Factor 2 - The Orthodox Church Flashcards
(14 cards)
Who controlled the church in Russia?
The church was controlled by the Holy Synod, a body of clergy appointed by the Tsar.
What did the Orthodox Church teach Russians about the Tsar?
The Orthodox Church taught that the Tsar was “chosen by God” and that Russians should be as loyal to the Tsar as they were to God.
How did the Church portray Tsar Nicholas?
The Church encouraged Russians to see Tsar Nicholas as their “little father.”
What role did the Orthodox Church play in education?
The Orthodox Church ran over 41,000 schools in Russia, where they preached loyalty and obedience, thus playing a significant role in education.
How did the Church respond to opposition to the Tsar?
The Church did not tolerate any opposition to the Tsar and called on their congregations to inform the police if anyone held anti-tsarist views.
Why was the Orthodox Church vital to maintaining the Tsar’s position?
The Orthodox Church was vital because its support for autocracy was followed by a huge number of people, helping to maintain the Tsar’s power.
How did the Church use its control of education to its advantage?
The Church used its control of education to reinforce its message of loyalty and obedience from an early age, shaping the mindset of the population.
How did historian Orlando Figes describe the role of the Church?
Orlando Figes described the Church as “an essential propaganda weapon and a means of social control.”
Where was the traditional heartland of the church in Russia?
The countryside was the traditional heartland of the church.
Were people in the countryside as devout as commonly believed?
No, people in the countryside may not have been as devout or unquestioning as it was commonly believed.
What challenges did many members of the clergy face?
Many clergy were poorly educated, lived in poverty, and lacked empathy with the struggles of their flock.
How did urbanization affect the Church’s influence?
Russia’s growing urbanization reduced the Church’s capacity to control, as people in cities were less influenced by its teachings.
What was the Church’s stance on modernisation and reform?
The Church defended tradition and was strongly committed to opposing modernisation and reform.
How did rising literacy levels impact the Church’s influence?
Rising literacy levels allowed Russians to access other belief systems, making them less dependent on the teachings of the Church.
