Condition in 1855

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How much of the population was Russian in 1855?
Less than 50%.
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What was the population of Russia in 1855?
69 million people.
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Where did 75% of the Russian population live in Russia in 1855?
Within European Russia, which was west of the Urals and less than 25% of the total land mass.
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What type of political structure did Russia follow?
An autocratic structure.
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Who was at the head of the autocratic structure?
The Tsar, who took the title 'Emperor and Autocrat of all Russia'. He was, informally, the head of the Orthodox church with many believers seeing him as the God on Earth. The vast lands of Russia was his property and the people his children.
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How were Russians taught to respect the Tsar?
Through devotion and accepting their conditions on Earth as the will of God.
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Who provided spiritual guidance to the Tsar?
Th Patriarch of Moscow.
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Who ran church affairs?
The Over-Procurator of the Holy Synod. This post was created in 1721 and was appointed by the Tsar. This meant that the structures of the church and State were intertwined.
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What were archbishops and bishops at the head of the church hierarchy subject to?
Tsarist control over appointments, religious education, most of the church's finances and issues of administration.
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What was the Tsar's law of the land?
His imperial edicts - ukazy.
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How were the Tsar's advisers and ministers appointed?
By the Tsar.
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Who were the Tsar's main advisory bodies?
The Imperial Council (Chancellery), the Council of Ministers and the Senate.
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What was the Imperial Council?
A body of 35 to 60 nobles specially picked by the Tsar to advise him personally and provide their 'expert' opinion.
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Who was the Council of Ministers?
A body of 8 to 14 ministers in charge of different government departments.
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Who was the Senate?
This was supposed to oversee all the workings of the government but this was largely redundant in practise by 1855.
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Where was the Tsar and his central government based?
In St Petersburg.
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Who did autocracy rely on for support?
The nobles, who had been obliged to serve the State since 1785, such as by being a provincial governor of one of the 50 provinces. All landowners were expected to keep order on their estates.
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Who were special committees often headed by to carry out a report?
Trusted nobles, but the Tsar was not obligated to listen to their findings.
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Who were the civil servants?
These made up the bureaucracy and were paid by noble officials. They were selected from a 'table of ranks' that laid down the requirements for office, with there being 14 levels each with their own uniform and address.
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Who was Rank 1 held by?
The Council of Ministers.
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Who was Rank 14 held by?
Those covering minor State positions, such as collecting taxes.
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Why were the 'table of ranks' riddled with corruption?
Because of incompetence and suggestions could only be passed down from the Council of Ministers, no suggestions could be passed up through the ranks.
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How large was Russia's army in 1855?
1.5 million - the largest in the world.
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What were the conditions of the army in the lower ranks?
Tough. They were conscripted serfs, forced into service for 25 years and made to live in a 'military colony'.
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How much of annual spending went on the army?
45% - they could be called to suppress uprisings or fight in wars.
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What were the conditions of the army in the upper ranks?
They were reserved for the nobles who bought and sold their commission. They were prestigious posts.
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In order to maintain autocracy, who did the Tsar have at his disposal?
The Cossacks, the Police, and the Third Section.
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Who were the Cossacks?
They were from the Ukraine and the south. They were known for skills in horsemanship and strong military tradition. They formed a prestigious class serving the Tsar. Each soldier rode own highly trained horse and had armament.
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Who were the Police?
They prevented freedom of speech, press and travel abroad. Political meeting and strikes were forbidden and censorship was enforced at every level of government.
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Who was the Third Section?
This was the secret State security networks. Its agents kept a strict surveillance over the population and had unlimited powers to carry out raids and to arrest those suspicious of anti-tsarist behaviour. They were greatly feared and acted on inform.
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What is a Police State?
One where the activities of the people are closely monitored and controlled for political reasons.
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Who were the Tsar's personal bodyguard?
The Cossacks - they helped to reinforce the Police State.
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How much of the population were Ukrainian?
22%
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How much of the population were Polish?
8%.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

What was the population of Russia in 1855?

Back

69 million people.

Card 3

Front

Where did 75% of the Russian population live in Russia in 1855?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

What type of political structure did Russia follow?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

Who was at the head of the autocratic structure?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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