Opposition to Alexander II (1867-1879)

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Questions and Answers

What option did Alexander II have regarding his approach to reform and public opinion?

Only focus on military advancements

Continue with extensive reforms

Ignore public opinion completely

Return to reform or continue repression (correct)

What is the significance of Alexander II's quote about making enemies?

It shows his intention to provoke opposition

It highlights his commitment to isolationism

It indicates his belief that the public was ungrateful (correct)

It reflects his understanding of political loyalty

What did public sentiment appear to be towards the Land and Liberty group?

Aligning with calls for reform (correct)

Supportive of government repression

Opposed to any form of change

Indifferent to the group's goals

Which group was involved in discussions that contributed to the calls for reform during Alexander II's reign?

The zemstvo Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'huge what if of Russian history' imply about the outcomes of Alexander II's decisions?

His choices were pivotal for future developments Signup and view all the answers

What was a major challenge faced by the intelligentsia in convincing the peasants by 1879?

The peasants were resistant to outside influence. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main tactic used by the ‘Chaikovsky Circle’ in their approach?

Distributing propaganda through secret means. Signup and view all the answers

What key belief did Herzen advocate concerning the peasants in Russia?

They should lead the movement for socialism. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Populists' ‘movement to the people’ in 1874?

Minimal impact and many were reported to authorities. Signup and view all the answers

What did the intelligentsia hope to achieve by convincing the peasants?

A mass uprising against the government. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the effectiveness of the Peasant and nobility opposition after the early 1860s?

It diminished significantly and ceased to be a concern for Alexander II. Signup and view all the answers

What event triggered the escalation of opposition against Alexander II that culminated in assassination plans?

The failed 1874 movement to the people. Signup and view all the answers

What social class primarily comprised the Populists (Narodniks) movement?

Young revolutionaries, mainly students. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason the Populists failed to gain support from the peasants initially?

Peasants were primarily focused on their immediate survival. Signup and view all the answers

Who led the organization 'Land and Liberty'?

Mark Natanson Signup and view all the answers

What were the trials, such as the trial of 'the 50' and 'the 193', significant for the Populists?

They provided national publicity for the revolutionaries. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the repercussions of Vera Zasulich's actions against General Trepov?

Her acquittal shocked the public and the government. Signup and view all the answers

What did 'Land and Liberty' demand regarding land ownership?

Transfer of land to peasants organized in self-governing communes. Signup and view all the answers

Which event signified a shift in public sentiment towards the revolutionaries in 1878?

The widespread applause during Zasulich's trial verdict. Signup and view all the answers

What actions did political prisoners in St Petersburg take that increased tensions?

They engaged in a hunger strike. Signup and view all the answers

What key outcome did the government implement after the trials of the Populists?

The government decided to handle cases of rebellion in secret courts. Signup and view all the answers

How did the public react to the verdict announced on Vera Zasulich's trial?

With tumultuous applause from spectators. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following illustrates the government's perception of its authority after the trials?

The perception of growing revolutionary support and government impotence. Signup and view all the answers

What event occurred due to escalating revolutionary activities following the trials?

The assassination of General Mezentsev. Signup and view all the answers

How did the revolutionaries benefit from the public trials held in 1878?

They were seen as martyrs for their causes. Signup and view all the answers

What describes the overall state of the government following the events of 1878?

Growing incapacity to govern effectively and control public sentiment. Signup and view all the answers

What perceived actions by the government intensified revolutionary activity during this period?

Failure to suppress political dissent effectively. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Development of Opposition to Alexander II (1867-1879)

Early Opposition (1867): Peasants, nobility, and growing intelligentsia movement opposed Alexander II's reforms, culminating in attempts on his life.
The Rise of the Intelligentsia: The intelligentsia emerged as a formidable opposition, believing they could convince peasants to join their cause.
Herzen's "Go to the People": In 1869, Herzen encouraged young activists to connect with the peasants, believing their message of socialism based on the mir would resonate.
The Chaikovsky Circle: This revolutionary group, active from 1869 to 1872, distributed propaganda and banned books, seeking to ignite peasant mobilization.
The Narodniks (Populists): The Narodniks, influenced by Herzen, aimed to inspire peasant revolution; their "movement to the people" in 1874 failed to achieve significant support.
The Peasants' Apathy: Peasants remained focused on survival and lacked understanding of "rights," making them unresponsive to the Narodniks' message.
The "Land and Liberty" Group: While the Narodniks' attempts to inspire a peasant uprising had initially failed, they gained traction due to government actions.
The Trials of 1877-78: The government's prosecution of 193 and 50 revolutionaries in 1874 resulted in nationwide publicity for their cause, ultimately benefiting their movement.
The Zasulich Case: Vera Zasulich's acquittal for shooting General Trepov in 1878 further ignited the opposition, demonstrating the government's weakness and perceived incompetence.
The Spread of Violence: The assassination of General Mezentsev in reprisal for the death of political prisoners and the escape of the assassin highlighted the government's declining power.
The Zemstvo's Involvement: Even some local administrative bodies (zemstva) were engaged in secret negotiations with "Land and Liberty," seeking constitutional reforms through pressure.
The Congress of Berlin (1878): The diplomatic defeat at the Congress of Berlin further fueled public dissatisfaction, leading to strengthened calls for reform.
Alexander II's Perspective: Alexander II, perceiving the opposition as ungrateful for his reforms, believed he had made positive changes for the country.
The Watershed of 1878: This year marked a turning point, with a growing sense of unrest, public support for radical ideas, and a government seemingly unable to control the situation.
Alexander II's Dilemma: Facing increasing pressure and widespread dissatisfaction, Alexander II was faced with a critical decision: to continue repressive measures or to embrace significant reforms.

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Description

Explore the development of opposition to Alexander II from 1867 to 1879, focusing on the rise of the intelligentsia and its connection with the peasantry. Analyze key movements such as Herzen's 'Go to the People' and the activities of the Narodniks. Understand the challenges faced in mobilizing peasant support during this turbulent period in Russian history.