What were the changes in central administration under Alexander II?

Questions and Answers

What was the overall nature of Alexander II's control over central administration?

He shared power with ministers.

He had complete control over all aspects. (correct)

He delegated authority to local governments.

There were significant changes leading to a constitutional monarchy.

What can be said about the presence of reforms during Alexander II's reign?

No reforms were implemented during his time.

Reforms were only introduced after 1880.

Reforms predominantly occurred before 1866. (correct)

Reforms were consistent and significant throughout his reign.

What was a notable aspect of the Loris-Melikov reforms proposed by Alexander II?

They aimed to abolish the monarchy.

They would have created Russia's first advisory constituent assembly. (correct)

They were rejected entirely by the tsar.

They involved eliminating all forms of serfdom immediately.

How did Alexander II's methodology change during his reign?

He combined reforms and repressions depending on the context. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects the continuity of Alexander II's tsarism during his rule?

The tsar aimed to modernize the military and maintain autocracy. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the changes in the apparatus of central government during Alexander II's reign?

The changes were relatively small compared to other historical periods. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the key aims of Alexander II during his reign?

To catch up with Western powers. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did the nature of Alexander II's rule maintain continuity?

His core objectives remained unchanged throughout his reign. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the primary reasons for Alexander II's reluctance to allow serfs greater mobility?

To prevent destabilization of the social structure. Signup and view all the answers

How many peasant revolts occurred between 1844 and 1854 prior to the Crimean War?

350 Signup and view all the answers

What method did Nicholas I use to restore order during peasant revolts?

Use of the army Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary role of Kartogas during Alexander II's reign?

To serve as a place of exile for dissenters. Signup and view all the answers

Which action indicated the ineffectiveness of the Third Section under Alexander II?

The assassination of its head by revolutionaries. Signup and view all the answers

What reform was considered one of Alexander II's most radical changes?

Judicial reform. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the trials involving Populists during Alexander II's rule?

Many were acquitted, leading to public dissatisfaction. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the government's structure under Alexander II?

A tsar in total control with ministerial functions. Signup and view all the answers

In what context was the army used during the Polish Revolt of 1864?

To crush opposition and restore order. Signup and view all the answers

What major change to governance was made as a reform to improve administration during Alexander II's reign?

The creation of the Committee of Ministers. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Imperial Council of State during Alexander II's rule?

To provide legal and financial advice to the tsar. Signup and view all the answers

Which section was removed when the Committee of Ministers was introduced in 1861?

The Third Section of the Personal Chancellery. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Okhrana serve in Alexander II's administration?

The new secret police replacing the Third Section. Signup and view all the answers

What change did Alexander II make to the process of drafting legislation with the introduction of the Committee of Ministers?

Draft legislation could now be passed on for further scrutiny. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represented a common ideological divide among Alexander II's ministers?

Support for Westernization versus adherence to traditional Orthodoxy. Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary function of the Senate during Alexander II's reign?

To confirm titles and decide land ownership issues. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for Alexander II's introduction of the Committee of Ministers?

To improve government efficiency. Signup and view all the answers

Which ministerial role was NOT considered one of the four most important in the Committee of Ministers?

Minister of Justice. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significant shift regarding the secret police during the period of 1880-1881?

The name changed to Okhrana but with similar powers. Signup and view all the answers

How did the public perceive the Third Section, leading to its removal?

As a symbol of oppression. Signup and view all the answers

What was a common position regarding serfdom among the Slavophiles?

The peasant commune should be preserved and developed based on tradition. Signup and view all the answers

Which minister was primarily responsible for educational reforms during Alexander II's reign?

Dmitry Tolstoy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a role of the Council of Ministers after 1861?

Provide legal advice to the tsar. Signup and view all the answers

What reform was associated with the shift to the Okhrana during Alexander II's rule?

The Loris-Melikov reforms. Signup and view all the answers

What method did Alexander II utilize to exercise control over the population?

Censorship of the press Signup and view all the answers

Who was the Grand Duke involved in multiple governmental roles during Alexander II's rule?

Grand Duke Constantine Signup and view all the answers

Which factor influenced Alexander II's decision-making regarding serfdom?

Public opinion and rising opposition. Signup and view all the answers

Which period saw a significant increase in educational opportunities in Russia under Alexander II?

1861-1864 Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable impact of the Press Law passed in 1865 during Alexander II's reign?

Tripling of book publications Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the censorship during Alexander II's reign?

It was the most liberal period of censorship in Russia history. Signup and view all the answers

What change occurred in the ministerial appointments following the assassination attempts during Alexander II's reign?

Increased presence of conservative ministers Signup and view all the answers

Which liberal minister was responsible for the Emancipation of the Serfs?

Nikolay Milyutin Signup and view all the answers

In what way did Alexander II's methods of control change over his reign?

They involved hiring and firing various ministers. Signup and view all the answers

Which individual served as head of the Third Section during the latter part of Alexander II’s reign?

Pyotr Shuvalov Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the 1861 reform on primary education have during Alexander II's rule?

Expanded educational access for the lower classes Signup and view all the answers

What was a central feature of the emancipation of serfs regarding land and payments?

Imposition of redemption payments on peasants Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal motivating Alexander II's method changes with his ministers?

To maintain his autocratic rule Signup and view all the answers

Which was a consequence of the reforms in the education system under Alexander II?

University education was expanded but had stricter access for some groups. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Tsar and Central Administration

Alexander II remained an absolute monarch from 1855 to his assassination in 1881, maintaining control over central administration.
Aimed to modernize Russia while managing autocracy, military reform, and serfdom consequences.
Tsarism experienced no massive changes in its core functions, though methods of governance evolved over time.

Parts of Central Government

Three periods highlight the structure of central government:
- 1855-1861: Personal Chancellery, Imperial Council of State, Council of Ministers, and Senate structured governance.
- 1861-1880: Introduction of the Committee of Ministers, improving administrative efficiency and adding an advisory layer.
- 1880-1881: Okhrana replaced the Third Section of the Personal Chancellery, maintaining the same security functions but modernized.

Changes in Ministers

Ministerial appointments reflected Alexander II's balancing act between reformers and conservatives:
- 1855-1866: Predominance of Westerniser liberals supporting reforms.
- 1867-1880: Shift to conserve control amidst assassination attempts, with conservatives placed in strategic ministries.
The ideological divides between Westernisers (liberal reformers) and Slavophiles (traditionalists) influenced governance and policy decisions.

Methods of Control

Censorship laws became relatively liberal compared to previous regimes, with increased publications and reduced preliminary censorship.
Education reform expanded access at primary and university levels, with some controls instituted under Dmitry Tolstoy to manage revolutionary ideas.
Emancipation of the serfs included strict land distribution and redemption payments to prevent destabilization of society.
The army was used to quell peasant revolts, notably in 1861 after emancipation, resulting in decreased resistance by the mid-1860s.
Kartogas were employed for exiling dissenters, continuing a long-standing Russian practice.
The Third Section, and later the Okhrana, faced inefficiencies yet retained primary responsibilities for state security and opposition management.
Judicial reforms aimed to improve public trust; however, trials of political dissidents caused backlash and led to increased control over political crimes.

Concluding Points

While some administrative changes occurred under Alexander II, such as the Committee of Ministers, the overall structure of central government and tsarist authority remained intact.
Ministers and control methods showcased a balance of reforms and repression, aligning with the tsar's overarching goals throughout his reign.

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Description

Explore the structure and evolution of the central administration under Tsar Alexander II from 1855 to 1881. This quiz examines key government periods, the role of ministers, and the Tsar's attempts to balance modernization with autocratic governance. Test your knowledge of Russian history and governance during this transformative period.