Alexander II As Tsar Flashcards
What type of education was Alexander given as a boy?
A liberal education which was complemented by extensive tours of the empire
What roles did Nicholas I assign to Alexander as a young man?
Several roles in government which were intended to prepare him for his future as tsar
What was Alexander II’s outlook as a ruler despite his education?
He had a conservative outlook which motivated his decision to reform Russia to preserve autocracy and tsardom
Who influenced Alexander II’s decision-making?
Prominent members of his court including a group of liberal nobles called the Party of St Petersburg Progress, his aunt Grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna, and his brother Grand Duke Constantine
What did the ‘enlightened nobles’ encourage Alexander II to do?
To make domestic reforms to modernise the empire which they believed were necessary for progress
What significant action did Alexander II take soon after becoming tsar?
Ordered the release of political prisoners and pardoned the Decembrists, who had previously attempted to assassinate his father
What were the two main factions in Alexander II’s government regarding Russia’s future direction?
Westernisers and Slavophiles. Westernisers believed in development along western lines, while Slavophiles valued Russian traditions
What was a common belief among members of Alexander II’s government and court?
That change was needed and, the moral argument against serfdom became more and more accepted
What practical grounds did some members of Alexander II’s government use to argue for change?
Russia’s status and economic growth depended on a free labour force. This highlighted the economic necessity for reform
What did Alexander II believe was his duty as tsar?
To maintain autocracy and uphold his God-given duties. However, he understood the strength of moral and practical arguments for reform
