Who does the character Mr. Jones represent prior to the rebellion on the farm?

Mr. Jones symbolizes the Czars of Russia prior to the Russian Revolution. He represents the inept and indifferent leadership that exploited the working class, much like the Czars did with the Russian people. Under his management, the animals suffer from neglect and abuse, highlighting the disconnect between the ruling class and the oppressed. His lack of care for the farm and its inhabitants mirrors the detachment of the ruling Czarist regime from the needs and wellbeing of the common people, ultimately leading to the uprising and desire for change. The other choices represent different groups or ideas; for instance, Old Major is a revolutionary figure who inspires the rebellion rather than embodying the oppressive ruling class, the proletariat refers to the working class rather than the ruling oppressors, and the generals do not directly correlate with the overarching theme of tyrannical leadership that Mr. Jones represents.