Alexander II Flashcards
Why was he called “The Liberator”
He freed the serfs
When was he appointed Tsar?
March 1855
What did Nicholas I say to him on his death bed
“hold on to everything”
how many serfs were there
23 million
What was he committed to
- Autocracy
- Reform (social and government reform)
When was he assassinated
1881, by the People’s Will, an extremist group
How did the loss in the Crimean War create a problem in 1855
Poor communication, only 60 000 were sent, industry, administration, lack of millitary many were sick, the loss showed the need to modernize
How did serfdom create a problem in 1855
Moral obligations, economic arguements (no workers for industry and agriculture), millitary objections (serfs were forced to 25 years of millitary service), abolition would be needed for modernization but many had questions.
How many peasant revolts happened between 1844-54
350
Aims for political reform
- Political favor for reform
- People are excited and hopeful for reform
- Elite and nobles see the need for reform (w/ hesitation)
- Relaxed news censorship and allowed free speech
- Hoped for peace and stablility for economic stength
- Wanted to modernize to strengthen autocracy
Emancipation 1861
- Took 5 years (1855-61)
- Hostility of Nobles and landowners over land
- Discussed land and control of the land
- Lots of compromise needed
PSQ’s
“it is better to abolish serfdom from above than to wait for the time when it will begin to abolish itself from below” Nicholas II
HSQ’S
“the best prepared heir the Russian throne ever had.” Lionel Cochrane
“ The single most important law or decree issued by any Tsar in the 19th century.” Tim Chapman
