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Period: to
Russia 1800-1920
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Alexander I
Alexander I inherits the throne in 1801. Open to liberal ideas, eased censorship, and promoted education. Also talked about freeing serfs. He feared losing noble support so at the Congress of Vienna he joined the conservative powers in opposing liberl and nationalist outbreaks in Europe. -
Nicholas I
Nicholas I gains the throne in 1825 and stops the Decembrist Revolt. He used spies to find critics and banned books from Western Europe that might spread liberal ideas. He realized that Russia needed to modernize so as a result he issued a new law code and made some economic reforms. -
Alexander II
Alexander II comes to the throne in 1855 during the Cimean War. After their defeat many liberals demanded changes and students wanted reform. Issued a royal decree in 1861 that required emancipation. This caused former serfs into poverty and moving to the city to take up jobs. He set up a local government who were responsible for road repair, schools, and agriculture. He supported growth of industry in Russia and tried to ease censorship and reform the military. -
Alexander III
Revived the harsh methods of Nicholas I in response to his father's assassination. Increased power of the secret police. Restored strict censorship and exiled critics to Siberia. Relied on his adviser and former tutor. Suppressed the cultures of non-Russian peoples in his empire and wanted everyone to only speak Russian and believe in the Russian Orthodox Church. Russia had a large population of Jews so as a response Alexander III persecuted them more harshly. -
Nicholas II
Nicholas II with his father Alexander III finally make Russia enter the industrial age. Nicholas's finance minister focused on development within the economy. Wanted to transport goods across Russia easily. Invested in transportation systems and industry. Increased political and social problems. Rich approved economic growth while the poor didn't because they feared the changed brought by new ways. -
Bloody Sunday
On this sunday a priest named Father George Gapon organized a march that would inform their czar of their sufferings. The march went on toward the czar's lavish Winter Palace. They brough a petition for justice and freedom while chanting prayers and singing hymns. The czar feared the marchers and fled leaving his soldiers to kill them. Hundreds were either dead or wounded in the snow. This day killed their faith and trust in the czar. -
Revolution of 1905
As a result of Bloody Sunday anger spread across Russia, strikes multiplied, and in some places workers took over their local government. Peasants revolted and wanted land in the countryside. Assassins were cheered heroes by the angered Russians. Nicholas was forced to make some reforms which were freedom of person, conscience, speech, assembly, and union.
