Russification under Alexander III Flashcards
Konstantin Pobedonostsev, Alexander III’s tutor believed in what?
‘Autocracy, Orthodoxy, Nationality. Alexander III was heavily influenced by his views and pursued cultural Russification.
believed that political and religious unity was necessary to achieve a harmonious society, and any Western influence would degrade Russian culture.
What were the effects of Russification: On language and culture
Russian was declared the official first language.
Public office was limited to those who spoke Russian fluently.
The use of foreign languages was restricted, e.g. in 1864 speaking Polish or Belarusian in public was banned.
Russification of Finland
In 1892, the Finnish diet’s influence was limited.
Russian coins replaced Finnish currency.
Russification of Poland:
Speaking Polish or Belarusian in public was banned.
All subjects except Polish language and religion had to be taught in Russian.
The Polish administration was changed to prevent attempts at independence
Russification of the Baltic area:
Russian was made mandatory in state offices, schools, the police force, and the judiciary.
Russification of Ukraine:
In 1883, laws were passed to limit the use of Ukrainian.
In 1884, all theatres were closed.
Military conscripts were separated to prevent radical national groups from forming.
Russification and the Orthodox Church
The Orthodox Church taught that the Tsar was chosen by God. Any criticism of the Tsar or his rule was said to be an insult to God.
In Asia, missionaries conducted forced mass baptisms to convert ‘heathens and Muslims’
From 1883, members of non-Orthodox churches were forbidden to build places of worship, wear religious clothing outside of their meeting places, spread religious propaganda, or try to convert Orthodox Christians.
Negative effects of Russification
Resistance for example the poles established an underground education network to each Polish. Books in the local language were exchanged and some ethnic schools survived
How did Russification fuel resentments towards the empire
Russification was intended to unite the country, but instead, it intensified national feelings amongst minorities and fuelled resentment towards the Empire. Wealthier citizens emigrated to foreign countries, taking valuable talent and resources away from Russia. Others were persuaded to join opposition groups.
Anti-semitism under Alexander III
Jews were blamed for the assassination of Alexander II.
Anti- Semitism, The Jewish pogroms 1881–84
In April 1881 pogroms (anti-Semitic attacks) broke out in Ukraine. The violence may have been encouraged by the Okhrana, supported by Pobedonostsev helped coordinate early attacks. The riots spread across Ukraine and beyond, with around 16 major cities affected. Jewish property was burnt, shops were destroyed, and Jews were attacked, raped, and murdered. Governing authorities were slow to respond and the violence continued into 1884.
Anti-Semitic legislation
In 1887 quotas were introduced, restricting the numbers of Jews who could attend university
In 1892 Jews were banned from local elections and dumas
Laws were passed restricting Jewish movement and settlement, effectively creating Jewish districts
