starter activity Why would you wish to be seen in this way? What impression do you gain of the Tsar from this picture? An picture of Tsar Nicholas II and his wife, Emperor and Autocrat of All the Russias; Tsar of Moscow, Kiev, Vladimir, Novgorod, Kazan, Astrakhan, Poland, Siberia, the Tauric Chersonese and Georgia; Lord of Pskov (and over 40 other titles!)
What was life like in Tsarist Russia? LOs To be able to describe how Russia was governed in the nineteenth century To identify the challenges facing the Tsars in governing Russia To produce a report on conditions in Russia
What does each tier show? A Communist cartoon depicting the government of Russia under the Tsars. Annotate the cartoon by answering these two questions: What does each tier show? What is the message of the cartoon? Extension: how useful is this cartoon in understanding the way in which Russia was governed?
Your task Skim read p.5-8 and try to pick out at least 5 problems facing Tsar Alexander II (1855-1881) Explain what is meant by the term ‘autocrat’ and add it to your glossary. Extension: can you identify any strengths in this form of government from the Tsar’s point of view? Tsar Alexander II
Your task Read p.6-8 of your textbook. Complete the remaining sections of your table. Break into small groups representing the following areas: Government Geography Economy Society Ethnic minorities Make a case to the Tsar why your particular ‘problem’ is the most pressing one facing Russia Extension: try to undermine the case put forward by your opponents
Homework Complete the table from today’s lesson. Write a page for a travel magazine on Russia in 1881. Be as positive as you can and refer to all key elements on your table. You could include an interview with Tsar Alexander II Extension. Find out what was happening in Britain and Europe in 1881 and provide some context for your newspaper
Plenary Explain the term autocracy Describe 5 problems facing Russian society in 1881 What was the greatest problem Why do you think Tsarism lasted for so long? List the reasons for its success.