Chap 2: Reforms of Tsar Alexander II

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to Tsar Alexander II's reforms in 19th century Russia, focusing on emancipation, judicial, military, education, and local government reforms.

Emancipation Edict

The 1861 decree by Tsar Alexander II that granted freedom to privately owned serfs.

Serfdom

A system where peasants were tied to the land and controlled by landowners.

Tsar Liberator

A nickname given to Alexander II for his reforms, particularly the emancipation of serfs.

Terrence Emmons

A historian who interpreted the emancipation as a means to strengthen social and political stability.

Redemption payments

Payments required of freed serfs to the government over 49 years for their allotted land.

Zemstvo

An elected local council established to replace the rights and obligations of the former serfs.

Minister of War

Position held by Dmitry Miliutin, responsible for military reform and modernization.

Military Reform (1874-75)

Reorganization of the armed forces to create a more efficient, professional army.

Duma

Elected town councils established by reforms in 1870, allowing local governance.

Judiciary Reforms (1864)

Reforms establishing equality before the law, jury trials, and the presumption of innocence.

Education Reforms (1863-64)

Changes that allowed universities self-governance and vastly increased educational access.

Press censorship

Regulation of the press that was relaxed under Alexander II but later tightened due to critical writing.

Culmination of the Crimean War

The inefficient military performance during this war led Alexander II to seek reforms.

Peasant uprisings

Increases in peasant protests in the 1840s that alarmed Alexander II and influenced his reforms.

Military Colony System

A system abolished during military reforms, which had forced conscripts to live in military settlements.

Land Allocation

The distribution of land to freed serfs, often inadequate and leading to economic challenges.

Progressive Nobles

A political circle at Alexander II's court that influenced his views on serfdom and reforms.

Kulaks

Wealthier peasants who benefited from land allocations and became capable of surplus production.

Autocracy

A system of government where one person, the tsar, holds absolute power.

Milyutin Brothers

Influential figures advocating for reforms, particularly in the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Political prisoners

Individuals released by Alexander II to signal his intent for reform and liberalization.

Local Justice

Judicial reforms that established a more fair and open court system compared to previous practices.

Elementary education

The increased need for basic literacy among peasants following the abolition of serfdom.

Exiled courts

Special courts that handled certain political crimes removed from reforms due to their sensitive nature.

Economic liberalization

Measures intended to stimulate the economy, although often at the peasants' expense.

Internal passport

Required documentation that restricted travel for peasants after emancipation.

Public health reforms

Public services improved under the Zemstvo to better health care and sanitation.

Bureaucratic reforms

Changes aimed at improving administration efficiency and reducing corruption in governance.

Social class structure

The persistence of social hierarchies and the noble class's dominance despite reforms.

Reform backlash

Responses to reforms by conservative elements fearing loss of power or influence.

Abolition of serfdom

The act of ending the serfdom system in Russia, impacting social and economic structures.

National Assembly

An idea raised by the intelligentsia for a representative national governing body, prompted by local reforms.

Serf's condition post-emancipation

Many serfs found their conditions worsened post-emancipation due to inadequate land and debt.