Imperial Russia: Society, Culture, and Reforms (1855–1917) - SET #2

Alexander II

Emperor of Russia (1855–1881) known for major reforms

Crimean War

War ended early in Alexander II’s reign, prompting need for reform

Tsar Liberator

Nickname for Alexander II due to freeing the serfs

Emancipation of the serfs

Major reform in 1861 freeing about 23 million people

Redemption payments

Long-term payments serfs had to make for land over 49 years

Zemstvo

Local self-government system established in 1864

Judicial reforms

Modernized courts and legal system under Alexander II

Military reforms

Improved army structure and training

Educational reforms

Expanded access to education and promoted learning

Industrial development

Growth of railroads and factories during Alexander II’s reign

Censorship

Relaxed under Alexander II allowing more freedom of expression

Assassination of Alexander II

Killed on March 13, 1881 by revolutionaries

People’s Will

Revolutionary group responsible for assassinating Alexander II

Sale of Alaska

Russia sold Alaska to the U.S. for $7.2 million in 1867

Alexander III

Emperor of Russia (1881–1894) who reversed many reforms

Reactionary policies

Policies that restored autocracy and limited freedoms

Orthodoxy, Autocracy, Nationality

Ideology promoting Russian tradition and unity

Russification

Policy forcing non-Russians to adopt Russian culture

Persecution of minorities

Oppression of Jews and other groups under Alexander III

Secret police

Government force used to suppress opposition and dissent

Economic growth

Industrial expansion continued under Alexander III

Nicholas II

Son of Alexander III, left unprepared to rule Russia

Fabergé Eggs

Luxury jeweled Easter eggs symbolizing imperial wealth

Peter Carl Fabergé

Russian jeweler who created over 50 imperial eggs

Cultural significance of Fabergé

Represents Russian craftsmanship and luxury

Russian Theater

Developed from European influence into realism

Alexander Griboedov

Playwright known for satire in Woe from Wit

Nikolai Gogol

Writer who exposed bureaucracy and absurdity

Ivan Turgenev

Explored generational conflict and social change

Moscow Art Theater

Founded in 1898, center of modern acting

Konstantin Stanislavski

Developed realistic acting techniques

Anton Chekhov

Playwright focusing on everyday life and human relationships

Olivier Salad

Russian dish created in the 1860s by a French chef

Lucien Olivier

Chef who invented Olivier Salad at Hermitage restaurant

Original Olivier Salad

Included luxury ingredients like grouse and caviar

Modern Olivier Salad

Simpler version with potatoes, vegetables, and mayonnaise