Thematic Essay 1855 - 1914: MoC Flashcards
Method of Control (6 cards)
Was there change in how the Tsar’s used the autocratic government to control Russia?
Yes
Alexander II was very liberal and lessened the control the Tsar had over serfs, education, press and law.
Alexander III used autocracy to control government harshly. Gave in to zero demands with his Manifesto of Unshakeable Autocracy. 1880 Zemstva Act brung the zemstva further under his control.
Nicholas II was less autocratic as he allowed for the duma after the October Manifesto. Although did refuse giving zemstva more rights.
Was there change in how the Tsar’s used the nobility to control Russia?
Yes
AII lessened power of the nobility signifigantly when he emancipated the peasants in 1864. Had to help support many but lots of noble families fell in his time. Also nobles were treated less favoured in the military in law.
AIII places strength back in the nobility with the 1889 Land Captain where provincial nobility gained rights over serfs.
Nicholas II had a growing middle class and a rising want for communism so nobles didn’t have much influence.
Was there change in how the Tsar’s used the law to control Russia?
Yes
AII made the law a lot more equal and gave judges a better salary so they did not take bribes as much. However did send people to Siberia still. Reduced press restrictions.
AIII had the 1881 Law on Exceptional Measures where martial law was introduced and meetings of above 12 could be banned. Still sent people to Siberia and tightened press laws.
NII did not use the law that much. His biggest change was the October Manifesto which introduced the Duma - allowing more freedom.
Was there change in how the Tsar’s used the ohkrana to control Russia?
AII did not use as the okrana did not exist yet.
AIII formed the ohkrana after his father was assassinated in 1881 which used torture or murder to keep an eye on threats to the Tsar. This forced opposition underground during his reign.
NII continued to use the ohkrana but the headquarters were burned in 1917 during the revolution.
Was there change in how the Tsar’s used the army to control Russia?
Yes
AII used the army more to help suppress foreign affairs rather then anything happening within Russia.
AIII used the army to keep Russia suppressed.
NII used an elite Cossak cavalry to suppress attacks in 1902 Rostov and 1903 Odessa. However eventually lost influence over the army when he was failing in WW1. Famous example of Bloody Sunday though when there was open fire on a group of protestors.
Was there change in how the Tsar’s used the Orthodox Church to control Russia?
Yes
AII reduced the power of the church when he put education under the ministry of education. However many peasants still were highly influenced by the church.
AIII was very religious and put education back in the church. Encouraged peasant way of life and propaganda with financial incentives from the Tsar.
Under NII, bishops were seen as increasingly corrupt and started loosing support. As they become more educated, power in church was the lost.
