5.2 Moderate liberal opposition Flashcards
Who were the moderate liberals and how did their influence grow?
A small group of literate and educated people
- size of influence grew with the reforms and economic changes of the late 19th century
Asides from education, what else allowed the moderate liberals under Alexander II to reflect on policies? (3)
- Time, Wealth and interest to reflect upon policies
- Travel allowed them to see the stagnation in reforms between different countries
- They sought ‘the truth’ nihilism
What was the principle of Westernisers + example?
They wanted to catch up with the West, abandon Slavic traditions, wanted economic, representative and military reforms
- Ivan Turgenev
What was the principle of Slavophiles + example?
They ‘favoured a superior Russian path’
- Leo Tolstoy
When did the Slavophile movement peak?
1881
Why did the Slavophile movement dwindle after 1881?
Most then turned to follow Western ideas
What was the moderate liberals hope for the Zemstvo?
They hoped that it would become the home for reforms and ideas in which the autocracy maybe reformed - The Tsar would rule in accordance with POPULAR DEMAND
What would have increased the influence of the Zemstvos?
Loris-Melikov Agreement would have increased the power of the Zemstvos
What caused an increase in demand for change under Alexander III between 1891-92?
The Great Famine and the lack of reaction
When was the great famine, and what did it cause?
1891-92
- It called for increased demands for change
Which historian believed that an increased demand for change under Alexander III was caused by the Great Famine of 1891-92?
Orlando Figes
What did Orlando Figes believe caused an increased demand for change under Alexander III?
The Great Famine 1891-92
When was the the Loris-Melikov constitution due to be signed and why wasn’t it?
On March 1, 1881 but Alexander II was assasinated
Who were Ivan Turgenev and Leo Tolstoy?
Westernister vs Slavophile
What was Alex II’s hope in the creation of the Zemstvos and did this align with the hopes of the people?
++ An example of where Alex II’s beliefs were clear?
+++ Did he change his mind about this?
He was not prepared to allow Zemstvos national influence. This opposed the hopes of Westernisers who wanted Alex to rule in accordance to the majority
++ When the St. Petersburg zemstvo demanded a central body to coordinate regional councils Alex was firmly against this
+++ Yes towards the late 1870’s as he thought about allowing the Loris-Melikov constitution
