Russia 1825-1894

1825 Tsar Alexander I dies and Russia enters a period of turmoil.

Serfdom Harsher than Western European Serfdom De facto slavery Backwards system- no incentive for change or increased production

Decembrists Revolt Army officers returning from Western Europe fighting Napoleon had been exposed to Enlightenment ideas of the west. Want a constitution for Russia “Constantine and Constitution”

Nicholas I Resists change- keeps absolutism Keeps serfdom to ensure the loyalty of the Boyars (Russian Landlords) Limits education to help control the upper class Sets up secret police

Alexander II “Frees” the serfs Serfs own land communally in Mirs Peasants still kept tied to the land Sets up Zemstvos- Local councils with limited powers

Russians Want More Change! By the late 1800’s- Many peasant riots Educated Russians forced to meet and discuss politics in secret Nihilism- complete destruction needed before rebuilding Narodniki- narod (people)- students who worked with peasants. Schooling and medical services. Practical and revolutionary.

Alexander III Believed in Autocracy “Autocracy, Orthodoxy, Nationality” Discrimination against non-Russians, non-Orthodox Christians Pogroms