The nature of autocratic rule: the Tsarist principles of autocracy, nationality and Orthodoxy

When did Nicholas II become Tsar of the Russian Empire?

1894

How was Russia under the tsar an autocracy?

Total power within the Russian Empire. Assisted by the cabinet

How was the Tsar's power not constrained by any constitutional checks?

1. Tsar's power not limited by law

2. Russian subjects had no right to free speech or a fair trial as this would undermine/limit the tsar's power

Consequences of autocracy

Corruption

How did autocracy lead to corruption?

Corruption was widespread because government officials claimed to be representatives of the Tsar

How did autocracy lead to a limited civil society?

Nicholas II's government outlawed groups such as trade unions

How did autocracy lead to the Tsar's isolation?

Tsar refused to recognise Russia's problems

What was used by Nicholas II to control the Russian Empire?

Russification

Between what years was Russification used?

1894-1905

What was Russification?

Aggressive promotion of Russian culture and the forceful suppression of other national cultures.

What was Russification a response towards?

The development of nationalist feeling in various parts of the empire (Tsar believed this threatened unity of the empire)

Where and when had there been considerable growth in nationalism?

Ukraine

Russification in terms of language

Imposition of Russian as the official language of government and the justice system in Baltic states

Russification in terms of education

Promotion of Russian culture through primary schools

Russification in terms of culture

Promotion of Russian culture (through primary schools) and suppression of Non-Russian cultures.

Was Russification successful?

No. It was counterproductive and led to backlash among groups once loyal to the Tsar.

What were some groups turned against the Tsar due to cultural persecution?

The Finns

What did nationalism in Poland and the Baltic states become?

A powerful anti-government force

What did nationalism lead to in Russia?

Anti-Polish

How did Russification have a major impact on Finland?

1899 - General Bobrikov (governor general of Finland)

What else was done to Finland by Russia?

1903 - 'Temporary Regulations' which had been introduced in 1881 in Russia

What did this lead to?

Widespread unrest. Bobrikov was assassinated in 1904 and the Finns played an active role in the 1905 revolution.