Nicholas I's policy of repression
hadn't worked, so Alexander II had
to find other ways of improving
Russia.
Loss of the Crimean War
Humiliation!
Economic crisis, caused by backlash.
International
opinion and pressure from
Western societies.
Pressure from family
members, such as Grand
Duke Constantine.
Moral and Intellectual Decisions
Intelligentsia demanded change.
People believed in the current
education system (Orthodox
Church in control of primary and
secondary education).
Economical Condsiderations
Russia needed to
'catch up' with the
West.
Serfdom was a weak
foundation upon which
Russia was built.
Prevented
economic
development.
Russia's
population had
doubled -
Urgent need to
reform.
Alexander II's own views.
Fully committed
Autocrat, but had a
very liberal outlook.
Wanted a healthy,
dynamic economy
without loosing his
autocracy.
The Impact of Reform
Emancipation
Many serfs resented
the idea of having to
pay 'redemption' for
land they already
regarded as their own.
The nobility had lost their
workforce, and so disagreed
with the decree in the first
place.
The economy remained
stagnant and technical
backwardness
continued.
Unrest in the
countryside
continued.
Although internal
travel was
permitted, is was
still severely
restricted - This
was detrimental
to the cause, as a
mobile workforce
was desperately
needed.
Military
1874
Officers were angry as
forces were cut down
to create a more elite
army.
Length of service was
reduced as well, angering
noble leaders further.
Peasant conscription
was abolished, and made
compulsory for all
classes
Local
Government
1864
Zemstva's were established,
pleasing the liberals and
Intelligentsia
Who were given the right to improve
public services = improved quality of
life for peasants.
However, they were
dominated by nobles
and although
representation was
available, it was a
tediously slow process.
Judicial
1864
All classes were judged equally before the law.
Judges training and
payment were improved
to prevent corruption
The jury system could undermine government control.
Case of Vera
Zasulich, who
was acquitted of
terrorism
although guilty.
Educational
1863 - 64
Primary curriculum
was still based on
religion
Secondary
education
was still fee
paying.
Students weakened the regime by
joining radical opposition groups.
The Extent of
Reaction, before
1881
Polish Revolt
1863
A2 revoked
Nationalist
Reforms in
response.
Death of A2's son,
1865
A2 withdrew from
public life to grieve,
relying on hard-line
ministers to oversee
Russia.
A2 had a new mistress.
Pushing
him away
from his
more
liberal
family
members.
Assassination
Attempt 1866
Karakozov, a nobleman, was acting on behalf of
the peasants.
Examples of Reaction:
Authority over
primary schools
was returned to
the Orthodox
Church.
Removal of
liberal subjects
from University
curriculums.
Work of the Third Section was
drastically increased.
Censorship was re-introduced
and increased.
Results of the Period of Reaction
Critics and opponents
thrived underground.
Increased hostility towards
non - Russians.
e.g Pogroms.
New
opposition
movements
developed and
approved.
The Significance
of Opposition
The Spread of Opposition
Relaxation of
censorship laws
enabled the
spread of radical
journals.
Education reforms
created a generation of
youth who were keen to
see their country
modernise.
Zemstva allowed middle class
intellectuals a platform to debate their
ideas for Russia.
Repression in
1866 meant that
liberal demands
became more
extreme and
called for a
complete change
in society.
Populism 1867 - 1872
Believed in land
redistribution and fairer
taxes.
In 1874, 2,000 of Russia's
youth went 'to the people',
dressed as peasantry in effort
to sway the peasants to the
Populist's socialist ideas.
The peasantry were very superstitious and reported the Populist's to the authorities.
In 1876, there was another drive but it also failed.
Exam Question:
Why did Populism fail in the 1870's? (12)
Peasants were too loyal and resistant to change.
Not enough people were
behind the Populist
movement, meaning no
realistic impact could be made.
The Orthodox church disagreed
with the Populist
movement.
Unrealistic aims.
Further Radicalisation
1870 -1881
Land and Liberty Splits
1879
The Black Partition
Worked peacefully
alongside the
peasants.
Spread radical ideas
among students and
workers.
The Peoples Will
Aimed to establish
representative government and
land redistribution.
Advocated violent methods and
assassinations. March 1881, they succeeded
in assassinating Alexander II.