This new interpretation of the final years of Imperial Russia provides a clear and concise introduction to a critical period in the history of modern Russia. Professor Hutchinson outlines the key problems facing the Tsarist regime, and the attitudes of its Liberal critics and revolutionary enemies. In particular, he considers how the monarchy was able to withstand the uprisings of 1904-06, but failed in 1917. This important new study provides an analysis of social, as well as political developments, and concludes with a brief historiographical essay which draws together alternative interpretations of the final years of the Tsars.