myself is a Social Democrat, but I suppose he had little choice with his father being one of Lennin’s closest friends. His name is Kehkro, he comes from a family far richer than our and is well educated, it makes me feel better knowing that she will be well provided for, and that her children, my grandchildren, which are yet to come will be safe also. Finally I may be rewarded for being such a good parent, when I am old and frail I may be taken out of this hole, and into a real bed, how nice that would be. Tamary is also excited and is busy planning the wedding, after 18 years with no perspective mate Tamary is persistent to make sure Alexandra fairs well. We are quite proud parents.

I’m not sure about the future of the party and I’m sure these next few days will not be easy, but we must persist. Times I feel are not headed in the right direction, but soon they will be. We’ll survive. We always do.

Alexander