Alexander II Brief

Question 1

When was the emancipation of the serfs?

Answer 1

1861

Question 2

What was the timeframe of Alexander II’s rule?

Answer 2

1855-1881

Question 3

Why did serfdom have to end

Answer 3

• Europe was progressing due to industrialisation (slavery abolished) but Russia didn’t accept Western ideas = no progression
• convenient to blame serfs for everything (e.g. military incompetence, food shortages, overpopulation and civil disorder) which was correct since the old ideas were holding Russia back from progressing
• easy target for intelligentsia (liberals) to begin emancipation
• Crimean war emphasised the needs for reform as showed military weakness

Question 4

Emancipation = betrayal for the serfs

Answer 4

• landlords received big compensation and allowed to keep the best land for themselves (2:1)
• little land for peasants
• landlords didn’t have to pay for land but peasants had to pay for new property
• gov. urged peasants to stay local as would cause disruption = however this meant they couldn’t travel for jobs
• the Mir was reintroduced
• referee to as Dark Masses and viewed as dangerous and threat to existing order

Question 5

Which was Alexander’s first reform as part of his reformation programme?

Answer 5

Emancipation for the serfs