Alexander II's Economic and Social Changes

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Questions and Answers

What was a primary focus of the peasantry during the time of Alexander II?

Advocating for social changes

Surviving and managing daily life (correct)

Understanding new political ideologies

Participating in industrial activities

Which of the following changes occurred in Russia during Alexander II's rule?

Development of a modern banking system (correct)

Establishment of a political democracy

Transition to an entirely industrial economy

Complete eradication of the peasant class

What aspect of the economy remained predominant in Russia around 1881?

Industrial production

Export-driven economy

Service-based economy

Agricultural production (correct)

Which of the following best describes the social changes during Alexander II's reign?

Little fundamental change despite some reforms Signup and view all the answers

What hindered the potential for greater change in Russian society under Alexander II?

Social controls imposed by the government Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of land were peasants reported to be farming less by the time of Alexander II's reforms?

5 to 25% Signup and view all the answers

Who was appointed as the Minister of Finance in 1862 to stimulate industrial growth in Russia?

Reutern Signup and view all the answers

What was one major change Reutern implemented in the financial system of Russia?

Unified treasury and central administrative system Signup and view all the answers

By 1878, how many municipal banks were established in Russia under Reutern's financial reforms?

278 Signup and view all the answers

What significant communication development occurred alongside the expansion of railways in Russia?

The development of the telegram network Signup and view all the answers

What was a major benefit of foreign investment in Russian industries?

It brought technological knowledge and expertise Signup and view all the answers

How much did factory production value increase from 1863 to 1879?

From 352 million to 909 million Roubles Signup and view all the answers

What was the approximate total mileage of railway tracks by 1881?

14,000 miles Signup and view all the answers

What was a key change for Jews in Russia under Alexander II?

Lifted restrictions on where they could live and trade Signup and view all the answers

Under Alexander II, which industry saw significant improvement due to foreign investment?

Textile industry Signup and view all the answers

How did Alexander II's approach differ from traditional tsarist rule?

He maintained autocratic power while seeking reform Signup and view all the answers

What role did the nobility experience during Alexander II's reign?

Diminished authority and privileges Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a part of Reutern's financial reforms?

Established exclusive banks for the nobility Signup and view all the answers

What was the grain export volume in Russia in 1880 compared to that in 1855?

Higher than in 1855 Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributed to the slow agricultural productivity increase during Alexander II's reign?

Redemption payments for emancipated serfs Signup and view all the answers

How much did agricultural output increase by 1900 compared to during serfdom?

20% Signup and view all the answers

What role did the 'mir' play in the agricultural structure during this period?

Limited investment opportunities Signup and view all the answers

What was the population of Russia in 1858?

68 million Signup and view all the answers

By what year did Russia's population almost double to 125 million?

1897 Signup and view all the answers

What factor hindered the movement of landless peasants to urban areas?

Control mechanisms of the mir Signup and view all the answers

Which country was able to double its agricultural production during Alexander II's reign?

Japan Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary impact of the Emancipation of the Serfs on the Russian nobility?

Their social and economic status was significantly diminished. Signup and view all the answers

Which reform led to a decrease in the ability of the nobility to influence legal outcomes?

Introduction of trial by jury. Signup and view all the answers

What was one consequence of Miliutin’s military reforms for the nobility?

Decreased exclusive military status for the nobility. Signup and view all the answers

How did educational reforms during Alexander II's reign affect the Middle Class?

Their educational advancements did not translate into political rights. Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributed to the lack of political rights for the Middle Class during Alexander II's reign?

The violent repressions of dissenters. Signup and view all the answers

In what way did the working class begin to form during Alexander II's time?

By working in emerging industrial jobs. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the major challenges faced by serfs after their emancipation?

They were heavily burdened by redemption payments. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Zemstva affect the nobility's societal role?

It reduced their direct control over local councils. Signup and view all the answers

What position did the majority of ministers under Alexander II come from?

Upper echelons of society. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the overall change for serfs after 1861?

They experienced both improvements and persistent challenges. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key outcome of the judicial reforms for the Middle Class?

Fairer trials benefited them in legal circumstances. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant shift in education for the Middle Class during Alexander II's reign?

Technical institutes replaced universities as primary institutions. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor hindered serfs' development after their emancipation?

Continued land ties and redemption payments. Signup and view all the answers

How did the assassination of Alexander II impact the path of the Middle Class?

They turned towards passive economic survival. Signup and view all the answers

Which sector began to significantly develop under Alexander II's rule, marking the origins of the working class?

Textiles and oil production. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Economy Under Alexander II

Agriculture remained the cornerstone of the Russian economy during Alexander II's reign.
Grain exports increased to 86 million tons by 1880, up from 1855, but productivity grew only 20% by 1900 compared to serfdom.
Russia lagged behind developed countries, and redemption payments limited investment and innovation in agriculture.
The mir restricted movements towards agricultural modernization, focusing on ensuring food supply over efficiency.
Population nearly doubled from 68 million in 1858 to 125 million in 1897, but peasants farmed less land due to economic constraints and high redemption payments.

Industrial and Financial Reforms

In 1855, Russia was primarily agrarian and needed structured management for industrial growth.
Reutern, appointed Minister of Finance, unified the treasury and introduced annual budgets starting in 1862.
Expansion of financial institutions resulted in 278 municipal banks and over 500 loan associations by 1878, improving investment opportunities.
Foreign investors played a critical role, bringing expertise and facilitating industrial development, especially in textiles and oil.
Industrial output rose significantly from 352 million to 909 million Roubles between 1863-1879.

Transport and Communication Advances

Railway expansion was pivotal for industrialization; track length grew from under 700 miles to over 14,000 miles by 1881.
Grain exports via rail reached 86 million tons by 1881, underlining railway importance to the agrarian economy.
The telegraph network expanded dramatically from 1,300 miles in 1855 to 50,000 miles by 1881, improving communication and commerce.

Jewish Economic Activity

Pre-1855 restrictions on Jewish trade were relaxed, allowing greater economic participation.
New laws in 1859 and subsequent years enabled Jewish merchants to operate freely throughout the Empire.
The 1865 Policy on Jewish Artisans abolished the 'pale,' granting artisans more mobility and opportunity.

Alexander II maintained autocratic power, with little change to the authority of the tsar.
The nobility experienced significant decline in influence due to serf emancipation and changes in the legal and military systems.
The middle class felt disappointed despite some educational and economic opportunities, leading to resentment and revolutionary sentiments.
The working class began to emerge as industries developed, foreshadowing future societal shifts under Nicholas II.
For serfs, the 1861 emancipation freed 23 million but imposed long-term redemption payments, leading to persistence of poverty and limitation on freedoms.

Conclusions on Socio-Economic Change

Marked changes included the emancipation of serfs, industrialization beginnings, expanded railways, and a new banking system.
Continuity remained in the agrarian nature of the economy and the peasants' challenges, limiting fundamental societal change.
Despite efforts at reform, restrictive controls hampered the full potential of economic improvements, leading to gradual rather than revolutionary change.

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Explore the changes that occurred in the economy and society during the reign of Alexander II. This quiz focuses on understanding the extent of these transformations, which could be vital for interpretation questions in your exams. Test your knowledge and comprehension on this pivotal period in Russian history.