The Russian Autocracy in 1855 Flashcards
Who ruled the Russian autocratic empire?
The Tsar
What role did the Orthodox Church have?
Close links to the government, people in the Church helped the Tsar to rule
Who were the civil servants?
Paid noble officials paid to implement the Tsars rules
What was the armed forces made up from?
Conscripted serfs (25 years) - higher ranks were nobles
What was the state of Russia economically in 1855?
Behind compared to other countries, poor communication, based on serfdom, self-sufficient, exported agriculture mainly
Who were the Landowning Elite?
They owned serfs - many were in debt
Who were urban artisans?
Manufacturers and merchants
Who were the intelligentsia?
Small number of professionals, educated
What occurred during the Crimean War?
Russia wanted more control of the Black Sea, involved British, France and Turks, eventually they lost
What was the impact of the Crimean War?
Politically - inadequate leadership. Economically - outdated technology, poor transport. Socially - peasant uprisings. Russia needed to change.
