Empire and nationalities: Alexander III Flashcards
What was Russification all about?
Incorporating other region such as the Ukraine, Baltics and caucuses to create a unified Russian empire.
Why did Alexander III hate the Jews?
He blamed them for the Ignatiev memorandum (an unsanctioned document sent in 1876 to the Serbs saying they could rely on Russian help if they went to war on turkey) he also through they were behind his father’s assassination.
What was ‘little thunder’?
A mini pogrom carried out by the Holy League group in the Pale of Settlement which was alleged to have been encouraged by Alexander.
Give four anti Semitic policies introduced in 1882
- Jews were confined to the Pale of Settlement. 2. Jews couldn’t buy land in prosperous areas. 3. Jews were banned from senior medical and military jobs. 4. Jews couldn’t vote for the zemstva.
How did Russification relate to language?
Russian was declared the official language throughout the empire and had to be used in all admiration and eviction, use of native language was banned.
Why did Alexander III want Russia to be a united empire?
He was concerned over the unification of Germany in 1871, which made it a potential threat and saw the breaking down of the multi ethnic Ottoman Empire.
What happened to Jews in Moscow?
In 1891 they were forced out of their homes with some 10,000 being violently forced out of the city.
What were the long term consequences of Alexander’s Russification policies?
They created resentment and actually made the empire more divided. Many of the leading Bolsheviks such as Trotsky and kamenev came from Jewish backgrounds.
Which of his father’s Russification policies did Alexander III continue?
His 1876 ban on the publication of books in Ukrainian.
How many Jews were killed in the 1881 pogrom in Kiev?
This was one of the worst pogroms of the period and saw 40 deaths and 225 rapes.
How was territory in Asia gained?
Throughout the 1880s, much of Central Asia was taken by force.
What was the steppe statute?
1891- granted 40 acres of land to peasant settlers in Central Asia.
How was Russia involved in the Far East?
Amur basin was secured, this allowed for the establishment of Vladivostok which could become a base for the Russian navy.
What did the Chinese eastern railroad allow?
Built in the 1890s. Allowed Russia access to mineral deposits found in Manchuria.
What did Russia want Asia for?
To turn it into a colony that would provide Russia with raw materials for industry, it could also provide a living space for large numbers of peasants.
