Russia in Revolution: 1881-1924

Alexander III and His Policies

• Alexander II introduced important reforms such as the emancipation of the serfs in 1861.
• Following assaniation in 1881, Alexander III hated many reforms.
• Alex III influenced by conservative Pobedonostsev.
• Argued reforms encouraged radicalism and threatened Tsarist system.
• Policy of repression launched in 1881.
• This included:
  • Reforming ministers being forced to resign.
  • Manifesto produced emphasising Tsar's power.
  • Government controlled courts.
  • Power of the Okhrana.

Failed Assaniation of Alex III

• Repression increased after failed assasination in 1887.
• 1889 'Land Captains' introduced to help rule Russia.
• 1890 became memebers of Zemstva.
• Central gov. control over education also introduced.

Extending Power Over The Empire

• Alex III strengthened Russification.
• 1885 Russian became language of empire and all other languages were banned in schools.
• Jews heavily persecuted and experienced viscious programs.

Economic Modernisation of Russia

• Alexander III new that Russia needed a modern economy to keep up with Britain.
• Nikolai Bunge = Finance Minister 1881.
• 1882 reduced tax paid by peasants.
• 1887 Ivan Vyshnegradsky = Finance Minister.
• Ecouraged foregin countries to loan to Russia.
• However, severe famine between 1891-1892, where 1.5 to 2 million people died.

Russian Economy and Society

• The emancipation of the serfs did not resolve the problems of agricultural production.
• Some developments occured in 1880s 
• Tarrifs to encourage domestic buying of Russian goods, 1891.
• Russia still behind Europe.

Impact of Sergi Witte and the 'Great Spurt', 1892 - 1903

• Key aim to strengthen economy and maintatin Russian possinion as a Great Power.
• Russia suffered with lack of foregin investment, large businesses and workers for factories in late 19th Century.
• Following policies used to modernise economy:
  • Government more active in control of economy.
  • Greater emphasis on coal iron and steel.
  • Loans from foreign countries.
  • The Trans-Siberian Railway was built to exploit Siberia economically.

Successes and Failures of Witte's policies

Successes

• Increased coal and iron production.
• 144 million roubles in foregin investment between 1897 and 1900
• 1903 = Trans-Siberian railway almost complete.
• Cities grew rapidly.

Failures

• Living conditions in cities for working classes were very poor.
• Strikes became more common in Ruissia cities.
• Russia was more in debt than any other European country at the time.
• 1913 = industry contributed only 20% of national income and only 18% of people lived in cities.
• Increased taxes on peasants created widedspresad anger.

Personality 

• Came to power in 1894 and had been tutored by Pobedonostsev.
• He had little knowledge on the poverty and relied on a small number of advisers.

The Tsar's Beleifs

• Beleived in maintating Tsarist system and did not support political reform.
• He had the divine right to rule the Russian Empire.

The Tsar's Dictatorship

• 1894 - 1905 refused to allow parliament to be established.
• Relied on Okhrana to maintain security in Russia.
• Willing to use army and elite forces such as Cossaks to supress strikes or protests.
• Supported the establishment of the 'Black Hundreds'.
• Encouraged programs and supported censorship.

Weaknesses in the Political System

• The system of Government was not efficient.
• Decisions were slow and took a longtime to be implemented.
• The Tsar was indecisive and easily influenced.
• Widespread bribery and corruption.

Impact of Tsars Rule

• Reluctancy against reform led to increasing frustration in Russia.
• Many Russians supported political opposition groups.

Nicholas II and the Tsarina

• Tsarina could influence Tsar and encouraged him to remain at home instead of gov. affairs.
• She was disliked as she was German.

Nicholas II and the Russian Orthodox Church

• The church spread the message in the country that the Tsar was chosen by God to rule.