Growth of Opposition to Tsarist Rule, 1855-94

Question 1

Why was there opposition to Tsarist rule?

Answer 1

Autocratic government - too controlling. People more politically aware

Question 2

What did Westernisers believe?

Answer 2

Russia needed to ‘catch up’ with the West, copy western ways.

Question 3

What did Slavophiles believe?

Answer 3

Favoured a superior Russia.

Question 4

What was Marxism?

Answer 4

Belief that there needed to be a struggle between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie which would end in the perfect communist society.

Question 5

What did Populists want to achieve and what did they do?

Answer 5

Radical change, reform and overthrow the Tsar. Idea of ‘going to the people’.

Question 6

What did the Black Repartition do?

Answer 6

Wanted to share soils of Russian. Worked peacefully among peasants. Developed ties with students. Published radical materials. Weakened by arrests (1880-81)

Question 7

What did the People’s Will do?

Answer 7

Evaded arrest. Advocated violent methods. Assassinated government officials. Assassinated Alexander II

Question 8

What was Young Russia?

Answer 8

Younger generation of radicals. 1862 - series of fires in St Petersburg.