12.1: Alexander II (1855–1881): the extent of reform

Question 1

disastrous Cri War prompted ALII to consider reforms:

Answer 1

the abolition of serfdom ( in effect a form of bonded slavery) to modernise and make agri more efficient

to go from backwards agri eco to industrial eco

Question 2

Emanc: effects

+process of land distribution

Answer 2

land redistribution details were left in the hands of corrupt bureaucrats, and in some cases the land-owners themselves: thus the reallocation of Russian land was hardly fair.

Former serfs were now free peasants; given a stark choice: could either leave their land or commit to a 49-year state mortgage. In effect, they had traded one form of bondage for another.

Question 3

Among other reform: creation of representative bodies called zemstva

Answer 3

in effect a form of local government in villages and provinces, given authority to:

1. dispense education
2. charitable relief and other services.

Question 4

ALII satisfied some; radicals demanded political changes: thus amount of anti-tsar dissent rose

Answer 4

Populist activists called Narodniks ventured into rural areas to circulate revolutionary ideas and to impel the peasants to take action.

Question 5

Peter Gatrell

soviet vs west view on reforms in 60’s

Answer 5

“Conventional wisdom in Russian economic history attaches great significance to the reforms of the 1860s. For Soviet historians, the reform era is a watershed marking the transition from feudalism to capitalism. For many non-Soviet historians, the reform era ushered in the transition from traditional to modern society.”

Question 6

Assassinated ALII:

Answer 6

Narodnaya Volnya (‘People’s Will’)

Question 7

Brief ALII summary

Answer 7

Alexander II emancipated Russia’s serfs and initiated other reforms, though they did not satisfy radical elements.