What was the nature of Alexander II’s government?

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Questions and Answers

What reputation did Alexander II earn due to the Emancipation Edict of 1861?

The Tsar Autocrat

The Tsar Democrat

The Tsar Reformer

The Tsar Liberator (correct)

Which change did Alexander II make to the central government structure in 1861?

Abolished the Personal Chancellery (correct)

Established a parliamentary system

Increased the power of the nobility

Created a federal government

What was a key criticism of the local government reforms introduced by Alexander II through the Zemstva?

They were too democratic

They eliminated local governance altogether

They maintained the administrative monopoly of the nobility (correct)

They were dominated by the bourgeoisie

Historians have differing views on Alexander II's reforms. Which perspective suggests he intended to grant more liberties?

J.N. Westwood's assessment of Alexander II Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant outcome of the emancipation of the serfs related to local government?

The need for reform in local government structures Signup and view all the answers

What was a common perception about Alexander II's governance after the introduction of reforms?

He regretted introducing democratic elements in governance Signup and view all the answers

What did the liberal members of the Zemstva criticize regarding the government?

The administrative monopoly and unresponsiveness Signup and view all the answers

What legacy is debated among historians regarding Alexander II's reforms?

They were largely superficial and aimed at gaining support Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant outcome of the creation of the Zemstva?

It led to the emergence of the Populist movement. Signup and view all the answers

Which historian argued that opposition to Alexander II was a logical result of his reforms?

Orlando Figes Signup and view all the answers

What event in 1877 led to the long-term imprisonment of key Populists?

The 'Trial of the 50' Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements reflects the nature of Alexander II’s government?

It maintained autocracy with limited reform efforts. Signup and view all the answers

What was the ultimate aim of the reforms implemented during Alexander II’s reign?

To maintain and strengthen autocracy. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the Populist movement after the failure of their efforts in 1874?

Some members resorted to revolutionary terror. Signup and view all the answers

What led to the eventual assassination of Alexander II?

Reforms creating a critical educated class. Signup and view all the answers

Which historian questioned the idea that the Populists were completely unsuccessful?

Geoffrey Hosking Signup and view all the answers

How did repression under Alexander II differ from that of his successors?

It was used strategically rather than as a primary approach. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nature of Alexander II's Government

Alexander II known as the 'Tsar Liberator' primarily due to the Emancipation Edict of 1861 which aimed to free the serfs.
Historians debate whether reforms granted real liberty or were mere concessions to gain support while maintaining autocracy.
J.N. Westwood argues that Alexander II relieved many people despite being autocratic and conservative.
Critics emphasize the limits of reform, asserting Alexander was fundamentally an autocrat focused on preserving power.
The Personal Chancellery of his Imperial Majesty abolished in 1861, replaced by a Council of Ministers, giving a façade of willingness to discuss policy.
Zemstva introduced as local government reforms intended to decentralize power but remained largely dominated by the nobility.
Liberal members of the Zemstva began to question the government's responsiveness, revealing flaws in democratic involvement.
The effectiveness of Zemstva noted in education, public health, and local economies, but it also detracted attention from central government reform.

Opposition and Repression

Increased opposition to Alexander II interpreted as a response to reforms, leading some historians to see assassination as a likely outcome.
Tom Kemp states that reforms led to a rise in educated critics of the regime.
Orlando Figes connects the creation of Zemstva to the emergence of the Populist movement that resorted to revolutionary terror after failing to gain peasant support.
Several assassination attempts on Alexander II, culminating in his successful assassination on March 1, 1881.
J.N. Westwood posits that opposition dynamics fluctuated due to tsarist repression, notably during the 'Trial of the 50' in 1877 which imprisoned key Populists.
Geoffrey Hosking argues that engaging with peasants allowed for the spread of radical ideas, indicating some success for the Populist movement.

Conclusion on Governance

Despite reforms, Alexander II's government remained fundamentally autocratic with no significant changes to the central authority structure.
Ministers had limited power and could be easily dismissed; no national body was available for policy discussion.
Repression used as a tool to suppress dissent, maintaining autocratic control rather than genuinely liberal governance.
Comparison with later tsars like Alexander III and Nicholas II reveals a consistent effort to maintain autocracy, albeit through different methods.
Alexander II's attempts at reform and subsequent retrenchment led some historians to view him more favorably in retrospect, though he remained committed to autocracy just like his predecessors and successors.

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Description

This quiz explores the nature of Alexander II's government and the impact of his reforms, particularly the Emancipation Edict of 1861. Participants will assess the extent to which these reforms granted genuine freedom to the peoples of Russia, weighing the traditional view of Alexander as the 'Tsar Liberator' against various historical interpretations.