Alexander II and Alexander III Flashcards
What war highlighted that Russia was significantly backwards compared to Western countries?
Crimean War
When was Alexander II on the throne?
1855-81
What did Alexander II do during his reign?
Introduced major reforms
What were some of the reforms that Alexander II introduced during his reign?
- Emancipation of the serfs in 1861
- Radical changes to antiquated judicial system: better trained judges that were independent, trial by jury, Justices of Peace.
- A modernisation process in the army
- Brought in the zemstva
- Reforms to education - primary schools available to wider section of population + more independence for unis
What were the Justices of Peace?
They took over some of the judicial powers of the nobility in the different districts of the Empire.
What were the zemstva?
They were town and district councils which had some autonomy to manage their own local affairs.
These councils were elected but the vote was heavily weighted in favour of the nobles.
What political view did Alexander II have?
He was not a liberal, he was committed to preserving the autocracy and absolute power of the Romanov dynasty.
Why did he implement these reforms?
He thought they were the best way to maintain Tsarist rule in Russia to prevent the ‘revolution from below’.
When, how, an by who was Alexander II assassinated?
- March 1st 1881
- When travelling to the Winter Palace in St Petersburg
- A group of radicals called “The People’s Will” (Narodnaya Volya)
Why was Alexander II assassinated?
His actions failed to satisfy reformers while angering conservatives who wanted to preserve the status quo.
What did Alexander III immediately introduce at the start of his reign?
- On 29 April 1881 he introduced the Manifesto on Unshakeable Autocracy
What did the Manifesto on Unshakeable Autocracy entail?
It announced that the Tsar would ‘rule with faith in the strength and trust of the autocratic power that we have been called upon to affirm and safeguard for the popular good of infringement’
What major reforms did Alexander III pass and what was the name of the document?
The Statute of State Security gave the powers:
- prohibited gatherings of more than 12 people
- prosecute any individual for political crimes
- 1890 - independence of the zemstva was reduced - control became more centralised.
- CENSORSHIP - closed schools, unis, newspapers
- Justices of Peace abolished in 1889 and replaced by Land Captains - members of gentry - controlled peasants
What was a Slavophile?
Wanted to re-establish the ancient reunion between government and the people, the state and the land. NO INFLUENCE FROM THE WEST.
What was a Westerniser?
Young people that became acquainted with European civilisation - they compared the West to Russia.
