Problems facing Russia, 1894 - Unit 1

Question 1

What measure’s did Alexander II put forward that sparked opposition to Tsarism?

Answer 1

• Centralised control of the police.
• Replacement of elected Justices of the Peace with ‘Land Captains’.
• A rise in censorship.
• Tighter control of the Zemstva (elected local councils) and limited peasant representation.
• Opposition groups calling for reforms.

Question 2

What were the main economic problems?

Answer 2

• A lack of productivity compared to international rivals. Up to 1894, industrialization had resulted in average annual economic growth rate of 8%, but much achieved through small scale enterprise.
• Lack of free enterprise. Tsar and ministers directed production by controlling armaments of industry and railways.
• Reliance on foreign investment.
• 1891 famine.
• Agriculture backwards, many peasants still used wooden ploughs.

Question 3

What was the social state of Russia?

Answer 3

• Despite formation of peasants land bank (1883) and abolition of peasant poll tax (1886), peasants still aggrieved about living standards.
• Redistribution of land resulted in reduction in size of plots and mir (traditional village community) continued to be a barrier to innovation.
• 1891 famine resulted in deaths of 350,000, deaths had long-lasting impact.
• Industrialisation led to urbanisation and associated public health problems such as poor housing, lack of sanitation and inadequate water supplies. Result was spread of diseases, especially cholera.