The Congress of Vienna Flashcards
Alexander I
Reigned as Emperor of Russia from 1801-1825, first Russian King of Poland from 1815-1825, first Russian Grand Duke of Finland. Succeeded to the throne after his father was murdered. Ruled Russia during the chaotic period of the Napoleonic Wars. Often used liberal rhetoric, but continued Russia’s absolutist policies in practice. In the first years of his reign, he initiated some minor social reforms and major, liberal educational reforms e.g. building more universities. Promised constitutional reforms and a desperately needed reform of serfdom in Russia but made no concrete proposals. In foreign policy, he changed Russia’s position relative to France 4x between 1804 and 1812 among neutrality, opposition, and alliance. In the second half of his reign, was increasingly arbitrary, reactionary, and fearful of plots against him; he ended many earlier reforms. He purged schools of foreign teachers, as education became more religiously oriented as well as politically conservative. Died of typhus in Dec 1825. Left no children as heirs and both of his brothers wanted the other to become emperor. Succeeded by his younger brother, Nicholas I. He was known for his mixed legacy of liberal reforms and autocratic rule, as well as his role in defeating Napoleon and shaping post-Napoleonic Europe. As one of the key figures at the Congress of Vienna (1815), he helped establish the Holy Alliance, aimed at preserving monarchical rule and suppressing revolutions in Europe. By the end of his reign, his rule had become more reactionary, resisting liberal movements and strengthening Russian autocracy. His sudden death in 1825 led to the Decembrist Revolt, an early attempt at reform by liberal Russian officers.
