Russian Autocracy Flashcards
Was Russia a democracy?
No it was an autocracy with centralised power
What type of monarch was the Tsar?
A hereditary monarch whose power was legitimised by the Russian orthodox church
What did the Russian Orthodox Church teach about tsardom?
That the tsars power was absolute and god given. He must be obeyed due to his divine right to rule
Why did the Russian population support this ideology?
The majority of the population were illiterate peasants, who were highly superstitious and religious so supported the Tsar and his government
What were the Tsars powers of appointment?
He chose and appointed all the government ministers, they could only advise him but could not tell him what to do
Was there a parliament?
No, so all laws were edicts
What did Russias political system mean?
The educated, wealthier classes had little to no role in government
What had an impact on the direction of government policy?
The personality of the Tsar and his priorities
Was opposition to the government legal?
No it was illegal, there was no freedom of speech or association and the press was heavily censored
What were the secret police known as?
The third section
What role did the army, police and secret police play?
They all played a role in suppressing opposition to the government and imposing the Tsar’s rule, often using fear and violence
