Imperial Russia 1853 - 1917 historiography

Seton-Watson

• Described Alexander II as being at the crossroads between autocracy and modern liberal constitution.

• Judged him as a failure for seeking an unrealistic compromise + refusing to ban autocracy

Evaluation of Seton-Watson

He was a British historian/politician/professor specializing in Russia (1916-1984). His career as a politician may have influenced him to adopt a critical perspective on Russian leaders and their reforms when comparing them with Britain.

Crankshaw

Alexander II alternated between ‘enthusiasm and apathy, stubbornness and defeatism, vision and myopia’

Evaluation of Crankshaw

He was a British writer/author/translator known for his work on the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany (1909-1984) - allows him to compare the two states. Being a journalist may lead him to exaggerate to create a better story.

Mosse

“Alexander II proved himself a disappointing liberal and inefficient autocrat”

Evaluation of Mosse

He was a professor of Modern History at University of East Anglia specializing in the Modernization of Russia (1918-2001). His specialization in the field is a strength. He was British-German, giving him a broader European perspective.

Christian

Identified that there was a striking parallel between the great reforms and Perestroika in the late 1980s 

Evaluation of Christian

Historian/scholar of Russian history, known for interdisciplinary approach. 1946 - today means his current ideas may influence the generalizations made about Russia.

Chicherin

Alexander II set out to remodel completely the enormous state which had been entrusted to his care

Evaluation of Chicherin

He was a Russian jurist and political philosopher (1828 - 1904). His political position under Alexander II may have compelled him to support the tsar.

Rieber

Emancipation and reform process was actually motivated solely by military considerations, with developing a strong and efficient army

Evaluation of Rieber

He was an American historian specializing in Russia and the Soviet Union (1928 - present). His work during the Cold War may have been influenced by American fear of communism.

Lenin

Proposed that a revolutionary situation forced Alexander II to enact reforms to prevent revolt

Evaluation of Lenin

He was a Russian revolutionary, politician, and head of state. He may have been seeking justification for his state though glorifying Russian history.

Nechkina

Writing in the Soviet Union (1960), Nechkina develops on Lenin’s theory and asserts that Alexander II’s reform was born of self-interest and survival instinct rather than for the benefit of his subjects or genuine humanitarian reasons.

Evaluation of Nechkina

She wrote during the Soviet Union - it’s repressive climate may have skewed her perspective in favor of Russian history.

Solovyov

Alexander II initiated significant reforms but lacked the courage to push for deeper societal changes, which could have addressed the root causes of Russia's problems.

Evaluation of Solovyov

He was a Russian philosopher, theologian, and literary critic (1853-1900). Because he wrote at the time of Alexander the II, his opinions may be diluted because of the repression of critical thinking.

Charques

the creation of land captains caused significant resentment among peasents

Evaluation of Charques

He was a British journalist which might have led him to exaggerate to create a better story.

Hearder

Alexander III’s ‘reign which had started in high hope ended futile tragedy’

Evaluation of Hearder

He was a professor at the university of Wales. Specializing in Europe and specifically Italy. Not having a degree focussed on Russia may lead him to oversimplify the issue.

Gregory

Questioned the idea of a decline in rural living conditions under Nicholas II because the economy was growing marginally faster than the population was rising.

Evaluation of Gregory

He was American professor of economics so he is qualified to identify trends.

Simms

Since peasant tax revenues were rising, the peasant section must have been prospering to allow them to pay higher taxes under Nicholas II.

Evaluation of Simms

He was a professor of history specializing in Russian agriculture and peasant wellbeing so he is qualified to make such inferences.

Gatrell

There was a small overall average growth rate in the Russian economy under Nicholas II which resulted in slowly rising living standards in all sectors.

Evaluation of Gatrell

He is a history professor specializing in migration in Russia - he is qualified to make this judgement.

McCauley

Stolypin’s reforms made life easier for peasants but did not succeed in creating the prosperous kulak class that he wanted.

Multatuli

Nicholas II was an example of a “moral politician” who simply “wanted his subordinates to be equally responsible for the destiny of their motherland

Evaluation of Multatuli

He was a Russian journalist so may be defending his heritage.

Gerschenkron

Under Nicholas II, tsardom could have continued because Russia’s industrial progress had placed it on the path towards Westernization

Evaluation of Gerschenkron

American historian born in Ukraine (then Russia). His personal connection may mean he has greater knowledge or conversely, a more clouded judgement.

Treadgold

Nicholas II’s absolute refusal to consider any compromise to the autroctatic system it led to its collapse

Evaluation of Treadgold

He was a professor specializing in Russian history - qualified if you ask me!