AS History: Tsarist Russia (1855-1881)

Alexander II's Reign

• Timeframe: 1855-1881
• Continuation of the Romanov Dynasty
• Context of reign:
  • Russia was undeveloped compared to Western nations
  • Majority of the population were illiterate serfs
  • Crimean War (1853-1856) highlighted Russia's backwardness

Background of Russia in 1855

• Predominantly illiterate peasant population (85% known as serfs)
• Feudal system with serfs one step above slavery
• Serfs lived in communes, paid landowners via labor/rent
• Russia ruled by an autocratic Tsar, head of the Orthodox Church

Crimean War Impact

• War from 1853-56 against British, French, and Turks
• Highlighted weaknesses: poor railway infrastructure, outdated weaponry
• Resulted in humiliation and increased serf uprisings

Emancipation of the Serfs (1861)

Reasons for Emancipation

• Political: Noble reliance on serfs was unsustainable
• Economic: Serfs tied to land, hindering economic growth
• Moral/Intellectual: Move towards European models of society

Terms and Impact of Emancipation

• Serfs declared free, could marry, own land, and enjoy legal rights
• Landlords compensated with bonds, but faced debt issues
• Serfs required to make 49 annual redemption payments, creating long-term debt
• Led to unrest and riots

Further Reforms by Alexander II

Judicial Reforms (1864)

• Established a single court system and trial by jury
• Open proceedings to the press, equality before the law
• Resulted in fairer trials, reduced corruption

Local Government Reforms

• Creation of the Zemstva for local representation
• Provided public services and a forum for debate
• Dominated by nobility, lacked control over taxes

Military Reforms (1874)

• Universal conscription, reduced service length
• Welfare improvements, modern weaponry introduced

Educational Reforms

• Control of education moved from church to Zemstva
• Free primary education, vocational schools
• Universities became self-governing

Rise of Opposition

• Relaxation of censorship allowed Marx's 'Das Kapital' to circulate
• Emergence of radical student organizations
• Reactionary period followed assassination attempts on Tsar
  • Education and police reforms to curb radicalism
  • Continued underground opposition activities

Assassination of Alexander II (1881)

• His assassination by the People's Will
• Signaled failures of government reform and control
• Planned to establish more representative government on day of his death

Conclusion

• These events set the stage for Alexander III's more reactionary rule
• Reform measures were a mix of liberal and reactionary responses to internal pressures
• Notable increase in political instability and rise of revolutionary thought