Urban and Rural Changes under Alexander II

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Questions and Answers

What notable change occurred in urban areas during Alexander II's reign?

The establishment of modern plumbing systems in houses.

A significant rise in the urban population. (correct)

A decline in the number of temporary migrants.

The introduction of government-subsidized housing.

What type of housing became common in urban areas during Alexander II's reign?

Large apartment buildings with shared services.

Communal houses known as 'kommunalkas.' (correct)

Luxury flats for wealthy industrialists.

Single-family homes with private yards.

Which factor limited the development of a working-class consciousness among urban workers during this period?

Strong labor unions advocating for worker rights.

The temporary nature of many workers’ urban residency. (correct)

Widespread access to education and cultural events.

High levels of political organization among workers.

What cultural developments occurred in towns during the 1860s and 1870s?

Increased political, legal, and cultural significance of towns. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant characteristic of the urban working conditions during Alexander II’s reign?

The absence of any labor-related reforms. Signup and view all the answers

What type of industries flourished in the central industrial region during Alexander II's time?

Textiles, mining, and metallurgy. Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic shift occurred in small towns during the period?

A doubling of the population. Signup and view all the answers

What was a feature of the living conditions in 'kommunalkas'?

A lack of plumbing and running water. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary benefit of the zemstvo in Russian towns and villages?

It established a distinctive political culture and improved sanitary conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable change regarding working conditions established during Alexander II's reign?

A minimum working age of 12 was established. Signup and view all the answers

How did peasant living conditions change during Alexander II's reign?

There was little change, and conditions remained poor. Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributed to the poor living conditions within the izba?

It was often overcrowded and poorly constructed. Signup and view all the answers

What limitation continued to affect agricultural practices post-emancipation?

The Mir restricted farmers' autonomy and innovations. Signup and view all the answers

Why did mortality rates tend to be high among the peasantry in Russia during this period?

Healthcare services provided by the zemstvo were ineffective. Signup and view all the answers

What was the condition of the agricultural production by 1900 compared to the population growth?

Agricultural production barely increased despite population doubling. Signup and view all the answers

How did the aristocracy in Russia respond to the changes post-emancipation?

They faced a decline in their standard of living. Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the rise of factories have on working conditions for poor workers?

Children were particularly exploited in these factories. Signup and view all the answers

What role did energetic individuals like scientists and teachers play in the zemstvo?

They promoted cultural development and education in rural areas. Signup and view all the answers

What was a characteristic feature of urban living conditions for workers during this period?

Cramped conditions contributed to a difficult lifestyle. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Law on Factory Workers state regarding working hours for those aged 15–18?

They were limited to 12 hours a day. Signup and view all the answers

How did the overall conditions in both urban and rural settings during this period compare?

Both urban and rural conditions were generally poor for the average Russian. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Urban Living Conditions

Urban population began to grow during Alexander II's reign, albeit at a slower pace compared to later rulers.
Emergence of communal houses ("kommunalkas") housing multiple families, lacking basic amenities like plumbing and running water.
Workers mainly consisted of temporary migrants from rural areas, preventing a significant working-class consciousness.
Rapid cultural development in towns occurred; they became centers of political and legal life with a doubling of small town populations.
Factories began to establish on town peripheries and landowners' estates, with industry thriving in regions like Ivanovo.
Improvements in sanitation were implemented, including new pipelines, sewage systems, and paved roads.
A vibrant local professional community emerged, contributing to a distinctive political culture through the zemstvo.

Urban Working Conditions

Workers in industry represented a minor segment of the population, around 2%.
Peasants engaged in temporary employment in towns, primarily for seasonal work such as harvests.
Legislation began to regulate factory work, introducing a minimum working age of 12 and limited working hours for younger individuals.
Unsafe working conditions persisted due to a lack of factory inspectors and safety equipment, with employer profit being the primary focus.

Rural Living Conditions

Minimal change in peasant living conditions; traditional housing (Izba) remained uncomfortable and overcrowded.
Life expectancy for Russian peasants was significantly lower (around 35 years) compared to Britain (45 years) during this period.
Examination of land ownership revealed a decline among the nobility post-emancipation, resulting in decreased standards of living.
Regions with significant state serf populations exhibited better living conditions due to more land, highlighting disparities across regions.

Rural Working Conditions

Emancipation of the Serfs led to limited changes in agricultural practices and conditions for peasants.
Average peasant received four hectares, but technological advancements in farming were largely absent.
Redemption payments and taxation constrained peasants, leading to stagnation in agricultural productivity despite population growth.
Railway developments facilitated better produce distribution and export, marking some advancement in infrastructure.

Concluding Points on Living and Working Conditions

Overall, both urban and rural living conditions were harsh and challenging for the average Russian.
Urban workers faced cramped and unhealthy living situations with increasing factory exploitation, especially among children.
Peasant life remained tough, burdened by limited land ownership and dictated by the Mir, mirroring pre-1855 circumstances.
While cultural and middle-class opportunities expanded in urban settings, the aristocracy and agrarian sectors faced stagnation and decline.

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Description

Explore the subtle shifts in urban and rural living and working conditions during the reign of Alexander II. This quiz addresses the less obvious transformations compared to other leaders like Nicholas II and Lenin, offering insights into a critical era of Russian history. Examine the context and implications of these changes in everyday life.