Nature Of Government

Question 1

What were the aspects to autocracy

Answer 1

1. Tsars we’re accountable to god so no need for democratic elections
2. Tsars had paternalistic duties to protect the people from evil in society
3. Russia is so large and diversified that autocracy was the practical way to rule: liberal democracy would have led to do many people demanding too much

Question 2

Repression and reform under the tsars

Answer 2

Nicholas I- “orthodoxy, autocracy, nationality” reinforced by the 1832 fundamental laws
Alexander II- preserving autocracy: compensating serf owners after 1861
Alexander III- “the Reaction”: believed that Slav people lacked the intelligence to participate in a democratic political system
Nicholas II- October manifesto 1905, introduced the duma, fundamental laws 1906