Political Authority and Ethnic Minorities

Flashcards about political authority, Russification, and anti-Semitism in Russia

What major event occurred in Poland in 1863 during Alexander II's reign?

Polish rebellion: more than 200,000 Poles engaged in guerilla warfare.

How did Alexander II manage ethnic minorities within the Russian Empire?

Concessions to maintain control such as allowing Finns to have their own parliament and Latvians/Estonians to revert to Lutheranism

When did Alexander III ban Ukrainian language

1876

What was the primary goal of Russification under Alexander III?

To merge all subjects into a single nation with a shared identity through the destruction of non-Russian cultures

What specific actions were taken to weaken Polish and Finnish national identities during Russification?

• Finnish parliament was reorganized

• Russian language was increasingly demanded

• Russian coinage replaced local currency

• Polish National Bank was closed.

What were some of the key measures implemented during the period of Russification under Alexander III?

• Laws limiting the use of the Ukrainian language

• suppression of ethnic uprisings in Georgia

• encouragement of adherence to the Orthodox Church

• forced conversions to Orthodoxy.

What was a consequence of Russification in 1888?

An estimated 332 cases of mass disturbances occurred in 61 provinces in 1888, though most were easily curbed.

Where were Jews primarily confined in Russia?

the Pale of Settlement

What factors contributed to anti-Semitism among the poorer segments of Russian society during Alexander II's reign?

Teachings of the Orthodox Church, money-lending practices, and wealth disparity.

How did Alexander II's policies shift regarding Jews, contributing to increased anti-Semitism?

He withdrew concessions, reduced Jewish participation in town government, and encouraged the growth of anti-Semitism.

What belief was spread by the right-wing Russian press regarding Alexander II's assassination?

The right-wing Russian press encouraged the belief that Jews orchestrated Alexander II's assassination.

What characterized the Anti-Jewish pogroms that broke out in 1881?

Jewish property was burned, shops destroyed, and acts of murder and rape occurred.

What was the impact of the May Laws of 1882?

They added to discrimination of Jews, with much anti-Semitic legislation enacted between 1882 and 1894.

What actions were taken against Jews in Moscow during the winter of 1891-92?

10,000 Jewish artisans were expelled from Moscow, and 20,000 Jews were forced from the city during Passover.