15.4 Notes: Empire of the Czars

Russian Background 1. Population a. 60 nationalities b. 100 languages 2. Geography a. Two times the size of the USA. b. Land is primarily plains. c. 16 time zones! 3. Economy a. Agricultural economy based on serfdom.(A peasant laborer legally bound to the lands of a noble).

Alexander I (1801-1825) Little reform Decembrist Revolt Russian officers wanted to institute a constitutional government, reform economy, and free serfs. Revolt was crushed but inspired future revolutions.

Nicholas I (1825-1855) 1. Imposed greater oppression. 2. Demand for reform persisted.

Alexander II (1855-1881) Nicholas I’s son Nickname: "Czar Liberator“ Freed serfs to provide cheap labor for industry. Established "Zemtvos" (elected assemblies) that were controlled by wealthy noblemen.

Other Reforms of Alexander II Eased restrictions on newspapers and the press Limited authority of secret police (oprichniki) Expanded education Modernized judicial system Reorganized the army Failed to stop growth of revolutionary movements. Assassinated by revolutionaries in 1881.

Alexander III (1881-1894) Promoted "Russification" (unite all Russian people) Persecuted all non-Russians or those against czar. Government encouraged Pogroms-organized massacre of Jews.

Nicholas II (1894-1917) The last czar Easily influenced by others (Rasputin) Revolutionary mood sweeps through Russia “Bloody Sunday” Peaceful demonstration of workers trying to present petition for reform to Czar. Soldiers of Czar open fire killing many. “October Manifesto” Granted civil rights to the Russian people.

Rasputin: The Mad Monk Grigori Rasputin was born into a peasant family in Siberia, Russia, around 1869. After failing to become a monk, Rasputin became a wanderer and eventually entered the court of Czar Nicholas II because of his alleged healing abilities. Known for his prophetic powers, he became a favorite of the Nicholas's wife, but his political influence was minor. Rasputin became swept up in the events of the Russian Revolution and met a brutal death at the hands of assassins in 1916.

Mad Monk VLAs: Rasputin Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvDMlk3kSYg The Mad Monk Documentary: http://www.biography.com/people/rasputin-9452162 Rasputin Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vis2LDQXCF4