The article discusses the causes and consequences of the First World War for Russia. An unprecedented war has refuted the forecasts of politicians and the military regarding its short-term nature and demanded the mobilization of all the country's internal forces for its implementation. The province provided the army with the necessary human, food, material and technical resources in the face of the growing economic crisis caused by the war. Particular attention is paid to the recognition by the authorities of the need to mobilize the economy for military needs, which was facilitated by the province. His industrial enterprises were engaged in the production of weapons, handicraft production complied with the instructions of the Commissariat for the manufacture of clothing, shoes, equipment. Charity, which has a long tradition in Russia, has become an important component of public life during the war. A feature of the charity of the war was the wide participation of the masses in it, as well as the birth of new charitable societies to help the victims of the war.

The article examines the life of the peasant community in the XIX-th century. It is shown that the peasants during this period were the most numerous class in the Russian Empire with their rights and responsibilities. The problem of buying out land from landlords was especially acute, and this was a heavy burden for about 40% of the peasants. This problem was finally solved only by the beginning of the XX-th century. The article draws attention to the traditions and life of the peasantry, which from generation to generation preserved production skills, ethical norms, traditions, many of which still exist today and are an integral part of the daily life of the modern Russian village.