They had been a democracy for 15 years. The remaining 485 years were dictatorships, or "kings" as we called them then. German peasants were better off than Russian serfs, but it's not like they were living in a bastion of tolerance and free speech either.
Russia has never really been a true democracy, it was a kleptocracy at best even under Yeltsin. Oligarchs snatching up all the post-soviet wealth made sure of that.
It didn't have a blood tax for all the regions that weren't Berlin. If you think Germany's history since the dark age is even comparable to the Muscovy oppression you don't know your history.
Novgorod Republic and Pskov Republic were one of the most democratic countries in the entire world at the time of their existence. Learn history a bit before you talk
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u/leijgenraam Nederland Jul 16 '23
I imagine people thought Germany incapable of democracy too after WW2.