3.2 Alexander III

Question 1

Who was Alexander III’s tutor and what values did they hold?

Answer 1

Pobedonostsev was Alexander III’s tutor.

He had strong values of commitment and religion

Question 2

What could the Commander-in-chief do?

Answer 2

As a result of Alexander II’s assassination, harsher measures were imposed and the chief’s would take control of local areas using military police courts and imprison anyone

Question 3

What were significant changes to local government under Alexander III? (3)

1889-90

Answer 3

• Land Captain was created in 1889 and could override any decision made by Zemstvo
• 1890 act changed election arrangements, peasant vote reduced
• More efficient tax collection

Question 4

What were significant changes to policing under Alexander III? (4)

Answer 4

• Okhrana was led by Phlev 1881-1884
• Number of police was increased
• Drive to recruit spies
• Mail was intercepted and read

Question 5

What were significant changes to the judicial system under Alexander III? (3)

1885-89

Answer 5

• 1885 Minister of Justice had greater power to dismiss judges
• 1887 Ministry could hold closed courts
• 1889 Appointment of town judges was placed under control of Land Captains

Question 6

What were significant changes to education under Alexander III?

Answer 6

• 1884 University charter made appointment of professors under review
• Uni life was closely supervised, could not meet up in groups of more than 5
• Women could not go to Uni
• 21% of the population were literate by 1897

Question 7

What were significant changes to censorship under Alexander III?

1882

Answer 7

• Tolstoy created a committee in 1882 which issued ‘temporary regulations’
• Newspapers closed and ban for life on editors
• All literary publications had to be approved
• Russification was imposed

Question 8

What was the impact of counter-reforms

Answer 8

• Alexander III’s policies reversed motions set in placed by Alexander II, not all of Alexander II’s reforms were removed and there was some positive changes.​

Question 9

What were some positive changes under Alexander III? (3)

Answer 9

• May 1881, law reduced redemption payments and cancelled arrears (money owed) of ex-serfs in 37 key provinces​
• ​May 1885, poll tax abolished and introduction of inheritance tax​
• 1883 Establishment of peasant’s Land Bank ​(Could have been to forestall rebellion but the same could be said about A II’s reforms)​