Alexander II Flashcards
On what date did Alexander ascend to Tsar?
2 March 1855
What and when was the Treaty of Paris?
It ended the Crimean war (in defeat for Russia) on 30 March 1856
When was emancipation enacted?
3 March 1861
What were the positives of emancipation?
Kulak class emerged Showed a move to liberalisation Compensation gained by nobility was invested in industry
What were the limitations to emancipation?
Landowners lost influence, peasants were oppressed and nobility barely benefited
Mir enforced backward institutions
Redemption payments
Ex serfs tied to the peasant commune
What were the motivations for emancipation?
Peasant discontent
Boost a failing economy
Prevent rural poverty
Display a move of modernisation and liberalisation to compete with western nations
When was the zemstva established?
1864
What were the local government reforms?
Zemstva formed representative government (forum for debate)
Council elected through indirect voting that was a less corrupt system
Still favoured the noble vote and tsarist governors could overturn decisions
Who was the Minister of Education who reformed it in 1864?
Alexander Golovnin
What were the educational reforms?
Free primary education made available to all
Universities made self governing
Literacy and numeracy rates increased and welfare improved
Universities still required fee that eliminated poorer classes
How much did numbers in primary schools rise from 1856 to 1880?
Tripled from 8000 in 1856 to 23000 in 1880
When were the military reforms?
From 1862 to 1874
What were the military reforms?
Conscription made compulsory
Service length lessened to 15 years
Punishments reduced
Better weaponry
Was reorganised to be more efficient, profession and was less expensive
The wealthy could buy their way out of service
Issues of leadership remained
What were the Polish revolts?
Underground urban youth in Poland rebelled against Russian rule in favour of independence
The rebel armies weren’t effective and were successfully repressed by the Tsarist armies
Was met with Russification
When did the Polish revolt occur?
Jan 1863 - Apr 1864
Who was the Head of the Third Section under Alexander II and what happened to him?
General Mezenstev - assassinated by Land and Liberty in 1878
When were the judicial reforms?
1864