Alexander II - Knowledge organiser Flashcards
Serfdom
A system which had existed in Russia since the 12th century where peasants were owned by the landowner
Emancipation
To free from bondage
Judiciary
Part of government responsible for the legal system
Bureaucracy
A system of government where most decisions are taken by state officials rather than by elected representatives
Populist
A socialist movement who believed that propaganda among the peasantry would lead to the masses demanding change
Revolutionary
Describes an individual, organisation or theory which supports fundamental political change often removing the government
Liberal
A political philosophy that promotes individual rights, civil liberties and democracy
Land and liberty
A 19th century socialist movement who continued the work of the Populists and pushed for constitutional reform
People’s Will
A socialist revolutionary organisation that regarded terrorism as the best means of forcing political reform
Autocracy
System of government by one person with absolute power
Intelligentsia
More educated liberal leaning members of Russian society
1856
Crimean War ends
1860
Creation of state bank. Reform of tax collection.
1861
The Emancipation Edict
1863
Polish Revolt
1864
Local self-government (zemstva) established
1866
Attempted assassination of Alexander II
1874
Populists begin ‘Go to the people’
1879
Terrorist organisation, The People’s Will, established
1881
Alexander II assassinated
What was the state of Russia in 1855
Russia was a vast empire containing over 100 different ethnic groups. The empire was an autocracy with a tsar at its head. The economy was predominantly rural and most of the population were peasants.
Why did Russia need reform?
There had been increasing number of peasants uprisings in Russia since the 1840s but it was the Crimean War which pushed Russia towards reform. It revealed military and administrative inadequacies in Russia.
How did the Emancipation effect Russia?
The emancipation allowed some peasants to take advantage of their freedoms by leaving to find work or become more prosperous by buying land. For most little changed and the emancipation was disappointing.
How successful were Alexander II’s attempts at domestic reform?
Alexander also brought in reforms in education, local government, the judiciary, the military and censorship. Although liberal, the reforms did nit affect the dominant position of the nobles in Russian society. The reforms facilitated the growth of a professional group in society and encouraged demands for more change.
How did Alexander II’s rule change after 1866?
Following an attempt on his life, Alexander adopted a more repressive approach. Education was more carefully monitored and faced greater restrictions. The powers of the police were increased.
How far did the economy change under Alexander II?
Minister of finance, von Reutern produced a series of reforms to boost the economy and drive industrial growth. Little attention was given to agriculture and productivity remained low.
How far did society and culture change 1855-81?
A small class of wealthier peasants developed, some nobles sought new sources of income and there were more professionals, yet, overall the society changed little. The Russian Orthodox Church remained strong.
Why did opposition develop and how effective was it?
Key individuals developed ideas opposing autocracy and Alexander’s reforms allowed their radical ideas to spread. Much of the opposition however was moderate and led by Liberals. There was little success.
How were Jews and ethnic minorities treated under Alexander II?
Alexander used a mixture if repression and concessions to maintain Russian control over the states of the Empire. There was no systemic racial persecution, but intolerance of national differences increased towards the end of his reign. There was an increase in antisemitism following the Polish revolt.
