Military Reform 1874

• Russia’s defeat in the Crimean War made military reform inevitable.
• Reform of the Russian Army was led by Dmitri Milyutin.
• A universal military service was introduced for all men aged 20 which closed the loophole that allowed many nobles in the past to avoid serving in the army.
• Reduced the period of conscription from 25 to 15 years with only 6 years in active service.
• Soldier welfare was improved by abolishing the more brutal forms of punishment and improving basic living conditions.
• Military colleges were set up to provide better training for officers, including those from non-noble backgrounds.
• Literacy among troops was improved by army education campaigns.
• Military service was no longer used as a punishment for criminal offences.
• Technology and transport was improved and modern weapons and battleships were introduced.
• Development of the railway network improved the movement of troops.