The reforms of Alexander II Flashcards
What was Alexander II biggest concern when he became the new emperor in 1856?
The matter of communications
Why did communications need improving?
Russia at the time of Alexander II ascension to the throne only had 1 major railway line of significance, between Moscow and ST Petersburg, this slowed communications down massively.
How much did the railway system improve in Russia.
At Alexander’s accession there were fewer than 600 miles (965 km) of track.
When he died in 1881, some 14,000 miles (22,525 km) of railway were in operation.
How did the increase in railways help Russia’s economy?
The railway construction meant a general quickening of economic life in a predominately feudal and backward society.
The movement of Grain, Russia’s main export was made easier.
What developed as a result of the increase in rail?
Joint stock companies developed, as did banking and credit institutions as a result of the growing railway industry that was present in Russia.
What did the emancipation of the serfs allow?
10s of million of humans were finally given their own personal freedom, can be described as the greatest social movement since the French Revolution in Europe.
Additionally, former serfs also received a modest allotment of land.
When was the judicial statute brought in?
1864
What did the judicial statute do?
The judicial statute of 1864 brought with it, for the first time in Russia, a judicial system that in many respects could stand in comparison with those of its western counterparts [in many ways the new system was modelled off that of France’s system].
What was introduced into local governments in 1864?
elective local assemblies, also known as Zemstvos/Zemstvas
Had did the introduction of zemstvas benefit the empire?
-Extended the area of self-government
-Improved local welfare
-Brought the first rays of enlightenment to the Russian countryside
How did the Zemstvas improve local welfare?
Education, hygiene, medical care, local crafts and agronomy were all controlled/regulated by the local government.
How did Zemstvas improve education?
Opened zemstva village schools which led to a spread of rural literacy.
Serfdom = ?
Serfdom was an institutional system which obliged a peasant to provide forced labour services to his landlord in exchange for being allowed to occupy land.
