19th Century Russia Overview

Study Notes

19th Century Russia

Russia was underdeveloped and lagged behind Europe in modernization.
Russian rulers showed little interest in liberty or modernization.
Tsars held absolute power without accountability.
A severe famine caused widespread suffering and death.
Russia remained a largely feudal and backward society.

Tsar Alexander II

Alexander II emancipated the serfs.
Freed serfs were required to repay their landlords over 49 years.
Alexander II was a reformer, but his autocratic rule was also criticized.

Tsar Alexander III

Alexander III felt his father's reforms weakened Tsarist authority.
He suppressed religious minorities and non-Russians.
The Okhrana, a secret police force, was established to quell opposition.
Alexander III was known for his repressive policies.

Tsar Nicholas II

Nicholas II was perceived as indecisive and unprepared to rule.
He believed in his divine right to rule as Tsar.
1,500 people died in a stampede during his coronation.
Growing discontent with Tsarist rule followed the coronation.
Nicholas II was nicknamed "the bloody" due to the Bloody Sunday massacre.
He was blamed for the lack of modernization and insufficient rights for the people.

Rise of Communism

Communism was seen as a solution to Tsarist oppression by some Russians.
Vladimir Lenin, an intellectual, strongly supported communism.
Lenin believed capitalism exploited the working class.
Lenin was exiled to Siberia for his communist beliefs.
Lenin left Russia to collaborate with other Marxists in Europe.
A communist newsletter was smuggled into Russia.

The Bolsheviks

Lenin's political party was the Bolsheviks.
Lenin's uncompromising stance caused a division in the socialist party.
The Mensheviks were less radical socialists.
The Mensheviks were wary of Lenin's authoritarian tendencies.

1905 Russian Revolution

The Tsarist government struggled to modernize and improve people's lives.
War with Japan was declared to distract from domestic issues.
Russia suffered an unexpected defeat by Japan.
The defeat heightened public discontent.
Father Gapon led a peaceful protest to the Winter Palace.
The Tsar's troops fired on the crowd, killing 200 and injuring 800.
The event became known as Bloody Sunday.
The 1905 Revolution resulted following Bloody Sunday.
Workers, liberals, and peasants rebelled against Tsarist rule.
Soviets (local elected councils) emerged from workers' organizing.

The Duma

Tsar Nicholas II agreed to share power with an elected assembly called the Duma.
He later reversed this decision and reclaimed power.
Tsar Nicholas II survived the 1905 Revolution.

Stolypin Reforms

Pyotr Stolypin, a key advisor to the Tsar, implemented reforms to prevent further unrest.
He introduced agricultural reforms to improve peasant lives.
Suppressive measures were taken against opponents to the Tsar, causing many deaths.
Economic reforms improved the Russian economy.

Lenin and Stalin's Meeting

Lenin met Joseph Stalin at a communist convention in Finland.
Stalin became a fund-raiser for the Bolsheviks.

The Bolsheviks

Stalin was a significant leader within the Bolshevik party.
Stalin faced exile to Siberia for his involvement.

Tsar Nicholas II

Tsar Nicholas II presided over a period of economic recovery.
Initially, significant internal issues were avoided.

Grigori Rasputin

Rasputin was a religious figure claiming healing powers.
He rose to prominence and influence in Russia.
His unconventional behavior and gatherings were controversial.
Rasputin attracted negative press attention.
Rasputin gained proximity to the Tsar and Tsarina, due to his alleged healing of their son Alexei.
Alexei had hemophilia.
Rasputin's influence within the Tsar's household was highly controversial.
Despite Rasputin's presence and issues, the Tsar experienced a period of relative peace and economic prosperity.
Questions arise concerning whether the Tsar's inaction, trusting Rasputin's influence, contributed to upheaval.

World War I

World War I began in 1914.
The war was expected to negatively affect Russia, leading to potential unrest.

Description

Explore the significant events and rulers of 19th century Russia, including the reforms of Tsar Alexander II and the repressive policies of Tsar Alexander III. This quiz delves into the historical context and political struggles during a transformative period for Russia as it grappled with modernization and autocracy.