The Russian Empire was difficult to govern for several reasons, particularly due to its vast size and the diversity of its population. Among the options you've provided, the following are key factors:
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Many citizens were peasants living in the Russian countryside: A majority of the population were peasants who lived in rural areas, often disconnected from the central government. This created challenges in terms of governance and representing their needs and interests.
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Distances between communities made communication and control difficult: The sheer size of the empire meant that it was difficult for the central authorities to communicate effectively with distant regions, maintain control, and enforce laws consistently. This often led to a lack of awareness of local issues and challenges.
While the first two points highlight significant difficulties, the other two points might not be as relevant:
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The statement about the country’s small size leading to overcrowding in cities is inaccurate regarding the Russian Empire, as it was quite large and had vast territories.
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The claim that the tsar received no support from the nobles or landowners is also misleading; although there were tensions and conflicts between the tsar and the nobility at times, many nobles and landowners were integral parts of the governance structure and provided support, albeit often with their own interests in mind.
In summary, the combination of a largely peasant population and the vast distances within the empire played a crucial role in making governance complex and challenging.