Alexander 3rd and Economy

How far did Alexander III reform Russian between 1881 – 94?

• Alexander II emancipated the serfs in 1861. Alex III halted many reforms.

• He was taught be the conservative Pobedonostev.

• Followed the slogan of Autocracy, Orthodoxy and Nationality.

• Argued reform encouraged radicalism.

• Reforming ministers were forced to resign.

• A manifesto was introduced to keep absolute power to the Tsar.

• Government controlled courts.

• Press freedom restricted.

• Foreign books and newspapers censored.

• Okhrana powerful and feard.

• Uni fees increased so only wealthy could attend.

• Land Captains introduced to help rule Russia.

• More government control over education

• Governments chose who were in juries.

• Russian became the offical language, all others were banned.

• Jews experience Pogroms.

• Alex III knew Russia needed to modernise.

• Bunge reduced amount of tax paid by peasants and established a Peasants Land Bank to provide financial support for agriculture and to increase harvests.

• Vsynegradsky introduced incentives for peasants to move to siberia where there was more land.

• He also encouraged loans to modernise.

• Severe famine – 2 million died.

• Introduction of tariffs to encourage domestic buying of Russian goods.

Impact of Sergi Witte

• Witte knew that: More foreign investment was needed, Russsia needed a larger business class, Russia need more peasants to work in factories.

• He implemented: Government became more active in developing the economy, greater emphasis on coal, iron and…