Russification under Alexander II Flashcards
What is Russification
Russification was the forced cultural assimilation of minority groups within the Russian Empire. The Russian language, culture, beliefs, and traditions were enforced throughout the Empire, in order to create a ‘united Russia’ where everyone thought of themselves as Russian. Russification began under Alexander II but was more strongly pursued by Alexander III.
Was Alexander II more tolerant of nationalities ? when did this change
Alexander II was initially more tolerant of minority groups than his predecessor, Nicholas I. This changed after the 1863 Polish uprising
Poles uprising, what was it and when was it
1863 Polish uprising, in which more than 200,000 Poles rebelled against Russian rule. Alexander responded harshly, exiling, executing, and confiscating land from, the leaders of the uprising.
The reforms had heightened expectations and the poles and they wanted more independence
Polish serfs were given more generous emancipation terms
Ukraine
Usually loyal
Biggest nationality
Produced a good amount of grain so it was valuable to the Tsar
Non Ukrainians usually dominated government though
Alexander II feared revolt
Ukraine was targeted as part of Alexander II’s russification strategy due to fears about Ukrainian nationalism. Faith and language were seen as binding elements so Ukrainian Sunday schools were abolished and Ukrainian publications censored. The Russian minister of the interior restricted Ukrainian language publications and banned all literature aimed at the common people
How was Russia culturally diverse
Tsarist Russia was culturally diverse and inhabited by over 100 different ethnic groups. Only 55% of Russian citizens considered themselves Russian, with the rest identifying with other nationalities.
