3.1 Alexander II and reaction

Question 1

Who was Loris Melikov and what did he do (4)?

Answer 1

Loris Melikov was minister for internal affairs.

• He lifted internal restrictions on the Zemstvo’s
• Relaxed censorship
• Removed the salt tax
• Abolished the 3rd section and gave powers to the police (Okhrana)

Question 2

When was the Loris-Melikov constitution signed?

What also happened that day?

Answer 2

The constitution was signed on the 13th March 1881

Tsar Alexander II was killed by the People’s Will

Question 3

There were several attempted assassinations of the Tsar what happened at the Winter palace in 1880?

Answer 3

In February 1880 there was a mine underneath the Winter Palace which killed 12 people and wounded 50. The Tsar was late in arriving so survived

Question 4

Why were new ministers such as Leo Tolstoy appointed in 1866?

Answer 4

Reactionaries feared the spread of ‘Western ideas’ through Liberal universities and relaxed censorship - it was argued that ethnic minorities were diluting Russian strength so Alexander II replaced liberal ministers with Conservatives

Question 5

What were some changes to Education post 1866? (4)

Answer 5

• Tolstoy though tight control over education was necessary
• Zemstvo’s power over education was reduced and church given more
• History and ML were forced out, greater emphasis on Maths
• Teachers used to reinforce Tsarists control

Question 6

What were some changes to Police, Law and Control post 1866? (4)

Answer 6

• Shuvalov made the police stronger
• Pahlen ensured the judicial system made an example of political opponents
• Even radicals who had fled to Germany were liable
• ‘Show trials’ to deter (backfired in 1878 so political crimes were transferred to special secret courts)