Russia 1825-1894

Tsar Alexander I dies and Russia enters a period of turmoil.

1825

Harsher than Western European SerfdomDe facto slaveryBackwards system- no incentive for change or

increased production

Serfdom

Army officers returning from Western Europe fighting Napoleon had been exposed to Enlightenment ideas of the west.

Want a constitution for Russia“Constantine and Constitution”

Decembrists Revolt

Resists change- keeps absolutismKeeps serfdom to ensure the loyalty of the

Boyars (Russian Landlords)Limits education to help control the upper

classSets up secret police

Nicholas I

“Frees” the serfsSerfs own land communally in MirsPeasants still kept tied to the landSets up Zemstvos- Local councils with limited

powers

Alexander II

By the late 1800’s-• Many peasant riots• Educated Russians forced to meet and

discuss politics in secret• Nihilism- complete destruction needed

before rebuilding• Narodniki- narod (people)- students who

worked with peasants. Schooling and medical services. Practical and revolutionary.

Russians Want More Change!

Believed in Autocracy“Autocracy, Orthodoxy, Nationality”Discrimination against non-Russians, non-

Orthodox ChristiansPogroms

Alexander III