How Far Did Russia Change between 1856 and 1894

How Far Did Russia Change between 1856 and 1994?

During the years of 1856 and 1894, Russia changed immensely in its policies and general state. It went from being an ageing superpower into a country with internal problems and an ambience of civilian unrest.

Alexander II realised the need to modernise Russia in order to prolong their status as a superpower. This stemmed from their defeat in the Crimean war. To modernise and industrialise Russia, a free workforce was needed and this could only be made available if people were freed from the land. This meant that Alexander II would need to somehow release the serfs from their owner’s land. Another reason for emancipation was made clear in a quote from Alexander II in March 1856: “It is better to abolish serfdom from above than to await the time when it will begin to abolish itself from below”. This shows that emancipation was going to be used as a tool to solve two problems facing Alexander II. However, in order for emancipation to succeed another reform had to occur which was land reforms. However, Alexander II did not want the political system of Russia to change whilst the economic transformation was occurring. However, the political system also changed because there was an addition to the local villages. This was the zemstva and to a more national degree, the duma. However, the tsar still had supreme power over these structures. Despite Alexander II’s reforms, Russia still faced a number of problems. Alexander II’s counter reforms created a problem as this led to the peasants wanting more than usual. Also, land hunger was a huge problem leading to a more restless peasant force.

In conclusion, Russia made a great deal of progress during Alexander II’s reign as they began to lay the foundations for creating a new, more powerful Russia. However, not all of Russia’s problems were solved and indeed some of the reforms created new problems. But generally, Russia changed a great deal during Alexander II’s reign and the majority of change was constructive.

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Alexander III was faced with a number of dilemmas when he came to power. The assassination of his father had a huge impact on him. He believed that all attempts at reform were futile and so followed a policy of counter-reform. His repressive measures became known as “the Reaction”. Some examples include Russification, where national minority influence was limited and the Statue of State Security, where judges, magistrates and officials sympathetic to liberal ideology were removed. During Alexander III’s reign, opposition grew tremendously. This was generally due to Alexander III’s repression, political stagnation and because if they did nothing, there would be no alternative to autocracy.

In conclusion, Russia did not make a great deal of progress during Alexander III’s reign. Alexander III dealt with Russia’s problems by using suppression. But this caused more opposition to the tsar as it drove more support towards the violent revolutionary groups. In addition, some historians have said that Alexander III’s policy of suppression stopped Russia’s progression and as such, Russia regressed in terms of positive change. However, Alexander III’s reign still changed Russia as it caused more opposition, which in turn became a more powerful force and eventually overthrew autocracy.

It can be argued that both Alexander II and Alexander III changed Russia. I say this because although Alexander III didn’t change Russia in the same way as his father, he still changed Russia because he increased opposition and this eventually caused revolution. Both Alexander II and Alexander III decided to change Russia in a bid to prolong autocracy.

Despite the reform and counter-reform taking place in Russia, some aspects of life stayed the same. Generally in Russia, there was some kind of repression occurring. Although the Duma was meant to represent the people of Russia, the tsar still had the power to simply over rule any decisions. Also, the average peasant life was not much better than pre emancipation as they were crippled by redemption payments.

In conclusion, Russia changed immensely between 1856 and 1894.

When recognised as being an ageing superpower by Alexander II it was inevitable that some sort of change would take place in Russia in the hope of modernisation. We can see that the changes were mostly political and economical. During Alexander III’s reign we can see that the changes were suppressive although it ultimately led to further change in the form of revolution in the future.

ADAM KHANCHE