The so - called russification policy was a great threat to the state of native Polish culture. Within the framework of this policy uniate church, monasteries with schools were closed. It became difficult to sustain traditional culture patterns. During the 80s of the XIX century a portion of the russificated jewish population, called "litwiaki", arrived to Bialystok . This complicated the national-cultural relations even more, but at the same time Bialystok became the most important centre of Jewish cultural life next to Wilno. Before World War I, in the western part of the voivodeship, popular culture began reviving; a good example was the activity of Adam Chętnik.

As a result of World War I, the development of industry and fall of many urban districts took place. In 1915, while withdrawing from these areas, the Russians looted factories, stealing personal property and very often destroying the buildings. The most destruction occurred alongside the Narew River , where the front line of the battle lasted for the longest period of time. Some places were totally destroyed, and some towns were up to 70% ruined ( e.g. Nowogrod, Sniadowo, Jedwabne ). Population in the area of the present voivodeship, was reduced by about 40%, as the result of war and the compulsory evacuation of citizens.

The introduction of German economic policy to the occupied area, except some efforts to reconstruct industry, resulted in negative effects. The enslaved country was rather treated as a source of stock.

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