russian Flashcards
What led to political and social upheaval across Europe in the 19th century?
Industrialization
Which country became the world’s dominant power due to industrialization?
England
What economic and political situation characterized Russia compared to Europe?
Russia remained economically and politically behind the rest of Europe
What percentage of Russians were serfs prior to the abolition of serfdom?
Over 80%
What type of government ruled Russia since 1613?
Absolute monarchy (the Romanov dynasty)
List the key social classes in Russia.
- Titled Nobility / Aristocracy
- Gentry
- Merchants
- Serfs
Who abolished serfdom in Russia and in what year?
Czar Alexander II in 1861
What was a significant problem that arose after the abolition of serfdom?
Many remained poor and landless
What major conflict did Russia play a key role in during the early 1800s?
The Napoleonic Wars
What was Czar Nicholas I’s slogan that reflected his governance style?
“Orthodoxy, Autocracy, and Nationality”
What war did Russia lose under Czar Nicholas I, highlighting its weaknesses?
The Crimean War (1853-1856)
What reform did Czar Alexander II introduce in response to potential uprisings?
Abolished serfdom
What happened after Czar Alexander II was assassinated in 1881?
Led to a crackdown on freedoms and heavy censorship
During whose reign did Russia face political chaos and revolutionary movements?
Czar Nicholas II (1894–1917)
Who is known for declaring ‘God is dead’ and rejecting traditional morality?
Friedrich Nietzsche
What did Karl Marx’s ideas influence in Russian theatre?
Reflected class tensions and questioned traditional hierarchies
What characterized early Russian theatre before the 19th century?
Strict censorship and adherence to French Neoclassical rules
Name a significant literary figure who wrote one of Russia’s first great plays.
Alexander Pushkin
What was Chekhov’s approach to theatre?
Moved toward realism and subtext
What was the initial reception of The Seagull?
It was a disaster; audiences hated its subtle approach
What did the Moscow Art Theatre focus on in its performances?
Ensemble acting and deep character exploration
What did Chekhov emphasize in his plays?
Subtext and human interactions
What was Stanislavski’s main contribution to acting?
Developed a method that emphasized deep character study
Fill in the blank: The Moscow Art Theatre was founded by _______ and _______.
[Constantin Stanislavsky] and [Vladimir Nemirovich-Danchenko]
