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The Reactionary Turn of Alexanders II and III

The Reactionary Turn of Alexanders II and III. Alexander II. The ‘Tsar Liberator’? The problem with reform 1866 – a key year. Alexander II’s Period of Reaction. Replaces Liberal ministers – Shuvalov and Third Section Tolstoy at Ministry of Education – extension but regulation

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The Reactionary Turn of Alexanders II and III

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  1. The Reactionary Turn of Alexanders II and III

  2. Alexander II • The ‘Tsar Liberator’? • The problem with reform • 1866 – a key year

  3. Alexander II’s Period of Reaction • Replaces Liberal ministers – Shuvalov and Third Section • Tolstoy at Ministry of Education – extension but regulation • Censorship increased – left wing publications hit hard

  4. From Reaction to Assassination

  5. Tsar Alexander III • Very autocratic • Heavily influenced by Pobedonotsev • Orthodoxy, Nationality, Autocracy.

  6. The Four R’s … • Repression … • Reaction … • Russification … • But also some Reform … The main details of these policies can be found on the handouts I have provided … also in the P Drive.

  7. Exam Q’s on Period of Reaction • Often focus on … • The causes of the reaction of Alex II / III • Whether the regime was more stable at the end of Alex III’s reign than in 1855 • How successful each (or either) Alex was in suppressing opposition • How far did Alex II reforms make later reaction inevitable?

  8. June 2006 Exam Questions • Explain why there was a growth in opposition to Tsarism between 1861 and the accession of Nicholas II in 1894? (7 marks) • Disillusionment with terms of emancipation • Autocracy remained untouched – no assembly or constitution • Alex II reactionary turn after 1866 further alienated radicals • Early reforms had allowed areas for unrest to grow – universities • Alex III’s repression fuelled hatred of the regime • Opposition not only terror based – but also ideological (Marxist) • For 6-7 mark score • Make judgements about the relative importance of factors • Makes distinctions between different types of opposition • Makes distinctions between different reigns

  9. June 2006 Exam Questions • ‘Alexander II and Alexander III were remarkably successful in suppressing opposition to their regimes.’ Explain why you agree or disagree with this statement (15 marks) • Simple explanation – one was assassinated, one not! More complex needed • Opposition failed … • Due to repression by the regimes • Intellectual radicals did not connect with the people (‘To The People’ programme) • Peasants largely conservative and loyal to the Tsar • Liberal opposition lacked a voice – no national assembly • Alex II and Alex III dealt with opposition in different ways • Reforms that did occur did not undermine the fundamental autocracy • For 14/15 mark score • Both reigns must be covered in good detail • A range of the above factors discussed – looking at role of Tsar AND inherent problems of opposition • You must make a judgement as required by the question

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