Compare and contrast the policies of Alexander II (1855-81) and Alexander III (1881-94) of Russia

Compare and contrast the policies of Alexander II (1855-81) and Alexander III (1881-94) of Russia.

• Compare and contrast the policies of Alexander II (1855-81) and Alexander III (1881-94) of Russia.

• For what reasons, and with what results, did Alexander II try to reform Russian institutions?

• Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of Russia in the second half of the nineteenth century.

• Alexander II tried to reform Russian institutions only because the Crimean War showed that Russia was no longer a great military power.” Use specific examples of Alexander’s reforms to show to what extent you agree with this assertion.

• Last Specific focus on Foreign Policy question was in 2001

• Despite his apparently liberal policies, Alexander II was just as conservative as Alexander III.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

• REFORM VS REACTION

• REFORM OF RUSSIAN INSTITUTIONS

Aim for a thematic approach

• Aim for a thematic approach

• Make sure you know how much Alex II and Alex III reformed Russian institutions- this can then help you do compare / contrast or success / failure.

Key phrase often used in exam questions is the ‘reform of Russian institutions’ be sure to state what they are- (army, judiciary, education, local government, serfdom) this then sets up a thematic approach to the essay.

• Key phrase often used in exam questions is the ‘reform of Russian institutions’ be sure to state what they are- (army, judiciary, education, local government, serfdom) this then sets up a thematic approach to the essay.

• Any essay on Alex II domestic policy should deal with the Emancipation of the Serfs.

• Alex II as ‘Tsar Liberator’- again use the institutions and particularly the Emancipation of the Serfs.

• “The emancipation of the serfs in Russia was the only genuine reform introduced by Alexander II.” To what extent do you agree with this assertion?- again you would start with Serfdom and then move onto other institutions

Key phrase often used is ‘reaction / counter reform’- be clear to explain this.

• Key phrase often used is ‘reaction / counter reform’- be clear to explain this.

• How far was he a reactionary?

• He did make some reforms

Recognised that reform needed to come ‘from above’ to avoid forces of change from below.

• Recognised that reform needed to come ‘from above’ to avoid forces of change from below.

• Impact of defeat in the Crimean War.

• Serfdom was inefficient- economic reasons for emancipation (1861).

• Emancipation of the Serfs- ‘state engineering’- broke the feudal contract- the Mir system was strengthened- some local autonomy for peasants- more freedom of movement for peasants/ rise of a new ‘class’ of peasant- BUT redemption payments tied peasants to the land- Mir exercised control over the peasants in the same way the gentry had/ Civil disturbances

Moral improvement

• Moral improvement

• Great step forward for Russia

• Decline in the overall size of peasants land holding

• Opportunity missed by Alex to reform further due to his commitment to Autocracy

Admin / Govt– setting up of the ZEMSTVA – rural local councils – ‘local initiative- local government for the people- but still dominated by the nobility.

• Admin / Govt– setting up of the ZEMSTVA – rural local councils – ‘local initiative- local government for the people- but still dominated by the nobility.

• JUDICIARY- reforms dealt with various abuses of law- dealt with corruption within justice system. Trial by jury / Public trials. Pay for judges. Police / Judge role redefined.

• MILITARY- Milyutin’s reforms- training of officers / Military Code- response to Crimean defeat. Conscription / Education of soliders- overall failure with defeats in 1904 / 1917

• EDUCATION- zemstva controlled rather than the church- ‘liberalisation’ of education- women / class / curriculum choice- university independence.

• NOTE OVERALL INFLUENCE OF ARISTOCRACY WHICH LIMITS SCALE OF REFORMS

Autocracy- reforms made to ensure its survival.

• Autocracy- reforms made to ensure its survival.

• Nobility still had great influence in Russian institutions.

• Radical in the context of Tsarism- but not enough.

• Reforms gave rise to political consciousness.

• Ultimately Alex II reliant upon repression to uphold the regime.

Personality- assassination of Father- - western style govt not ‘Russian’.

• Personality- assassination of Father- - western style govt not ‘Russian’.

• Wanted to rule as an autocrat- ‘Black Tsar’.

• High levels of repression- formation of Okhrana. High levels of censorship.

• Attempts to ‘turn back the clock’ on the reform of Russian institutions

• Controls on judiciary- justice of peace (volost) abolished- replaced with Land Captains- nobility influence again. ‘In camera’ trials allowed. Crimes against state officials heard without a jury

• Zemstva came under the control of the Ministry of the Interior

• Education- women denied access to higher courses. Fees increased. Church influence over primary schools increased.

1883 Peasants Land Bank- loans to peasants.

• 1883 Peasants Land Bank- loans to peasants.

• Abolition of poll tax 1886

• 1885 Nobles’ Land Bank

• 1882 Child Labour Laws- working hours

Emphasis on Russian language, culture, religion and identity.

• Emphasis on Russian language, culture, religion and identity.

• Use of the education system to support this.

• Conscription into the army.

• Closure of Jewish schools

• 1881- 1883 Pogroms- attacks on Jewish businesses / property.

• 1882 ‘Provisional Rules’ measures to restrict the civil rights of Jews- e.g. no right of appeal in court.

Reasons and results of Alex II reform of Russian institutions

• Reasons and results of Alex II reform of Russian institutions

• Reasons and results of Alex III’s counter reforms.

Personality.

• Personality.

• Attitude towards autocracy.

• Attitude towards reform of Russian institutions.

• Attitude towards opposition groups.

• Foreign Policy.

• Use of repression / Russification