Alexander III Background

Question 1

What was his early life like?

Answer 1

• Little prospect of succeeding to the throne due to older brother, Nicholas who was betrothed to Princess Dagmar of Denmark
• Alexander received obligatory and inadequate training of an ordinary grand-duke which didn’t go beyond secondary instruction which practical acquaintance in French, English and German and a certain amount of military drill
• Became heir after his brothers death in 1865 and Nicholas had wished for his fiancée to marry his successor (married Alexander on the 9th of November 1866)
• Was a very happy marriage with no adultery
• During early years of being heir-apparent (1865-1881) he did not play a prominent part in public affairs

Question 2

Who was Konstantin Pobedonostsev?

Answer 2

• became his tutor/advisors and became a main influence in the life of the new Tsar who began to study law and administration
• described as dry, grey, humourless and pessimistic
• although very prim and reserved he wasn’t afraid to give his opinion and speak out of issues
• very academic and a law professor
• very religious - want to strengthen church and believed that humans by nature were sinful and it was the place of the church and tsar to save people from their failings
• believed in absolute autocratic tsar with total control and said it was the job of the government to maintain stability and traditions
• slavophile and supporter of russification
• most of his ‘ideas’ were Pod’s = advised Alexander on his policies for law, religion and education, wrote speeches and advised on who to appoint to key positions

Question 3

What was Alexander IIIs first step as tsar?

Answer 3

Retribution
- The group of 5 who organised Alexander IIs assassination were quickly arrested and executed
- They were taken away to be buried on an unmarked grave

Question 4

What is Alexander IIIs second step as tsar?

Answer 4

• believed he was appointed by God and that he was directed by God therefore only he could decide what was right for Russia. Everyone else had to obey him and not ask questions
• 1881- issued Law on Exceptional Measures which meant a Commander-in-Chief could take control of a local area and bring in police courts and random imprisonments if needed
• The Loris-Melikov proposals were dropped
• Reforming ministers resigned and replaced by conservatives
• Pobedonostsev became Over-Procurator of the Holy Synod - in effect in charge of the Russian Orthodox Church