27 (1)

Overview of Major Restoration and Related Events

• Introduction to Major Restoration on July 27

  • Importance of this event discussed at the end of the period

  • Upcoming topics including Japan and Meiji Restoration emphasized

Class Agenda and Structure

• Assignment Questions

  • Questions numbered 1 to 13 provided

  • Groups assigned numbers corresponding to specific questions for classroom engagement

  • Review of questions will occur towards the end of the session

Historical Context of Russia and Japan: 1750-1900

• Focus on Industrialization in Russia and Japan

  • Both countries began industrializing during this period

  • Mention of the Industrial Revolution's origin in Britain

  • Expansion of industrialization to non-Western nations like Russia and Japan

Russian Society Structure

• Majority Population as Serfs

  • Definition and role of serfs in Russia's historical context

  • Origin of serfdom linked to Mongol invasions

• Abolition of Serfdom

  • Discussion on serfdom’s persistence during this time

  • Transition from serfdom to freedom in theory, yet continued hardships for serfs

  • Explanation of failed improvements to serfs' lives post-abolition

Expansionist Policies of Russia and Japan

• Russia’s Expansion Tactics

  • Every Tsar's objective to expand Russian territory

  • Historical insistence on territorial growth and control

• Expansion of Japan

  • Reference to Japan's pre-World War II expansionism

Religious and Cultural Dimensions in Russia

• Main Religion: Christianity (Eastern Orthodox)

  • Adoption of Christianity influenced by the Byzantine Empire

  • Discussion about Peter the Great’s fascination with Western culture

• Cultural Isolation in Japan

  • Reference to the Tokugawa Shogunate's isolationist policies

  • Restrictions on Japanese merchants from leaving Japan

Political Context: Catherine the Great’s Policies

• Catherine’s Response to Revolution and Liberal Ideas

  • Opposition to French Revolutionary ideals

  • Suppressive measures taken against intellectuals advocating change

Enlightenment Ideas and Uprisings

• Rise of Enlightenment Thought in Russia

  • Growing discontent among the educated elite against serfdom

  • Potential for revolution fueled by European Enlightenment ideas

• Decembrist Uprising (1825)

  • Revolt by Western-oriented military officers aiming to overthrow the government

  • Lack of success and subsequent harsh reprisals from Tsar Nicholas I

  • Historical significance of military officers' revolt and its implications on governance

Congress of Vienna and Its Aftermath

• Restoration of Monarchies in Europe Post-Napoleon

  • Desire for removal of revolutionary influences and establishment of monarchies

  • Emergence of Liberal revolutions in Europe (1830, 1848)

  • Aims of revolutions: more rights and liberalism, moving towards republicanism

• Reaction of Russian Leadership to European Revolutions

  • Absolute denial of liberal ideas infiltrating Russia

  • Maintained authoritarian regime, monitoring public dissent closely

Russo-Ottoman Relations and Conflicts

• Overview of Russian-Ottoman Wars

  • Number of significant conflicts, particularly during the 19th century

  • Context of religious differences affecting relations between the two powers

• Significance of the Crimean War (1853-1856)

  • Russia’s defeat attributed to inadequate weaponry and tactical disadvantages

  • Crucial lessons learned regarding industrialization in response to military failures

1861 Emancipation Proclamation

• Context of the Emancipation of Serfs

  • Alexander II issues proclamation freeing serfs

  • Emphasizes transition towards industrialization and reform

• The Continuing Struggles of Newly Freed Serfs

  • Challenges faced by freed serfs in acquiring land

  • High redemption payments imposed post-emancipation leading to poverty

  • Discussion of rising discontentments and potential for uprisings due to unmet expectations

Conclusion and Next Steps

• Preparing for Upcoming Quiz on July 27

  • Emphasis on review and reinforcement of covered material

  • Assigning questions to individual groups to enrich understanding and engagement