Following the unexpected death of his father Alexander III in 1894, Nicholas II became Tsar. The Russian Economy was in dire straits and needed professionalising. This began under A.III and continued under Nicholas II.

How modern really was Russia? Evaluate the successes & failures of emancipation Explain & evaluate the success of the Witte System

Context We are looking at the factors that led to the first ‘revolution’ in 1905. This lesson helps to understand some of the longer term causes of ‘revolution’ and calls for change in 1905. We also consider how well suited the new Tsar (Nicholas II becomes Tsar in 1894) was to lead Russia and how much he really understood what was going on.

Reminders Serfs – Emancipation (1861); Peasants Land Bank Civil Rights – relaxing of censorship; tightening of censorship Local govt – zemstva; membership ltd. Justice – juries; juries appointed by govt Ethnic minorities – autonomy; Russofication & pogroms

Two issues dominated the economy of 19th century Russia Population increase 1896: 12% living in towns 1913: 15% The majority of the population involved in farming.

Problems of a rapidly growing population

From what we have already learned, what were the problems of emancipation of the peasantry in Russia.  Extension: Think of a speech bubble that summarises the views of the peasant in the picture in 50 words. Don’t be rude, the Okhrana may come after you!

Problems Redemption payments Repayment over 49 years Village communes controlled serfs Village elders redistributed land & gave permission to leave village Population growth – doubling to 130m (1861-1914) Subsistence farming continued Indebted landowners used government money for agricultural improvement to pay off loans

Successes 80% of population serfs emancipated Land & property ownership for serfs Potential to modernise farming techniques Land Banks gave peasnats chance to own land if they could pay redemption fee or afford to pay mortgage.

The ‘Great Spurt’ Rapid growth of industry in the 1890’s Coal in the Ukraine, oil in the Caucasus Private enterprise, encouraged by government policy Military motive of the Tsarist government?

Recognise this man. Clue: look at the number on the door Recognise this man? Clue: look at the number on the door. Is he the right man for the job?

Page 19, Murphy Was this the right man for the job? Read about Sergei Witte, Russian Finance Minister and find reasons why he was a good choice. Can you predict any problems his policies might cause? Page 19, Murphy

Witte and State Capitalism Witte encouraged foreign investment and workers to come to Russia. State capitalism was difficult as Russia was backwards compared to GB, Fr, Germany. Russia must not remain the ‘handmaiden’ of western countries. Witte wanted to gain CAPITAL for investment in industry. Loans from abroad/High taxes and interest rates at home – GET THE MONEY IN, STOP IT GOING OUT Tariffs and the gold standard; financial stability, but higher prices domestically.

 Your task Reforms introduced by Witte Impact of Witte’s reforms How successful were attempts to modernise Russia. Complete a chart similar to the one below. Use Murphy p.20-21 to do this. Extension: Murphy and Morris, p.57-60 Reforms introduced by Witte Impact of Witte’s reforms

Main Reforms

Witte’s reforms Overseas loans and investments High domestic taxes interest rates to raise capital Limited import of foreign goods (to stop Russian money going abroad) Value of rouble linked to value of gold to keep it high Expansion of railway system, e.g. Trans-Siberian Railway (opened 1902) Improving balance of trade (e.g. 1901-10, Russia exporting 186m. roubles more than importing) Increasing industrial output, e.g. coal, iron, grain

Source 1.16

How could a railway transform Russia? 5771 (6850) miles in length Project idea began in 1851 and started in 1891 Construction proved a nightmare for the few qualified engineers. 90-120,000 employed Large rivers had to be bridged, and many areas were either waterlogged or sinking. The railway was finally completed in 1916 Interestingly, electrification did not begin until 1929 but was not completed until 2002. How could a railway transform Russia? 

Problems Industrial expansion was a global phenomenon – not just work of Witte & ‘Great Spurt’ Too dependent on foreign investment Light industry underinvested & agriculture ignored Military requirements & conservatism impeded progress Overcrowding in cities Unemployment Poor working conditions caused industrial unrest High inflation (1908-1914, 40%)

Response of four Social Groups Peasants Urban Workers National Minorities Political Opposition / Middle Class Intelligensia

Imagine we could hold a press conference with Sergei Witte and his team on his achievements with regard to the Russian economy. Interview a member of the class.

?  Mini-Plenary What were the successes & failures of emancipation? What were the successes of the Witte System On balance were Witte’s reforms a success or failure for Russia?  Was Witte right to resign? ? Witte

Sergei Witte preparing for his essay!  Homework ………“How far do you agree that Sergei Witte’s policies were successful in modernising the Russian economy in the period 1892-1904?” Sergei Witte preparing for his essay!

Top tips Introduction apply the KIT principle (Keyword, Instructions, Topic area) Topic sentencing and topic paragraphing Links Detailed and accurate supporting evidence Additional research Substantive conclusion