Russian Rulers: Alexander II

Became Tsar in 1855

Russia was fighting the Crimean War (1853-1856)

Lots of turmoil as a result of this 

Emancipation of the Serfs

• Freed the serfs
• 'It is better to begin abolishing serfdom from above than to wait for it to begin to abolish itself from below'

Positive effects: 

• Peasants began to have a more recognised citizenship in society

Negative effects:

• Redemption payments had to be made - 49 year period at 6% interest
• Land was only theirs after the last redemption payment
• Peasants recieved small plots of land from landowners
• Land admin carried out by mir

• It was thought that after emancipation, peasants would migrate to work in industry
• Serfdom = outdated agricultural methods = restricted production = lack of food in growing towns
• Serfs amde up the bulk of the army --> the Crimean War showed that they were weak and not professionally trained
• Alexander II though emancipation would reduce number of peasant revolts

Alexander II ordered War Minister Milyutin to carry out military reforms

• Better training of officers
• Reduced period of service from 25 years to 15 years
• More humane treatment of troops

Results:

A more professional army! 

Mikhail Reutern appointed Minister of Finance (1862-1878)

Aim: attract foreign investment to Russia

• The staple industries (iron, coal, textiles) exapnded rapidly
• Railways expanded sevenfold between 1862 and 1878

• Promotion of private schools
• Overhaul of the curriculum
• Setting up of an inspection system (like Ofsted)

The Zemstva (regional councils) were created to bring an element of democracy to local government 

New guidleines were issued for publishers and writers which provided greater freedom for induviduals to express their views 

• Judges received better pay - less likely to be bribed/corrupted
• Juries were introduced
• Courts made open to the public
• Hierarchy of courts to deal with different cases

In 1866, an assassination attempt was made. This slowed down the reform programme which is ironic: as the Russians were granted more liberties and freedoms, they attempt to kill the man repsonsible