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Napoleon Invades Russia
Napolean takes his army into Russia to force Tsar Alexander I into negotiations for trade, only to have his army of around 550,000 die due to the cold and disease or desert since there was no food. Russia had an army of 15,000 which retreated multiple times, burning military buildings and crops so the French couldn't take anything. This event shows the power Russia has at this time, improving the nationalism within the country with a victory against a strong nation. -
Decembrist Revolt
The Decembrist Revolt was not violent, as the military refused to pledge their allegiance to Nicholas I after the death of Alexander I, but their actions spoke louder than words. This is the first revolutionary action of the citizens, which was the spark that lit the future revolution and the downfall of the empire. Although the revolt was a failure, it was beneficial to the future of the nation as it brought the severity of the issues, such as serfdom and lack of say in government matters. -
Crimean War
The Crimean War was between the Russian Empire and the alliance between the Ottoman Empire, France, Britain, and Sardinia Piedmont, which ended in Russia accepting defeat and going over peace terms in the Congress of Paris. This was not beneficial to the empire because it reduced the level of nationalism and it was a loss of resources and people. This was significant because Russia needs to overcome the backwardness of the empire in order to compete with Europe. -
Emancipation Edict
Tsar Alexander II issued 17 acts that freed serfs. By freeing the serfs there is more room for growth in the development of the empire since the edict changes the 'backwardness' of the nation. The emancipation edict did not have the intended outcome, as the serfs that were freed remained poor and without land. -
Russo-Turkish War
Russia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina fight against Turkish rule, resulting in a win for Russia and Serbia, granting autonomy for Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina under Russian protection. This is important as it increases nationalism and expands the influence of the Russian Empire. Also, this marks the end of the Russo-Turkish wars, makings way for development in the empire. -
Tsar Alexander II Assassinated
Tsar Alexander II, who was most known for modernizing Russia by abolishing serfdom, was assassinated by the "Peoples Will" group from a bomb in the streets of St. Petersburg. This negatively impacts the Empire as it creates a divide between those who support the assassination and those who don't. The unrest of citizens is so severe that they have to resort to an assassination in order to get their point of abolishing the tsarist autocracy across. -
Marxist Social Democratic Party Created
The Social Democratic Party was created with the thought that Russia could only be a socialist nation if the lower class is more developed. Marxism takes its first form with the focus on the improvement of the lowest class. This new party is significant as it is the start of communism, which takes over Russia later on. -
War with Japan
The war between Japan and Russia over Russian expansion in Manchuria, which ended in a brutal defeat of Russia. The loss was not helpful to the development of the Russian Empire, as it is detrimental to nationalism and creates more unrest among citizens. Also, Russia wasn't able to expand and showed its lack of power against Japan. -
Constitution and Parliament Implemented
Tsar Nicholas II implemented the first constitution and Parliament, Duma. This change is significant in the growth and development of the Empire and a step away from the tsarist autocracy. The unrest of the people from the lack of say in government is quelled momentarily as the Parliament is in the law-making process. -
Revolution of 1905
The revolution of 1905 resulted in Tsar Nicholas II attempting to change from a tsarist autocracy to a constitutional monarchy. The discontent of the citizens come to light as they strike and riot around St. Petersburg, even massacring peaceful people in the square. This revolution is significant in the upcoming takeover, as it demonstrates the unrest of the people and the unchanging tsarist autocracy.