Russia 1855-1881

• When did Alexander II ascend to the throne of Russia?

  1855
• What significant event was occurring when Alexander II came to power?

  The Crimean War
• What did the outcome of the Crimean War reveal about Russia?

  It highlighted Russia's backwardness compared to Western powers
• What was Alexander II's nickname?

  "Tsar Liberator"
• What was the initial focus of Alexander II's reforms?

  Modernizing Russia to compete with Western powers
• In what year did Alexander II's coronation take place?

  1856
• What was the context of Alexander II's accession to the throne?

  He succeeded his father, Nicholas I, during the Crimean War
• What was one of the immediate challenges Alexander II faced upon his accession?

  Inheriting a war that was going badly for Russia
• What was one of the key quotes attributed to Alexander II regarding serfdom?


  "It is better to abolish serfdom from above than to wait for it to abolish itself from below."
• What was one of the early reforms initiated by Alexander II?

  Relaxation of censorship
• What was the purpose of the educational reforms under Alexander II?

  To open universities to all classes, not just nobility
• How did Alexander II approach his reforms?

  He was gradual and cautious, wanting to modernize without fundamentally altering the autocratic system
• Who were some of the advisors Alexander II consulted regarding reforms?

  His brother, Grand Duke Constantine, and Nikolai Milyutin
• What was the initial reception of Alexander II's reforms among the Russian populace?

  There was initial optimism, with varying expectations
• What was the significance of the Emancipation of the Serfs in 1861?


  It fundamentally changed Russian society by granting personal freedom to serfs
• How many serfs were bound to land owned by nobility before the Emancipation?

  Approximately 23 million
• What were some motivations for the Emancipation of the Serfs?

  Economic, military, social, and moral reasons
• What was one of the key provisions of the Emancipation Act?


  Serfs were granted personal freedom and civil rights
• What was the process of land redistribution after the Emancipation?


  Serfs were given the right to buy land from landlords
• What was created to manage land distribution after the Emancipation?

  The mir (village communes)
• What were some challenges in implementing the Emancipation of the Serfs?

  Complex land redistribution and financial burdens on peasants
• What were some immediate consequences of the Emancipation?


  Initial confusion and unrest in rural areas
• What was one long-term impact of the Emancipation of the Serfs?


  It contributed to the growth of a rural proletariat
• What was established in 1864 as part of Alexander II's Great Reforms?

  An independent judiciary
• What did the Judicial Reform of 1864 introduce?


  Trial by jury for criminal cases
• What was created as part of the Local Government Reform in 1864?


  Elected local assemblies (zemstvos)
• What was one of the key features of the Military Reform of 1874?

  Introduction of universal military conscription
• How did the Education Reform of 1863-1864 change access to education?

  It allowed all social classes access to education
• What was the impact of the Press Censorship Reform of 1865?

  It allowed discussion of government policies in newspapers
• What financial institution was established in 1860?


  The State Bank of the Russian Empire
• What was the purpose of the Municipal Reform of 1870?

  To create elected city councils (dumas)
• What was one of the key reforms implemented during Alexander II's reign?

  The Judicial Reform of 1864
• What did the Judicial Reform of 1864 establish in Russia?

  It established an independent judiciary and introduced trial by jury for criminal cases.
• What were the strengths and weaknesses of Alexander II's reforms?

  Strengths: - Addressed key issues like serfdom and military weaknesses - Introduced significant legal and educational reforms - Aimed to modernize Russia and improve governance Weaknesses: - Gradual approach led to dissatisfaction among radicals - Resistance from conservative factions and bureaucratic inefficiencies - Implementation challenges and financial burdens on peasants
• What was a significant aspect of Alexander II's foreign policy after the Crimean War?

  Rebuilding Russia's international standing
• What was the aim of Alexander II's support for Pan-Slavism?

  To increase Russian influence in Ottoman-controlled territories by supporting Slavic nationalist movements.
• Which territories did Russia conquer during its expansion in Central Asia under Alexander II?

  Present-day Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan
• How did Alexander II improve relations with European powers?

  By supporting Prussia in the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871)
• What were the consequences of the Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878) for Russia?

  Russia gained some territory but faced diplomatic setbacks at the Congress of Berlin.
• What regions did Russia acquire from China under Alexander II's Far East policy?

  The Amur and Ussuri regions