Lecture Notes: History of Russia in the 19th Century

Introduction

• Lecture sponsored by NordVPN
• Featuring comedic elements and fictional characters

Overview of Russia in the 19th Century

• Russia was feudal and underdeveloped while Europe modernized.
• Tsar Alexander II attempted reforms but faced opposition.

Key Concepts

• Serfdom: Most peasants were serfs, essentially owned by landlords.
• Autocracy: Tsars held all power, disregarding the people's needs.

Tsar Alexander II's Reforms

• Emancipation of Serfs: Freed serfs but imposed heavy debts.
• Reforms were not enough; many were still impoverished.

Reaction to Reforms

• Opposition grew; dissatisfaction among the populace.
• Some proposed killing the Tsar in response to his reforms.

Tsar Alexander III

• Succeeded Alexander II; rejected reforms in favor of repression.
• Introduced secret police (Okhrana) to stifle dissent.
• Nationalist policies against ethnic minorities.

Nicholas II's Ascension

• Unprepared to be Tsar; lacked experience and leadership qualities.
• Coronation Incident: Celebratory event led to a tragic stampede, tarnishing his image.

The 1905 Revolution

• Catalyst: Bloody Sunday - peaceful protest turned violent.
• General unrest and strikes across the empire.
• Nicholas II agreed to the October Manifesto, promising a Duma (parliament).

Lenin and Communism

• Lenin's rise from a middle-class background to a revolutionary leader.
• Influenced by Karl Marx's ideas on class struggle and capitalism.
• Split in the Socialist Party: Bolsheviks vs Mensheviks.
• Lenin advocated for armed revolution after failing to organize the 1905 movement.

Economic Growth and Repression

• Pyotr Stolypin's reforms aimed at stabilizing the Tsar's rule.
• Crackdowns on dissent known as Stolypin's Necktie.
• Economic improvements made revolution less likely but did not resolve underlying issues.

Impact of Rasputin

• Rasputin gained influence by healing the Tsar's son, Alexei.
• His presence caused scandals and public outrage, damaging the Tsar's reputation.

Prelude to World War I

• As tensions rise within Russia, the stage is set for World War I.
• Growing unrest foreshadowed further revolutionary activity.