Chapter 3 Flashcards
The autocracy of Alexander II and Alexander III
When was the first of Alexander II’s assassination attempts?
1866
What factors led to Alexander II’s far more reactionary policies?
His distance from his more reformist family members (Duke Konstantin) and his numerous assassination attempts
What were the characteristics of the reactionaries?
A strong belief in the church and nobility, a fear of spreading ‘Western’ ideas and the rise of differing religions
Who replaced Golovnin as Minister for Education?
Dmitry Tolstoy
Who replaced Pyotr Valuev as Minister of Internal Affairs
Aleksandr Timashev
What was Tolstoy’s beliefs on education?
He felt a tight control on education was necessary to eradictae the Western liberals ideals and criticism of the autocracy
How were schools affected by Tolstoy?
The zemstva’s power on education was reduced, the Church regained its authority and schools were forced to adopt a traditional curriculum
How were universities affected by Tolstoy?
Subjects that encouraged critical thinking were forced out in favour of traditional subjects and censorship was tightened
How did Tolstoy control university admissions?
He used the government’s right to veto university applications for many female applicants
What was Pyotr Shuvalov’s impact on policing?
He encouraged the Third Section and stepped up the persecution of ethnic minorities
How did Pahlen influence law and order?
Searches and arrests were increased and governor generals (introduced in 1879) had powers to prosecute in military courts
What was Pahlen’s greatest political failing?
He introduced ‘show’ trials but they failed to defer revolutionary activity
How were the late 1870s a time of political crisis in Russia?
Russo-Turkish war (1177-78), famine and industrial unrest, as well as more assassination attempts
How did Count Mikhail Loris-Melikov appease Russians?
By releasing political prisoners, relaxing censorship, removing the salt tax and lifting restrictions of the zemstva
What was the Third Section replaced by?
Okhrana
What was the 1881 Loris-Melikov Constitution?
A set of proposals that set out for elected representatives of the nobility, zemstvas and towns - did not happen because of Alexander II’s assassination in 1881
Who was Alexander III’s tutor and guide?
Konstantin Pobedonostev
What was the first legislation Alexander III introduced?
1881 Manifeso of Unshakeable Autocracy
What was the Law on Exceptional Measures
A law which said that a commander-in-chief could be appointed to take control of a locality
Which one of Alexander II’s ministers famously resigned following Alexander III’s ascension?
Dmitry Milyutin
What were Land Captains and when were they introduced?
They were introduced in July 1889 and had the power to override elections to the zemstvo and disregard their decisions. They were also solely responsible for law enforcement
What was the impact of placing the zemstva under central government control?
A focus on social services such as healthcare and education to avoid political discussion
Who ran the Department of Police and the Okhrana from 1881 to 1884?
Vyacheslav von Plehve
What was the 1882 Statute on Police Surveillance?
An act which meant that police agents could search, question, imprison or exile not only criminals but also anyone likely to commit, anyone who knew of criminal activity or were related to criminals
What powers were the Minister of Justice granted in 1885, 1887 and 1889 respectively?
1885 - could freely dismiss judges, 1887 - could hold closed court sessions, 1889 - could appoint town judges
Who were volost courts put under the control of?
Land captains
What were the appointment of university faculty dependent on from 1884?
Their ‘religious, moral and patriotic orientation’ rather than their academic qualifications
How was education now divided based on class?
Children from the lowest classes were to be restricted to only primary education
What percentage of the population was literate by 1897?
21%
What did ‘temporary regulations’ allow for?
They allowed for newspapers to be closed down and life bans on editors and publishers
In what areas was censorship introduced to?
Theatre, art and culture - as a result of Russification
What was introduced in 1881 to benefit serfs?
Reduced the redemption fees and cancelled the arrears of ex-serfs in 37 provinces
What tax was introduced in May 1885?
Inheritance tax
