Chap 4: Political Authority in Tsarist Russia

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to the ethnic and cultural dynamics of Tsarist Russia, particularly focusing on nationalism, Russification policies, and Jewish history.

Ethnic Minorities

Diverse groups within a population that differ from the majority in language, culture, or religion.

Tsarist Autocracy

The government system in Tsarist Russia where the TSar held absolute power.

Polish Nationalism

A political movement seeking the independence and self-determination of the Polish people.

Russification

A policy aimed at promoting Russian culture and language and suppressing non-Russian cultures.

Pale of Settlement

An area in Western Russia where Jews were allowed to live.

Guerrilla Warfare

A form of irregular combat where small groups use ambushes and sabotage against larger traditional armies.

Orthodoxy

The branch of Christianity emphasizing adherence to traditional doctrines and practices.

Lutheranism

A branch of Protestant Christianity based on the teachings of Martin Luther.

Cultural Russification

The process of assimilating non-Russian peoples into Russian culture.

Political Concessions

Granting certain requests or rights to maintain control or appease dissent.

Anti-Semitism

Prejudice against, hatred of, or discrimination against Jews.

Pogroms

Violent riots aimed at the massacre or persecution of a particular ethnic group, particularly Jews in Russia.

Bessarabia

A historical region located between the Prut and Dniester Rivers, historically inhabited by Romanians and other ethnic groups.

Finnish Diet

A historical assembly in Finland that had legislative powers, allowed under Russian rule.

Cossacks

Members of a group of predominantly East Slavic people known for their military tradition.

Baltic Germans

Ethnic Germans who lived in the Baltic region of modern-day Estonia and Latvia.

Cultural Identity

The identity or feeling of belonging to a group based on culture, ethnicity, or heritage.

Cyril and Methodius

Two Byzantine brothers credited with creating the Glagolitic alphabet for the Slavic peoples.

Ukrainian Identity

The national identity associated with the Ukrainian people and their culture.

Tsar Alexander II

The Emperor of Russia from 1855 to 1881, known for his reforms and challenges from nationalism.

Tsar Alexander III

The Emperor of Russia from 1881 to 1894, known for his conservative policies and strong opposition to nationalism.

Serfdom

A system by which peasants were bound to the land and under the authority of the landowner.

Caucasus

A region between the Black and Caspian Seas, historically home to numerous ethnic groups.

Martial Law

Military control over normal civilian functions of government.

Nationalism

A political ideology that emphasizes pride in one's nation and culture, often leading to the desire for independence.

Aristocracy

A class of persons holding exceptional rank and privileges, particularly in hereditary terms.

Political Rebellion

An uprising against the government's authority, often motivated by social or economic issues.

Religious Tolerance

Acceptance and allowance of different religious beliefs and practices.

Language Prohibition

A governmental rule that restricts the use of particular languages in public arenas.

Historical Misinterpretation

Incorrect understanding or representation of historical events or contexts.

Literary Censorship

The suppression of written works that are considered objectionable by governmental authorities.

Social Revolution

Radical change in society that typically aims at a drastic transformation of social structures.

Exile

The state of being barred from one's native country, often for political or punitive reasons.