pobedonostsev and witte's influence on government Flashcards
what similarities did witte and pobedonostsev have in terms of their influence
both used repression as a tool to keep dissidents in check
both held a conservative view on politics
how did pobedonostsev influence the russian government
prepared judical reforms for the tsar in 1864
became an adviser on russian law, trained russian legal experts
major influence on alexander iii’s policy which nicholas ii continued
became chief procurator of the holy synod (1880), meaning he could advise the tsar on religious matters, the church, and educational/ social policies
how did pobedonostsev change after 1894
became less of a political force as he was seen as an ultra-conservative. this gained support from some slavophiles.
he had much less influence after 1894
how did witte influence the russian government
was appointed minister of finance in 1892.
he showed total commitment to industrialisation to compete with western nations and improve military capability, at the expense of agriculture
what were witte’s four main strands regarding his approach to finance
1) ressurect reutern’s idea of encouraging foreign experts to come to russia
2) return to taking foreign loans, raising taxes/ interest rates to boost capital for investment in industry
3) placing russian currency (rouble) on the gold standard would achieve stability
4) most state investment focused on heavy industry and railways
how did the ‘great spurt’ display russia as a major industrialised state
production output: coal 2x, steel 7x from 1890-1905
new technology in oil/chemical industries
railway track increase: 29,000km in 1891, 52,000km in 1901
capital investment from abroad increased by 120% yearly from 1893-1898
industry income rise: 42milli in 1893, 161milli in 1898
russia overtook france as largest iron producer in 1900
was witte’s industrial reforms actually successful
neglected other industrial sectors such as engineering and textiles
reliance on foreign investment was very dangerous, loans could be recalled
railway system was very costly and not as impressive as western powers
witte neglected agriculture, causing rural unrest and discontent
why was witte urged to resign in 1906
social unrest in rural areas due to neglection of agriculture policies
nicholas though he was creating affairs which weren’t his business
