Alexander II's Great Reforms
Think of Alexander II as Russia's great moderniser - he inherited a conservative, backward country and decided it desperately needed updating. After Russia's humiliating defeat in the Crimean War, he knew change was essential for survival.
His Great Reforms were game-changing. The Emancipation Reform of 1861 freed 23 million serfs from their inferior social status - imagine suddenly giving freedom to nearly a quarter of the population! He also relaxed media censorship, modernised the army and navy, and even improved conditions for Jews and other minorities.
Economically, Russia was in a right state after the Crimean War. Alexander's finance minister introduced proper public accounting for the first time and abolished the corrupt tax farming system where tax collectors could pocket extra money. They established the State Bank in 1860, followed by municipal and savings banks.
However, keeping the rouble stable proved tricky. By 1876, they'd improved Russia's financial backing from a measly 10.6% to 29% - but the Russo-Turkish War later undid much of this progress.
Key Point: Alexander believed in autocracy but recognised that Russia needed liberal reforms to compete with Western powers.
