1.1 The political context

Question 1

Who had the most power in 1855 and who supported them?

Answer 1

The Tsar, he was supported by the Church, Advisors and Ministers, Army and the Police

Question 2

How many serfs were conscripted and for how long did they have to serve?

Answer 2

1.5 million serfs were conscripted for a period of 25 years

Question 3

What percentage of the government budget was used for the army?

Answer 3

45% of the government’s budget was used by the army

Question 4

What percentage of the Russian population were serfs and where did they work?

Answer 4

About 50% of the Russia population were serfs and they worked on land in village communes (mirs) where conditions were primative

Question 5

What did Robert Service say about the Russian Empire ?

Answer 5

Robert Service stated that “The Russian Empire was deeply divided…chasm divide”

Question 6

What did Alexander I consider but his brother and next Tsar Nicholas I reject in favour for?

Answer 6

Following the French revolution, Alexander I (1801-1825) considered setting up an advisory representative assembly and possibly give it some law-setting powers but his brother Nicholas I (1825-1855) rejected the idea and encouraged Alexander to follow a path of repression.

Question 7

What was 45% of the government’s budget used on?

Answer 7

The army