What was Tsarist autocracy? Flashcards
What is Tsarist Autocracy?
A political system where the ruler has complete political power, unlimited by a formal constitution or parliament.
During whose reign was Tsarist Autocracy introduced?
Ivan III (1440–1505)
How long did Tsarist Autocracy dominate Russia?
Over 400 years.
What does the term ‘Tsar’ mean in Russian?
Ruler.
What do the Fundamental Laws of the Empire state about the Tsar?
The Tsar is described as ‘an autocratic and unlimited monarch’ and that ‘God himself commands his supreme power be obeyed.’
True or False: The Tsar’s authority was limited by a constitution.
False.
Who swore an oath of loyalty to the Tsar?
Russian officials.
What belief did Nicholas II hold regarding autocracy?
He believed it to be a sacred trust.
How is Russian society compared to a colony in the text?
Like a colony of bees, where royalty is a natural necessity.
What geographical challenges did the Tsar face in ruling Russia?
Russia’s vast size, crossing two continents, 11 time zones, and five vegetation zones.
What percentage of the Russian Empire’s population spoke Russian as their first language?
40 percent.
Who began the Romanov Dynasty?
Michael Romanov (1596–1645).
How long did the Romanov Dynasty last?
304 years.
What symbol did the Romanov Dynasty adopt for their coat of arms?
The double-headed eagle from the Byzantine period.
Who was Alexander III?
Nicholas II’s father and a model autocrat.
What characterized Alexander III’s rule?
Total belief in autocracy and brutal suppression of revolutionary movements.
What was the state of Russia under Alexander III?
Stable, prosperous, and peaceful.
What major event led to Nicholas II becoming Tsar?
The unexpected death of his father, Alexander III, in 1894.
How did Alexander III and Nicholas II differ as leaders?
Alexander was confident and bold; Nicholas was shy and reluctant.
What was Nicholas II’s determination regarding autocracy?
To maintain autocracy, use force to eliminate opposition, and retain traditional values.
What significant historical event marked the end of Nicholas II’s rule?
The Russian Revolution.
Fill in the blank: The Tsar’s official title was _______ words long.
123.
