Question

To what extent was Russia a successful country in around 1900?

Answer 1

Moderately. In 1913, for example, here are the per capita GDPs:

United States: $5,300
UK $4,900
Germany $3,600
France $3,500
Spain $2,300
Mexico $1,700
Russia $1,500
Japan $1,400
India $700
China $600
Africa $600

Russia is definitely in the lower end, but not as "backward" as India, China or Africa, and about on a par with Japan and Mexico.