Alex II’s reforms
Why was there need for reform?
Disappointment at the emancipation with unrest in the countryside
Emancipation left issues that needed resolution
Military reforms
1874
Conscription compulsory for those over 20
Length of service reduced to 15 years
Welfare improvements
Modern weaponry introduced
Were they successful?
A smaller but better-trained army was created
Reduction in cost of army in Empire
Army education campaigns
However
Inequality - officers were aristocrats
War with Turkey took longer than expected (1877-78)