Russia Key Facts

Amount of serfs freed in 1861 Emancipation of the Serfs

23 million serfs were freed in the Emancipation.

Problem with the 1861 Emancipation

Serfs had no money and were still tied to the mir (communal village) with redemption payments for 49 years.

1864 Judicial Reforms

Introduced jury trials, independent judges and open public hearings. Made justice system more fair but political systems remained under state control.

Zemstva 1864

Established local elected councils that were responsible for infrastructure and public services although they were heavily dominated by the nobility. Introduced some local autonomy.

1874 Military Reforms

They reduced military service from 25 to 6 years and modernised training and the conscription system.

Education Reforms of the 1860s

Expanded primary education and university autonomy which improved literacy.

The status of serfs after 1861

They were legally free but economically restricted with poor or shortage of land and high redemption payments. Some migrated to cities but still remained poor.

Participants of the Crimean War

Russia vs Britain, France and Ottoman Empire.

What Russia aimed to gain from the Crimean War

Control of the Ottoman Empire and influence in the Balkans.

Why Russia lost the Crimean War

Lost due to weak industry, outdated technology, poor leadership/training, strong Western alliances and disease.

What Russia learned from the Crimean War

They learned that free men were better soldiers, that their military was significantly outdated and that they needed reform to improve infrastructure and be able to defend against any future opponents.

The Polish Uprising 1863

Polish rebellion against Russian rule, crushed by the military. Just repressed rather than addressed the issues.

Alexander’s change to Finnish Autonomy

Alexander II allowed Finland more autonomy, including maintaining its own legal system. This was a positive approach.

How Alexander addressed other nationalities

Alexander II implemented policies that were often repressive towards nationalities such as Ukrainians, Armenians, and Jews. 

The Narodniks

A populist group that emerged in the 1870s who attempted to radicalise peasants.

Opposition to Alexander during his reign

During his early reign he was liked due to hopes of reform after Nicholas’s rigid rule but gradually grew to be more disliked and faced more opposition as time went on due to disappointments with the lacklustre reforms.

Alexander’s assassinators

The People’s Will (terrorist group) assassinated Alexander II in 1881.

How many assassination attempts Alexander faced

At least six. This provoked the Third Section to get involved and arrest dissidents.