Alex II changes his mind again! Flashcards
What was the political climate in Russia during the late 1870s?
It was a time of political crisis, with growing opposition to the autocracy.
What were the three major trials of 1877-78?
The Trials of 93, 153, and Zazulich—intended as ‘show’ trials to deter revolutionary activity.
Why did the ‘show’ trials backfire?
Juries refused to convict, showing how unpopular the autocracy had become.
Why did he change his mind again?
There were further assassination attempts on his life in 1879 and 1880 and he was appeasing the growing revolutionary movement
How did Alexander II’s relationship with Yekaterina Dolgorukaya influence him?
She was a liberal and became Tsarina, influencing him toward reforms.
How was Alexander II’s relationship with his son, the future Alexander III?
They were estranged, and Alexander III set up an alternative court surrounded by conservatives.
Who did Alexander II appoint as Minister of Internal Affairs during his reform shift?
He appointed Loris-Melikov to lead new reforms.
What reforms did Loris-Melikov introduce?
He released political prisoners, relaxed censorship, and planned to abolish the Third Section.
What was the purpose of the Loris-Melikov report?
It proposed a limited form of representative government, where elected nobles, Zemstva, and Duma members would debate government edicts in St. Petersburg.
What happened to Alexander II before he could implement the Loris-Melikov reforms?
On his way back from signing the reforms, he was assassinated by a bomb from The People’s Will.
