1 - The Russian autocracy in 1855 Flashcards
How large was the Russian Empire in 1855, and what does this compare to
- 21million square kilometers
- Twice the size of Europe
- Covers a sixth of the globe’s surface
Who was the Head of the Orthodox Church in 1855, and what were they regarded as
The Tsar - regarded as the embodiment of God on Earth
What was the role of the Over-Procurator of the Holy Synod, and who appointed them
A Government Minister who ran Church affairs - was appointed by the Tsar
Who acted as the Tsar’s main advisory body
The Council of Ministers
What was the capital of Russia in 1855
St Petersburg
What was the spiritual capital of Russia in 1855
Moscow
How many soilders were in the Russian army in 1855 - what rank did they hold in the world
1.5 million - world’s largest army
What was the required time of military service for serfs in 1855
25 years
What are examples of how the Third Section had unlimited powers
- Carried out raids
- Could arrest/exile/imprison anyone suspected of anti-Tsarist behaviour
What statistic shows how Russia’s economy was primarily rural in 1855
There was a ratio of 11:1 village to town dwellers, compared to 2:1 in Britain
What was a significant industrial holdback for the Russian economy to develop quickly in 1855
Communications between parts of the Empire were extremely poor
What backward practises would serfs use in 1855, meaning that producing surplus’ were rare
- Obliged to follow communal farming patterns
- Worked in strips
What were the most common peasant purchases in 1855 - what was significant about this
- Salt
- Metal tools
- Vodka
- All heavily taxed by the Tsar
What evidence shows how money was of little use in the underdeveloped Russian economy in 1855
- Exchanges took place instead of using currency
- Length of wool for eggs
What evidence shows how there was no industrialisation agriculturally in 1855
- Corn was cut by hand with sickles
- Peasants shared huts with their animals
