1. What kind of a man was Tsar Alexander III

2. Extension. Decide which was the most urgent problem he faced.
Make a list of the problems facing Alexander III when he came to power in 1881 (Murphy p.11-12)
Can you find 5?
Extension. Decide which was the most urgent problem he faced.
 starter activity
Alexander III ( )

3. Problems facing Alexander III
Unexpectedly became Tsar
Challenges of governing huge Russian Empire
Alexander II’s reforms had increased popular expectations of further change
Pressures from advisers – Westernisers & Slavophiles
Growth of radical opposition e.g. People’s Will – aimed to eradicate Tsarism.

4. Note-taking skills
 Your task
Read p and record as a A3 spider diagram the measures Alexander III used to assert his authority after his father’s death. Focus on these areas:
The government
Dealing with political opposition
The press
Education
Ethnic minorities
Financial reform
 If you were the Tsar which areas would you judge to be most successful and which were the most unsuccessful?

5. Alex III Film Clip
10 mins

6. What were the similarities and differences in Russia between the start and the end of Alexander III’s reign?
(Murphy page 17)
Alexander III ( )
6’ 3’’ tall!

7. Identify the similarities and differences in Russia between the beginning (1881) and end of Alexander III’s reign (1894)
Exactly the same as in 1881
Completely different from 1881
Share as a class and discuss. Challenge ideas with questioning from teacher and student

8.  Extension
Produce a presentation / factoid on Konstantin Pobedonostev, chief procurator of the Holy Synod and one of Alexander III’s closest advisers.
OR – Create a facebook style profile.
Use this powerpoint to help you.

9.  Plenary List 5 reforms introduced by Alexander III
How accurate is the view that Alexander II was the great liberator and his son Alexander III was a great reactionary?
Alexander II
Alexander III

10.  Extension
Produce a factoid (1 side A4) on Tsar Nicholas II. Include the following:
Early life
His family
Years in government
Key achievements / failings
Include ‘juicy quotes’ from contemporaries and historians