Lecture on Alexander III of Russia

Overview

• Alexander III suspended all reforms initiated by his father, Alexander II.
• His reign focused on repression, censorship, Russification, peace, and stability.
• Remarkably, his reign also saw significant industrial development.

Background

• Upon accession, Alexander III immediately stopped his father's reforms.
• Disbanded the legislative council that was preparing the constitution.
• Took a vengeful stance against both radical and moderate liberals.

Repressions

• Large-scale repressions carried out by the secret police (Okhrana) and their network of spies.
• Pogroms against Jews and other ethnic minorities.
• Deportations and closure of newspapers and universities.
• Strong Russian nationalism and Russification campaigns in non-Russian border districts.

Economic Growth

• Period of international peace and stability with no major wars.
• Economic improvement in the 1890s albeit slow.
• Significant contributions by Minister of Finance Sergey Witte.
  • Negotiated foreign capital and favorable loans from France.
• Industrial output soared in the next decade.
• Key project: Construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway started in 1891.

Death

• Despite many assassination attempts, Alexander III died of natural causes.
• Was succeeded by his eldest son, Nicholas II, the last emperor of Russia.