Monroe-Woodbury High School 4

Crimean War and Russian Limitations
- Reflects on Russia’s struggles as a major European power during the Crimean War.
- Alexander II recognizes that Russia's methodology must change to remain relevant in European affairs.
Serfdom’s Institutions
- By mid-19th century, widespread acknowledgment that serfdom was an outdated system under scrutiny.
- Alexander II perceives that relying on serfdom will hinder military effectiveness and national power.

Quest for Reform
- Acknowledgement of serfdom’s negative impact on Russia's political structure.
- Aims to create a new relationship and foster a sense of investment in the military.
Historical Precedents
- Previous reform efforts by Catherine II failed, leading to revolts.
- Alexander II faces the challenge of effectively reforming serfdom without inciting uprisings.

Geopolitical Orientation
- Russia’s identity debated: Asian, European, or unique Slavic identity.
- Historical figureheads like Peter the Great and Catherine the Great sought Western inspirations for solutions.
Cultural Dangers of Western Ideas
- Increased fears of liberalism, republicanism, and socialism being in contrast with the autocratic regime.
- Potential threats to czarist control posed by introducing Western ideologies.

Emergence of Intellectuals
- Group of Russian intellectuals exposed to revolutionary Western ideas influencing Russian society.
- Key figures such as Pyotr Lavrov and Aleksandr Herzen advocate for reform and political change.
Radical Ideologies
- The intelligentsia criticizes the Romanov family for exploiting the populace.
- Tension exists between the government’s need for control and the people’s thirst for reform.

Emancipation Act of 1861
- Aimed to abolish serfdom and alleviate oppressive conditions for serfs, turning them into peasants.
- Redistribution of land: landowners kept half while peasants received the other half but had to pay redemption money.
- Peasants never fully own land; managed collectively through a local council known as the mir.
Redemption Payments
- Despite liberation, serfs would remain indebted to former landlords through lengthy payments.
- The system perpetuated a cycle of debt, impacting generations of Russian peasants.
Administrative Reforms
- 1864 reforms established zemstvos, local governing bodies allowing for a degree of political representation.
- Ukais of 1864 aimed to outline rights for peasants, including legal equality.

Moderate vs. Radical Responses
- Moderates initially supported Alexander II’s approach, believing it marked a move toward liberalization.
- In contrast, radicals felt Alexander's intentions were disingenuous and began to advocate for violent revolution.
Growing Disillusionment
- Moderates grow disillusioned, affirming radicals’ views on Alexander’s lack of substantial reform.
- Occurred amidst assassination attempts against Alexander II, signaling heightened unrest.

Final Acts and Consequences
- Assassin members from the revolutionary group People's Will ultimately succeed in murdering Alexander II in 1881, leading to a severe crackdown on reform efforts.
- Alexander III’s rule post-assassination marks a shift back to oppression, completely reversing reforms of the previous reign.

Impact on Russian History
- Execution of moderate reforms invariably fuels radical opposition and prepares the stage for future revolutions.
- Parallels drawn from Alexander II's policies foreshadow the Russian revolutions of the early 20th century, particularly the rise of Lenin.
Potential for Future Upheaval
- Increasing radicalism among intelligentsia becomes a significant threat to the autocracy, ultimately leading to the events of 1917.