To what extent was the Tsarist system of government modified between 1881
To what extent was the Tsarist system of government modified between 1881-1914?
By 1914, not much had really changed since 1881 and the rule of Alexander II. Autocratic rule was still well established. Very little reform had actually happened. The reactionary nature of the rule of Alexander III contrasted significantly with the almost liberal reign of his father, who emancipated the serfs, and stifled reform which led to the downfall of the Tsarist reign. However, occasional concessions were made throughout Tsarist rule, the most significant being the creation of the Duma, done under the rule of Nicholas II. The Tsarist system of government was not modified to any significant extent during this time period as the rule of the Tsars was consistently underpinned by the support of the Church, the army and the bureaucracy. The Church especially, as they derived much of their power from the Tsar, was extremely loyal as any threat to the Tsar meant a threat to their power also. This is why Alexander the Third’s rule of repression was supported by those who owed allegiance to the Tsar, as anyone in a position of power would owe a debt to the Tsar, so would be reluctant to question his authority. Furthermore, the Church was given power over the primary schools, to make sure all children heard were pro-Tsarist messages. The fact that the Tsar was supported by the most powerful in society demonstrates the fact that the system of government was not modified to any major extent, as it was never threatened by anyone powerful enough to make a real difference. However, you could argue that the work of Alexander II, had it continued, would have modified the system of government to some extent, yet his death and the succession of Alexander III stifled reform. Alexander II was christened the ‘Tsar Liberator’, as he abolished serfdom, meaning peasants were no longer tied to the land they were once tied to. Furthermore, he introduced the first form of elective government in
By 1914, not much had really changed since 1881 and the rule of Alexander II. Autocratic rule was still well established. Very little reform had actually happened. The reactionary nature of the rule of Alexander III contrasted significantly with the almost liberal reign of his father, who emancipated the serfs, and stifled reform which led to the downfall of the Tsarist reign. However, occasional concessions were made throughout Tsarist rule, the most significant being the creation of the Duma, done under the rule of Nicholas II. The Tsarist system of government was not modified to any significant extent during this time period as the rule of the Tsars was consistently underpinned by the support of the Church, the army and the bureaucracy. The Church especially, as they derived much of their power from the Tsar, was extremely loyal as any threat to the Tsar meant a threat to their power also. This is why Alexander the Third’s rule of repression was supported by those who owed allegiance to the Tsar, as anyone in a position of power would owe a debt to the Tsar, so would be reluctant to question his authority. Furthermore, the Church was given power over the primary schools, to make sure all children heard were pro-Tsarist messages. The fact that the Tsar was supported by the most powerful in society demonstrates the fact that the system of government was not modified to any major extent, as it was never threatened by anyone powerful enough to make a real difference. However, you could argue that the work of Alexander II, had it continued, would have modified the system of government to some extent, yet his death and the succession of Alexander III stifled reform. Alexander II was christened the ‘Tsar Liberator’, as he abolished serfdom, meaning peasants were no longer tied to the land they were once tied to. Furthermore, he introduced the first form of elective government in