1.2 Reaction: Reversal of Liberal Trends

Question 1

What reforms did Alexander II introduce? (+ years of reign)

Answer 1

1855-1881
- emancipation of the serfs (1861)
- & judicial reforms (seen as liberal)

Question 2

What did Alexander II assassination mean to Alexander III?

Answer 2

It meant Alexander III viewed liberalism as a threat. It resulted in a strong reactionary policy.

Question 3

Policy under Alexander III: Land Captains (1889) -> why was it appointed by Tsar?

Answer 3

• Appointed by Tsar to control rural areas
• Had massive powers (administrative, police, judicial authority over peasants)

Question 4

Elaborate on the oppression of minorities (Russification and anti-semitism)

Answer 4

Russification - imposed Russian language and culture on ethnic minorities (particularly Poles, Jews, Finns, Ukrainians)
Anti-semitism - violent attacks on Jewish communities (more frequent), restrictions on Jewish settlements, jobs, education

Question 5

What was the role of Okhrana?

Answer 5

• Tsarist secret police - backed up by the army.
• Expanded powers to monitor, infiltrate, and suppress opposition groups
• thousands of opponents imprisoned, exiled, or executed for anti-tsarist activities

Question 6

What was the impact of the policies under Alexander III?

Answer 6

• measures created fear
• stifled dissent in the short term
• created long-term resentment