Alexander III Quiz Cards Flashcards
How did Alexander III govern Russia?
Alexander III was terrified of revolutionary activity and a firm believer in absolutism, nationalism and antisemitism. He publicly hanged those responsible for his father’s assassination and brought in a series of
counter-reforms to strengthen his autocracy. The number of police and their powers were increased
What were the effects of Russification and
Antisemitic legislation?
Alexander III adopted a policy of systematic ‘Russification’. The destruction of non-Russian national cultures was particularly marked in Poland and Finland but it affected the whole of The Empire. Russification served to weaken the Empire as it led to more opposition from the ditterent nationalities in the empire. In 1881 there were a number of pogroms and a series of antisemitic laws were passed 1882-94.
How far did the economy change under Alexander
III?
Nikolai Bunge was Alexander III’s first finance minister. He tried to reduce the burden on the peasants to stimulate economic growth. Vyshengradsky replaced him in 1887 and took a very different approach. He wanted to export as much grain as possible so the profits could be used to fund industrialisation. This approach led to a catastrophic famine in 1891-92. Sergei Witte took over in 1892 and transformed industry.
How effective was opposition under Alexander
III?
Security and repression had been increased but opposition was not eliminated. Underground societies continued an interest in socialism and in 1886 a group of students even tried to reform The People’s Will. The work of Plekhanov and industrialisation saw the development of Marxist ideas during this period. Opposition had not been eradicated but it achieved little under Alexander IlI’s rule.
How far did society and culture change under
Alexander III?
Social structure had changed little and the extent of urbanisation should not be overstated. Yet, an urban middle class was developing and the kulak class continued to grow. Russia was moving away from a land-based society but very slowly. Working and living conditions remained poor throughout the period and the Russian Orthodox Church continued to dominate.
