Russia: Reform and Reaction

Conditions in Russia Obstacles to Progress Czars saw the need to modernize without losing absolute rule Social Structure (nobles, middle class, serfs) Serfdom Peasants, servants, artisans, soldiers Russia’s economy would remain backward

Russian Absolutism Czar Alexander I eased censorship and promoted education Opposed liberal and nationalist impulses Nicholas I suppressed Decembrists Used police spies, banned books with liberal ideas, allowed only approved textbooks in schools Locked up Russians with liberal or revolutionary ideas in mental hospitals

Russian Absolutism Nicholas I embraced three pillars Orthodoxy – strong ties between church and government Autocracy - absolute power of the state Nationalism – respect for Russian traditions and suppression on Non Russian groups New law code and economic reforms

Reforms of Alexander II Emancipation Freed the serf Lands allotted to serfs to small for farm efficiently Serfs moved to cities to work in industries

Reforms of Alexander II Other Reforms Zemstvos elected assemblies Responsible for road repair, schools, and agriculture Censorship and reformed military Service reduced 25 yrs to 15 yrs Women liberation Left to be educated abroad

Reaction to Change Revolutionary Currents Crackdown Socialists spread word to peasants Assassinated Czar Alexander II Alexander III increased police power Russification aimed to suppressing the cultures of non-Russian people within the empire. One language One Church Persecution and Pogroms Jews restrictions Violent mob attacks Emigrated to US

Crisis and Revolution Peaceful March Revolution of 1905 Workers strikes –shorter hours better wages Constitution and reforms Father George Gapon organized a march Sunday January 22, 1905 Strikes multiplied October Manifesto “Freedom of person, conscience, speech, assembly and union” Duma (elected legislative) Bloody Sunday Czar fled palace Troops shot into crowd Killed the people’s faith and trust in the Czar