Russia in 1855 Flashcards
What was The state of Russia like in 1855?
-Geographically large but economically underdeveloped
-Village to Town Dwellers 11:1
-Serfdom in force
-Ruled by the Tsar
What percentage of the population was illiterate in 1855?
85%
Who was the head of the Orthodox Church in 1855?
The Tsar
What was the Tsar regarded as by Orthodox believers?
The embodiment of God on earth
What was an Over-Procurator?
-Appointed by the Tsar from the laity
-Highest church official
What was the Holy Synod?
-Group of bishops
-Forms the ruling body of the Orthodox Church
-Highest authority on rules, regulations, faith and matters of the church
Define Autocracy
No limits to a ruler’s power ; such ruler is called an autocrat
What was the tsar’s main advisory body?
-Imperial council or chancellery > 35-60 nobles selected by the Tsar
-Council of Ministers> 8-14 ministers in charge of different govt departments
Who were the Cossacks?
-From Ukraine and Southern Russia
-Known for skills in horsemanship and strong military tradition
What did the Cossacks do/form?
-Private regiment of mounted cossacks
-Acted as both personal bodyguard and police reinforcements
How was the country socially in 1855 ?
-Russian Empire was vast
-most people lived in the West
-Dominated by the landed gentry
-many different countries
-minority groups were seen as a threat to Russian autocrats
What percentage of the population were peasants in 1855?
80-90%
What was the population in 1855?
70 million
When was the Crimean War?
- 1853-1856
-By 1856 Russia was defeated
Who did Russia fight in the Crimean war?
the British , French and Turkish
What defeats did Russia face in the Crimean war of 1853-1856?
battle of Baklava, the battle of Inkerman
How much of the GDP per annum was spent on the Crimean war?
40%
Why was the Russian army in the Crimean war woefully inadequate?
Serf-populated army and outdated tactics
When did Alexander II become Tsar of Russia ?
March 1855
What was serfdom like in 1855?
-Serfs paid for privilege in either cash or labour
-Serfs allowed to cultivate a part of the land for his own use
-Characterised by being the poorest of the Peasant class and were a type of Slave
- Owners could punish serfs
What did serfs do ?
-Cultivated land for their owners
-Fought in the army due to conscription
What was the economic state of Russia in 1855 ?
-Was sluggish
-Roads were deplorable
-far behind other countries
The Impact of the Crimean war ?
-Russia was humiliated as it suffered multiple defeats (battle of baklava)
-Sers mostly made up the army and were poorly trained
How many serfs were there ?
23million
