Opposition until 1881

Tsar Alexander II (1855-1881)- Alexander the Liberator

Opposition to Alexander II saw a possibility for further reform and were willing to use extremist tactics in order to achieve their ends. Opposition ranged from: 

• Mildly behaved Zemstva, containing many of the Liberal minded intelligensia.
• Student Radicals
• Small businessmen
• Prosperous peasants
• Kulaks, who had obtained their freedom, were more resentful of the remaining restrictions

Due to relaxed censorship, opposition to the Tsar could be reported more freely. This resulted in a restriction of publications once more in the late 1870s, further creating another source of discontent.

The Intelligensia

• Despite being a relatively small group of people (1.1% of nobility), the influence of the Intelligensia grew in the 1870s. The development of the law courts, as a result of reform, produced a crop of trained lawyers who were ready to question autocratic practises.
• Additionally, the development of…