Alexander III and counter reforms A III and his minister Pobedonostsev (1881-95)

Counter-reforms 1) Defeat of proposals for constitutional reform, 1881 * Effects: -reforming ministers resigned, indicated that A III had no intention of completing the parliamentary reform 2) Statute Concerning Measures for the protection of State Security, 1881, formation of Okhrana effects: revolutionary groups were weakened for a decade , activists forced into exile 3) The office of Volost ( justice of peace) was abolished, 1889 Effects: their duties were transferred in the towns from the countryside ( more power to the upper classes

4) The Zemstva Act, 1890; changed the way in which membership was elected, peasant representation was reduced and made indirect Effects: more trained experts employed by the zemstva and cities, wanted to bring improvements to the people. 5) Municipal Government Act restricted, 1892 Effects: more power to the rich people 6) University Statute , 1884; The state control over the universities, Higher courses for women to be gradually closed, university fees, the church was given more control over primary education * effects: increase in the powers of the government and the church, inspectors to eliminate the reformist movement

7) Minister of Justice was given increased disciplinary powers over the judiciary * effects: increased government interference in the law courts, trial by jury undermined. Most of the legal reforms of A II were reversed. 8) Dissenters were not allowed to build new centres of worship, all attempts to convert a member of the Orthodox Church were to be punished by ab exile to Siberia, 1883 Effects: paving the way for Russification

A III´s REFORMS 1) A Law to end ” temporary obligation” , 1881 Effects: redemption payments were reduced, allotments were made compulsory 2) Peasants´Land Bank was established, 1883 3) Nobles´ Land Bank, 1885 → to boom the industry and economy as a whole 4) Abolition of poll-tax 1883-6

5) Most Dissenters were allowed to have passports.. 6) Gains by the workers - child labour was regulated, 1882 - laws to provide for compulsary education, 1882-90 - reduction in hours worked by women at night - factory inspectors appointed to enforce legislation and to supervise labourers´ living and working conditions