Attempts At Domestic Reform (Local Government And Education)

Question 1

What were the elected local councils called that replaced the role of the serf-owning gentry?

Answer 1

Zemstva who were established in 1864 and aimed to provide local governance

Question 2

What councils were established in towns from 1870?

Answer 2

Dumas which were similar to zemstva but focused on urban areas.

Question 3

How were the local councils elected?

Answer 3

Using an electoral college which allowed representation from various groups.

Question 4

Which groups were represented in the electoral college for the zemstva?

Answer 4

• Nobles
• Townspeople
• Clergy
• Peasants
  Representation reflected a mix of social classes.

Question 5

Who were primarily elected to the zemstva?

Answer 5

Nobles and middle-classes. These elected members had local knowledge and the power to improve public services and organise poor relief

Question 6

What was a limitation of the zemstva’s representativeness?

Answer 6

The voting system heavily favoured the nobility and most elected members came from a narrow professional class of doctors, teachers, lawyers and engineers

Question 7

What powers did the zemstva have?

Answer 7

The powers were strictly limitied limited; they had no power over taxes. Provincial governors, appointed by the tsar, had greater authority and could overturn zemstva decisions

Question 8

Who continued to take responsibility for law and order despite the zemstva?

Answer 8

Provincial governors, appointed by the Tsar

Question 9

What societal demand increased following the emancipation?

Answer 9

Demands for a more literate society. This led to educational reforms in schools and universities.

Question 10

Who took responsibility for primary education after the reforms?

Answer 10

Powers were taken away from the Church and given to the zemstvo

Question 11

What rights were granted to universities after the reforms?

Answer 11

Right to self govern and appoint their own staff. This allowed for more autonomy in higher education.

Question 12

What type of education was extended and improved during this period?

Answer 12

Both primary and secondary education was extended and new schools were opened that offered vocational education.

Question 13

What significant change occurred in schools from 1870?

Answer 13

Schools were declared open to children of both genders and from all different classes. This increased school and university attendance.

Question 14

What role did the zemstvo and universities play in society?

Answer 14

They became centres of more progressive, liberal thinkers thereby fostering new ideas and reforms.