height of its power and influence in the nineteenth century, and seemed set to dominate Europe after the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815. However this threat came to nothing. Despite the efforts of successive Tsars, the country remained backward and bureaucratic. When change at last occurred, it was through the work of the revolutionaries during the 1917 Revolution.
Imperial Russia following the Decembrist Revolt of 1825
, the entire Russia population was plagued with fear, trapped in a country dominated by ruthless totalitarian leaders. and served as an effective way to ultimately control the entire population.
Due to many of the despotic policies imposed upon Russian citizens, widespread discontent arose and revolutionary groups began to form. Although terrorism remained relatively quiet during most of the 19th century, tension began to build and by the early 20th century revolutionary movements were in full force, as a “new type of terrorist emerged”(cite).

Russia from 1825 until the mid-20th century was, for the most part, a totalitarian state, dominated by tyrannical ruler who used methods of terror to achieve and later consolidate their power. A common strategy used throughout this century in suppressing opposition was the exploitation of a certain group, dubbing all members “enemies of the people.” Russia also experienced a century of economic instability as a result of the implementation of different reforms that at times succeeded, but mostly failed. The general feeling of discontent and resentment toward the government thus became obvious as people began to form revolutionary groups that eventually evolved, in some cases into to terrorist groups. Still, despite the desolate and depressing conditions that one endured in everyday life, people were still able to find solace in art, music, and literature. Cultural revolutions were subliminally evident, and even when suppressed by a despotic leader, managed to emerge and bring a sense of hope to all those who were suffereing.that . dominated by totalitarian rulers, some more despotic than others, who used terror as a means of achieving and consolidating their power.