Tsarist Authority

Question 1

1881-1904

Answer 1

Increased opposition led to increased repression from Alexander II and Nicholas II in order to maintain the orthodox institution of the tsar, however, it led to tensions and loss of support, which undermined this
Nicholas II responded to the widespread unrest inadequately- appeared paralysed and lacking any sense of direction or leadership, he sacked his most competent ministers and became paranoid and suspicious
Limited strength of government and therefore authority
By 1904- authority decreasing due to loss of support and tsarist inadequacy

Question 2

1904-1906

Answer 2

Lost authority due to failures as a war leader and support due to the impact war had on social issues
The October manifesto was a way to regain support of those who were strongly opposing the tsar, however, it did reduce his authority as a complete autocratic ruler but thought that giving some power to a state Duma would be viewed kindly and progressive enough, thus saving autocracy
By 1906- degree of authority had to be given up in order to stem the loss of support that was increasing, however, authority involved being supported so losing control was not always losing authority

Question 3

1906-1914

Answer 3

The fundamental laws massively reasserted the principle of tsarist authority by re-emphasising his autocracy and the degree of his power
This authority was lessened by the lack of support for tsarist policies in Duma sessions- had to become increasingly ignored as there was a lack of cooperation so they did not pose a serious alternative as an authority
By 1904 the fundamental laws did help to emphasise the tsarist position

Question 4

1914-17

Answer 4

Failures in World War One gave way to the initial patriotism and highlighted the decreasing authority of the tsar
Absence meant he lost support as he could not deal with domestic and internal problems
Authority was further lost by the loss of military and Cossack support
So lost that abdication was the only choice
By 1917- the tsar lost all support and therefore his authority was not enough- abdicated

Question 5

Definitions and summary

Answer 5

The tsar having authority would involve:
Accepted as main power, able to make desicons, being able to encores policies, this would need to be accompanied by support of all levels of society and a lack of severe opposition
Summary: the tsar majorly depended on popular support as his position was one of autocracy. Once discontent spread, the tsar was blamed, undermining his authority and ultimately led to his abdication

Question 6

1855-1881

Answer 6

At the start of this period, support for the tsar was strong as peasants were deeply religious
However, the limitations of Alexander’s reforms led to a degree of discontent, which undermined staunch support
The assassination attempt of 1866 demonstrates the loss of support
Attempt to reassert control/authority was not successful as increased repression led to a loss of support
By 1881- authority but less support