alexander III's political changes

When did Alexander III become Tsar and what was his main goal?

in 1881 after his father’s assassination, determined to strengthen autocracy and prevent instability.

What did the Manifesto of Unshakable Autocracy (1881) declare?

It rejected shared power and declared the Tsar would rule with absolute authority.

Who was Konstantin Pobedonostsev and what did he believe in?

He was Alexander III’s chief advisor who believed in Orthodoxy, autocracy, and nationalism.

How did Alexander III change the powers of the Okhrana?

He expanded the secret police’s powers to suppress revolutionaries.

What methods did the Okhrana use to control revolutionary activity?

They monitored, arrested suspects, infiltrated groups, used informers, and exiled opponents to Siberia.

Which radical organisation was crushed under Alexander III’s rule?

The People’s Will, who assassinated Alexander II.

What effect did the Okhrana’s surveillance have on political opposition?

It created fear and limited open political dissent.

What were zemstvos?

Local councils introduced by Alexander II that allowed limited self-government.

How did Alexander III affect the power of zemstvos?

He restricted their power and placed them firmly under government control.

What powers did the noble land captains have?

They could overrule village courts, remove officials, and administer punishments.

What happened to peasants’ self-government under Alexander III?

They lost much of their limited self-government.