Topic 1 Flashcards
Describe the political and military characteristics of Russia in 1855
Autocratic
1.5 million serfs conscripted into the army
Army used 45% of expenditure
Nobles helped Tsar to rule
Describe the economic characteristics of Russia in 1855
Command economy Exportation of primary goods Prevented movement of workers to factories Consumer demand low Inefficient agricultural system
Describe the social characteristics of Russia in 1855
Tsar was head of church with religion used as a form of indoctrination 3/4 lived in Western Russia 11:1 village to town dwellers Conscription for 25yrs 82% illiterate
What factors caused Alexander II to introduce reforms
Failure in the Crimea
Failing economy
Comparisons with the West - liberal revolutions swept Europe in 1884 causing peasant uprisings
Why did the Crimean war cause Alexander II to implement reforms
Humiliated Russian army
Less of naval port of Sebastopol
Peasant uprisings - 300 incidents
When was Serfism abolished through the Emancipation Edict in Russia
1861
Why was Serfism abolished by Alexander II
To ensure growth of industry = through more agricultural exports, increased investment in industry
In order to reform army = after Crimea, greater prosperity and power
To stop increasing revolts = satisfy intelligentsia etc. and ensure continuation of regime
What were serfs granted though the emancipation edict
Freedom of movement and education
Released from ties with landowners
Each family entitled to cottage and allotment
How were landowners affected by the emancipation of serfs
Received compensation for loss of land
Retained ownership of meadows, pasture and woodland
How were serfs badly affected by their emancipation
Required to pay redemption payments for 49yrs with 6% interest
Pay labour service for two yrs
What were the main aims of Alexander II’s military reforms
Create a smaller, more efficient, more profession and less expensive army
What were 3 of the changes made to the military in Alexander II’s reforms
Length of service reduced to 15yrs
Conscription compulsory for all members of society
Modern weaponry introduced
What were the local government reforms Alexander II put in place
Local councils (Mir) maintained an pad developed communities
Zemstvas had authority to run public services and schools
Town Dumas were established
What were the shortfalls with the local government reforms Alexander II implemented
No National Assembly ever created
No control over state or local taxes
Law officials were appointed by the Tsar
Nobles made up 74% of Zemstva members
What were the economic reforms Alexander II put in place
Reformed the treasury
State bank established 1860
Liberal trade policies and lower tariffs
Government subsidies to private entrepreneurs
