repression

• launched a campaign of repression that had widespread support from the upper levels of Russian society
• many groups wanted to destroy the Tsar's rule or have political power handed to the peasants
• Alex removed his father's liberal ministers and replaced them
• with his liberal ministers he released a manifesto declaring political power belonged to the tsar
• • increased central control
  • reforms by Alexander II undone
  • locally elected justices of peace were replaced by government selected 'Land Captains'
  • zemstvas powers were restricted to ensure the upper classes had more power
• he sought to reestablish the strength and influence of the nobility in order to reduce the influence of reformers and prevent further rise of opposition
• proposals made by the elected assemblies were obstructed and undermined by the government as the government disproved of elected assemblies
• • restricted freedoms
  • special courts set up to try government opposition
• university fees increased upped to exclude all but the wealthy
• primary schools were placed under church control
• Russification

  • attacks on jews increased leading to a mass movement to North America and Western Europe
  • persecuted jews formed the radical political organisation 'Bund' which joined forces with the Bolsheviks
• Launched campaign of repression of all those supporting political reform. Liberal ministers from Alex Il's government got dismissed, Issued Manifesto declaring power resided in Tsar