1855 russian autocracy notes

the russian autocracy in 1855

political context
supporters
- the church
    - tsar controlled the church
    - closely entwined with the State
- advisers and ministers
    - chosen by the tsar
- nobility
    - kept orders on estates
    - might serve as provincial governors or in special committees appointed by the tsar
- bureaucracy
    - were paid noble officials
    - passed orders from central government to provinces and, in turn, to districts and towns
    - riddled with corruption and incompetence
- army
    - included around 1.5 million conscripted serfs, each forced into 25 years of service
    - absorbed around 45% of annual government expenditure
    - could be used to fight in wars or put down internal disturbances
- police
    - freedom of speech, freedom of the press and travel abroad forbidden
    - political meetings and strikes forbidden
    - censorship enforced
    - agents had unlimited power to carry out raids, arrest and imprison or exile anyone suspected of anti-tsarist behaviour
- over 50% of russians were serfs
    - just over…