Alexander II, 1855-1881 Flashcards
What name is often given to Alexander II?
The ‘tsar liberator’
What liberal influences surrounded Alexander?
Grand Duke Konstantin (brother)
Grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna (aunt)
What was a catalyst for military reform?
The Crimean War. Reform pioneered by Dmitry Milyutin.
Famous quote regarding emancipation
‘better to abolish serfdom from above than for the time when it starts to abolish it from below’
When was emancipation for private serfs?
1861
When were state serfs emancipated?
1866 and on better terms
Problems with emancipation
Serfs had 20% less land than before
They had to pay redemption dues for 49 years at 6% interest
Inefficient farming techniques continued
Restricted travel
Unrest
How many riots were there in the first four months after emancipation?
647
Military service was cut from …. years to …. and …. in the reserves
From 25 to 15, 10 in reserves
What was made compulsory for all classes?
Military service
What were the local councils called?
Zemstva
When were Dumas set up?
1870
What power did the zemstva have?
Improve public services, develop industry and crisis relief.
No control over state and local taxes, and could be overruled by provincial governors
What were the peasant courts called?
Volost
What was introduced in 1864 for judicial reform?
Juries and barristers, better pay and training for judges, courts open to public
Why did the government introduce special political courts?
Sympathetic juries.
Show trials of 1877-78:
Trial of the 50, Trial of the 193, Vera Zasulich
