What were the strengths and weaknesses of the Russian monarchy in 1894?

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What were the strengths and weaknesses

of the Russian monarchy in 1894?

        Just previous to 1894, the king was Alexander III, 49 years old. Alexander was incredibly influenced by Konstantin Pobedenestov, Procurator of the Holy Synod, who also believed in an anti-western Russia (later backed by the Slavophiles, who also disliked the Western way of life). He brought back censorship in education and he press and also produced the Russification of non nationalist groups. The reduction of peasant representation on the Zemstvo and the creation of the Land captains to restore the traditional authority within the localities were also brought into the picture by Alexander III. It was believed that he had, barring assassination, many years left to his reign. As the year went on, his health deteriorated at an alarming rate.

        The best doctors of the time were called to help, but none were able to save the dying Emperor. Alexander Alexandrovich Romanov, Tsar of Russia, died of Nephritis on October 20, at the summer palace in the Crimea. He was buried in the St. Peter & Paul Cathedral in St Petersburg, and was also the last Tsar to be buried there. Nicholas II was born on May 6, 1868, in Tsarskoe Selo. He was delivered by his mother Marie Fyodorovna Romanova, formerly Dagmar, Princess of Denmark. Unfortunately, Russia was changing fast. Nicholas grew up in a seriously 'mothered' approach, which including him maturing at a late age. Unlike the rest of the Romanov men, Nicholas was not a very big man. The other men were always very intimidating. Nicholas however, was a mere 5' 6 tall. To make up for his lack of height, Nicholas worked out with weights and other athletic equipment.

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        Important economic developments were taking place, notable the industrialisation of parts of the country. More opposition groups approached the Tsar, seeking political, economic and social changes throughout the country. Many people believed that Nicholas II was a weak and indecisive leader. However, throughout his reign, he dismissed many important calls for reform, showing his real power. There were many social and economical developments.

        Russia began to industrialise and although it remained a predominantly agricultural society, there where hundreds of workers make there way into the much larger cities. There was also growing pressure on the land from ...

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