Autocracy Flashcards
Autocracy and it’s 3 aspects
1855 - March 1917 Russia was an autocracy (one person has absolute power)
3 Aspects of Russian Autocracy:
- Tsars believed they were accountable only to God, not the people. Thus elections not needed
- Tsars believed God placed them on Earth to protect the Russian people
- As the Russian empire was so large and diversified democracy was seen as impractical. Most of the population were illiterate peasants and it was believed democracy would be in the hands of those who didn’t have the ‘ability to reason.
Autocracy under each Tsar summary
Nicholas I (1825-55) - Used slogans of ‘Orthodoxy, autocracy and Nationality’. Orthodoxy indicated no intention to make radical changes, autocracy that the Tsar was in charge and Nationality to create a united Russia based on the views of the original Rus people. Highlighted by Fundamental Laws of 1832 which said ‘The Emperor of all the Russians is an autocratic and unlimited monarch’
Alexander II (1855-81) - Reformer but still had preservation of autocracy in mind, shown as in Emancipation of the Serfs 1861 he compensated serf owners
Alexander III (1881-94) - More intense authoritarianism in response to his father’s assassination. Believed the Slavs lacked the intelligence to participate in elections
Nicholas II (1894-1917) - Continued autocracy like his father. October Manifesto 1905 set up the Duma, but the Fundamental Laws of 1906 limited its power.
