Chapter 1: S3 Flashcards
How did the more enlightened members of Russian society feel after Alex II’s accession
- more optimistic - because various reforms were begun which promised to transform the Russian state
What happened in 1866 which shook the tsar’s confidence
- an assignation attempt
- ended the optimism felt by society
- a more repressive policy was adopted after this
Briefly explain how Alex III’s rule was
- similarly characterised by reaction (regression)
- he made this clear in one of his addresses to the nation
- tutored by pobedonostev + believed in his god given right to rule
- his reign begun with public hanging of conspirators in his fathers assassination + manifesto of unshakeable autocracy
What happened to the tsar in 1865
- Alex II’s eldest son + heir died, wife was ill and had withdrawn herself from public appearances
- he spent more time with his mistress, distancing himself from politics
- this made him more aloof + less inclined to resist the reactionary conservatives
Outline the beliefs of the ‘reactionary conservatives’ who believed Alex II ‘reforming instincts’ had gone too fare
- they feared the spread of ‘western’ ideas through liberal uni’s and free press
- they argued ethnic minorities were ‘diluting’ Russian strength
What political changes was Alex II forced to make as a result of pressure from reactionary conservatives
- 1866 - replace liberal ministers with more conservative ones
- e.g. Tolstoy replaced the liberal golovnin as minister for education
- pahlen was appointed minister of justice
What were tolstoys beliefs ( the new minister for education from 1866)
- staunch orthodox believer
- believed tight control over education was essential to eradicate western liberal ideas and growing criticism of the autocracy
What changes were made to education under Tolstoy (education minister from 1866)
- zemstva’s powers over education were reduced
- church regained authority over rural schools
- in uni’s, more liberal courses were replaced by a traditional curriculum
- censorship tightened + stricter control over student activities
What did Tolstoy reluctantly accept from Moscow university
- their decision to organise lectures for women
- although he used the gov’s right to veto university appointments whenever he felt it necessary
How did shuvalov strengthen the police after being made head of the police in 1866
- he encouraged the third section
- he stepped up the persecution of ethnic/religious minorities
- searches and arrests increased
What role did the new governor generals play
Established in 1879
- had emergency powers to prosecute in military courts + exile police offenders
What changes were made to the justice system under Pahlen (justice minister from 1866)
- he held open ‘show’ trials - with the intention of deterring others from revolutionary activity
What was the state of Russia in the late 1870sw
- time of political crisis
- famine swept countryside (79-80)
- industrial recession begun
- more assassination attempts on Alex II who decided violence may be better curbed by widening democratic consultation
Outline the changes made by loris melikov during his time as minister for internal affairs
- released political prisoners + relaxed censorship
- lifted restrictions on activities of the zemstva
- third section abolished and its powers transferred to the regular police (although a special section (okhrana) was created which was just as oppressive)
Outline the loris melikov constitution
- produced in 1880 as a response to zemstva demands
- recommended inclusion of nobility,zemstva etc in debating the drafts of some state decrees
- Alex II accepted the constitution on the morning of the 13th march 1881 but was assassinated same day
How did Alex III respond to the loris melikov constitution
- proposals were abandoned + reforming ministers resigned
- Alex III relied heavily on conservatives
What were the changes made to the local government under Alex III
- state appointed office of land captain (July 1889) - power to override elections to the zemstvo + disregard Zemstvo decisions
- also made responsible for law enforcement in the countryside
- June 1892 - electorate was reduced to the owners of property above a certain value
What were the changes made to policing under Alex III
- department of police led by phleve (1881-84) and durnovo form 1884
- number of police increased + new branches of the crim investigations department set up
- also a major drive to recruit spies
- 1882 - statute of police surveillance meant police could search/arrest/detain/imprison anyone who was thought to or known to have committed a crime
What changes were made to the judicial system under Alex III
- judicial reforms of Alex II were partially reversed
- 1885 - decree provided for the minister of justice to exercise greater control
- 1889 - the volosts courts were put under direct jurisdiction of land captains in the countryside and judges in the towns
What changes were made to education under Alex III
- uni’s closed for women + all uni life was closely supervised, students were forbidden from gathering in groups more than 5
- children form the lowest classes were restricted to primary education
- primary education returned to the hands of the Orthodox Church
What changes were made to censorship under Alex III
- Tolstoy established new gov committee in 1882 - issued ‘temporary regulations’ (allowed newspapers to be closed down etc)
- censorship grew and was extended to theatre, art and culture where ‘Russification’ was enforced
What was the extent and impact of counter reform under Alex III’s reign
- there was some positive change - may 1881 - a law reduced the redemption fees payable
- may 1885 - poll tax was also abolished
- there is debate as to whether these were implemented only to delay rebellion
