Chapter 1-Russian autocracy Flashcards
What was Russia like in 1855?
It was an autcratic empire ruled by Tsar Nicholas I. He was also head of the Russian Orthodox church. The Tsar issued edicts which were the laws of the land and they were based in St Petersburg.
How did the country maintain the autocracy?
They had a police state which prevented freedom of speech, freedom of press and travel abroad. They also had censorship. The state security was run by the ‘third section’ and they carried out raids and could arrest anyone.
What was Nicholas I’s army like?
It was the worlds largest army with around 1.5 million conscripted serfs who were forced to serve for 25 years. The army and navy used 45% of the governments annual spend and they were claled upon to fight or put down uprisings. The Cossacks were also used as personal bodyguards to the Tsar and were known for their horses.
Why was Russia economically backwards?
The empire was vast but most of it was uninhabitable and most of Russia’s population remained rural with a ratio of 11:1 village to town dwellers. They also had a serf based econmy as they had no money to spend on luxuries and they weren’t striving to get a better job ot to improve their income. Exchanges also took place and so money was irrelevant.
How were the rich?
The landowning elite earned what they needed from their serfs and only cared that they were earning what they wanted. However, even landowners struggled sometimes as they were forced into debt and had to mortgage serfs and property.
How was the Russia’s society?
It was very divided between serfs and land-owners, without a middle class. However, the serfs had to pay taxes to the government whereas the nobility and clergy were exempt.
Who made up the Russian Empire?
55% were Russians, 22% were Ukranians, 8% were Polish, 5% were Jews
What happened in the Crimean War?
In 1853 the Turks declared war on Russia and the war showed the incompetence of both sides. Russia suffererd from poor technology, poor transport and although big, the army was not very effective.During the war, Nicholas I died and was replaced by Alexander II.
What caused the Crimean War?
The Ottoman Empire refused to let Russia protect Christians in the Holy Land as they didn’t want Russia to have more power. Russia got angry and went to invade part of the Turks empire, which was met by opposition from Britain and France.
What impacts did the Crimean War have?
The defeat resuted in humiliation as they had a massive army and were meant to be very powerful. They also lost a lot of soldiers and it showed how far behind Western countries they were. They also couldn’t transport goods because of the Treaty of Paris.
