Russian History Flashcards

Flashcards for review of Russian History lecture notes.

Romanov Dynasty (1613–1917)

The Romanov family ruled Russia for over 300 years, transforming it into a major European power.

Nicholas I (Reign: 1825–1855)

Known for reactionary policies; emphasized autocracy, orthodoxy, and nationalism, suppressing dissent and expanding the empire.

Alexander II (Reign: 1855–1881)

Implemented reforms, including the Emancipation Edict of 1861, freeing the serfs, and modernized the judicial system.

Alexander III (Reign: 1881–1894)

Reversed many of his father's reforms, promoting Russification and strengthening autocratic rule.

Nicholas II (Reign: 1894–1917)

The last Tsar of Russia; his reign saw military defeats, economic turmoil, and the 1917 revolutions.

Tsar/Czar

Title used by Russian emperors, derived from 'Caesar,' symbolizing supreme authority.

Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821–1881)

Renowned Russian novelist whose works explored human psychology and social issues.

Ivan Turgenev (1818–1883)

Russian novelist known for 'Fathers and Sons,' which introduced the concept of nihilism.

The Emancipation Edict (1861)

Decree by Alexander II that freed the serfs, aiming to modernize Russia's agrarian economy.

Mir

Village communes that managed land distribution among peasants post-emancipation.

Conscription Act (1874)

Introduced universal military service, modernizing Russia's army.

Vera Zasulich (1849–1919)

Revolutionary who attempted to assassinate a government official; later became a Marxist theorist.

Dumas

Representative assemblies established after the 1905 Revolution to appease public demand for reform.

Narodnaya Volya (1879–1882)

Revolutionary organization advocating for political reform through targeted assassinations.

Russification

Policy aimed at assimilating non-Russian communities by promoting Russian language and culture.

The Pale of Settlement

Region designated for Jewish residency, restricting their movement and rights.

May Laws (1882)

Anti-Jewish regulations that further restricted Jewish rights and residency.

Princess Alice of Hesse-Darmstadt

Mother of Tsarina Alexandra, linking Russian and German royal families.

Pyotr Stolypin (1862–1911)

Prime Minister known for agrarian reforms and efforts to stabilize Russia post-1905 Revolution.

Sergei Witte (1849–1915)

Finance Minister who promoted industrialization and negotiated the end of the Russo-Japanese War.

Karl Marx (1818–1883)

Philosopher whose ideas on socialism and communism influenced global political movements.

"What Is to Be Done?" (1902)

Lenin's pamphlet advocating for a vanguard party to lead the proletariat revolution.

1905 Revolution

Massive protests and strikes demanding political reform, leading to limited concessions.

Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905)

Conflict resulting in a humiliating defeat for Russia, undermining its imperial prestige.

October Manifesto (1905)

Tsar Nicholas II's response to the 1905 Revolution, promising civil liberties and a legislative assembly.

Kulaks

Wealthier peasants who were targeted during Soviet collectivization campaigns.

Autocracy

A system of government in which absolute power is concentrated in a single ruler.

Orthodoxy

Adherence to correct or accepted creeds, especially in religion.

Nationalism

Identification with one's own nation and support for its interests, especially to the exclusion or detriment of the interests of other nations.

Revolution

A fundamental and relatively sudden change in political power and political organization.

Modernization

he transformation from a traditional, rural, agrarian society to a secular, urban, industrial society.

Nihilism

The rejection of all religious and moral principles, often in the belief that life is meaningless.

Socialism

A political and economic theory of social organization which advocates that the means of production, distribution, and exchange should be owned or regulated by the community as a whole.