Topic 2 Flashcards
What were the characteristics of Tsar Alexanders III’s rule
Limited consumer market
Limited free labour force
Exportation of primary goods
1/3 government expenditure on repaying loans and debt
Who was the economic minister between 1887 and 1892
Vyshnegradsky
What were Vyshnegradskys economic policies
Improved finances Built up countries gold reserves Increased grain exports by 18% Tariff Act increased duties by 33% Short term loans from French to kick start industry
Why was Vyshnegradsky fired
Blamed for the a Great Famine which caused criticism for the regime
How did the Great Famine 1891 affect Russian people
Affected between 14 and 20 million people
400,000 died
65% decline in rye crops
What were the three areas Witte identified as being problem areas
Insufficient capital
Lack of technological and managerial expertise
Insufficient man power
What policies did Witte out in place to amend the economy
Negotiated large loans and investments
Imposed heavy taxes and high interest rates
Protective tariffs in foreign goods
What were the positive outcomes of Wittes economic policies
10,000 new factories
Iron increased from 0.4 to 3.7 million tonnes
National income increased by 50%
Free labour force grew from 1.6 to 2.6 million
What were the negative outcomes of Wittes economic policies
Neglected light industry
No attention to agriculture which 85% population dependent on
Grain production low compared to Britain and Germany
Why did Witte develop the trans-Siberian railway
To stimulate other industries
To obtain revenue
To provide infrastructure
To provide jobs
What did the trans-Siberian allow
Created movable workforce
Allowed movement of goods and material
Constructed between 1891 and 1902
What social position were the working class in during Alexander III’s reign
2 million factory workers
40% houses had no running water or sewage system
Food and rent 3/4 of household budget
What social position were the middle class in during Alexander III’s reign
Growing
1/2 million
No voice in central government until 1905
Revolutionary leaders often middle class
How did Alexander III react to opposition
150 members of People’s Will publicly hung for fathers assassination
Increased powers of police and okhrana
Arrests in 32 cities in 1884
150,000 exiled to Siberia
What decrees were brought in by Alexander III in 1882, 1885, 1889
1882: area of subversion - could arrest, imprison on suspicion
1885: closed courts without juries
1889: land captains introduced
