Alexander III Knowledge Quiz Flashcards
Reactionary definition
A political philosophy that favours policies which are backward looking to restore the past
Emancipation of Labour definition
The first Marxist group in Russia established by Georgi Plekhanov - ‘the father of Russian Marxism’
Poll tax
A tax on the peasantry, nobles and clergy were exempt
Russification definition
The process of merging all subjects in the Russian Empire into a single nation with a shared cultural identity
Pogrom definition
An organised massacre of a particular ethnic group, in particular that of Jewish people in Russia
Land Captain definition
A state-appointed official with power to override elections to the local government and disregard their decisions
Land bank definition
Assisted those who wanted to buy land with low interest loans
Police state definition
All activities of the people are closely monitored and controlled for political reasons
Okhrana definition
Secret police established in 1881
Orthodox Church definition
The official state religion of tsarist Russia
Civil rights definition
Personal, for example freedom of speech and religion
1881
-Manifesto of Unshakeable Autocracy
-Statute of State Security
1882
-May Laws
-Censorship counter-reform
1883
-Peasants’ Land Bank created
-Emancipation of Labour founded
1884
-Education counter-reform
-Church counter-reform
1885
-Nobles’ Land Bank created Abolition of poll tax
-Beginning of Russification in borderlands
1886
-Revival of The People’s Will by St Petersburg students
1889
-Land Captains established
1890-92
-Local government counter-reform
1891-92
Famine
How did Alexander III govern Russia?
Alexander III was terrified of revolutionary activity and a firm believer in absolutism, nationalism and antisemitism. He publicly hanged those responsible for his father’s assassination and brought in a series of counter-reforms to strengthen his autocracy. The number of police and their powers were increased.
What were the effects of Russification and Antisemitic legislation
Alexander III adopted a policy of systematic ‘Russification’. The destruction of non-Russian national cultures was particularly marked in Poland and Finland but it affected the whole of the Empire. Russification served to weaken the Empire as it led to more opposition from the different nationalities in the empire. In 1881 there were a number of pogroms and a series of antisemitic laws were passed 1882-94.
How far did the economy change under Alexander III?
Nikolai Bunge was Alexander III’s first finance minister. He tried to reduce the burden on the peasants to stimulate economic growth. Vyshengradsky replaced him in 1887 and took a very different approach. He wanted to export as much grain as much as possible so the profits could be used to fund industrialisation. This approach led to a catastrophic famine in 1891-92. Sergei Witte took over in 1892 and transformed industry.
How effective was opposition under Alexander III?
Security and repression had been increased but opposition was not eliminated. Underground societies continued an interest in socialism and in 1886 a group of students of even tried to reform The People’s Will. The work Plekhanov and industrialisation saw the development of Marxist ideas during this period. Opposition had not been eradicated but it achieved little under Alexander III’s rule.
How far did society and culture change under Alexander III?
Social structure had changed little and the extent of urbanisation shouldn’t be overstated. Yet an urban middle class was developing and the kulak class continued to grow. Russia was moving away from a land-based society but very slowly. Working and living conditions remained poor throughout the period and the Russian Orthodox continued to dominate.
To what extent had Russia changed and developed 1855-94
You need to consider the period 1855-94 as a whole and look at the extent of and reasons for change in key areas: government and political authority, opposition, economy, society and culture, ideas and ideology, groups and individuals. You should be able to reach your own judgements.
