Alexander II's reforms in 19th century Russia marked a significant... Show more
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Military and Economic Reforms
Alexander II enacted sweeping military and economic reforms to modernize Russia:
Military reforms under Minister Miliutin aimed to humanize and professionalize the army:
- Ended extreme corporal punishment in 1863
- Created 10 regional military commands
- Revised the Military Code
- Reduced conscription from 25 to 15 years
- Extended conscription to all social classes
- Established military schools open to all classes
Highlight: Conscription was reduced to 7 years active service, or just 6 months for university students.
Economic reforms under Finance Minister Reutern promoted industrialization:
- Unified the treasury and published budgets
- Replaced licenses with excise duties on goods
- Expanded railways from 700 to 14,000 miles
- Established hundreds of banks and joint-stock companies
- Abolished restrictions on Jewish settlement
Example: By 1878, Russia had 278 municipal banks, 727 loan associations, and 566 joint-stock companies.
These reforms aimed to address weaknesses exposed by defeat in the Crimean War and modernize Russia's military and economy. However, their impact was limited by continuing autocracy.
Emancipation of the Serfs and Local Government Reforms
Alexander II enacted major reforms to modernize Russia in the mid-19th century, focusing on emancipating serfs and reforming local government.
The emancipation edict of 1861 freed serfs from bondage to landowners, granting them personal freedoms like the right to marry freely. However, former serfs still faced challenges:
Highlight: While freed from lords, serfs had to pay 49 years of redemption payments at 6% interest.
Definition: Serfdom was a system where peasants were bound to the land they worked on, with very limited personal freedoms.
Local government reforms in 1864 created elected zemstva councils to manage local affairs like education and infrastructure. In 1870, town councils called dumas were established.
Example: Zemstva were responsible for roads, schools, and economic development, but had no control over taxes or police.
Alexander II viewed these reforms as necessary to prevent peasant revolts and restore Russia's great power status after defeat in the Crimean War. However, nobles still dominated local government, limiting real change for peasants.
Education and Legal Reforms
Alexander II enacted significant education and legal reforms to modernize Russia:
Education reforms under Minister Golovin expanded access and autonomy:
- New curricula and teaching methods introduced
- 1863 University Regulations granted academic freedom and autonomy
- Increased lower-class attendance at primary and secondary schools
- Creation of technical schools
Quote: "Russia was far behind the west in terms of intellectual capabilities"
Legal reforms aimed to address corruption and inefficiency:
- Public trials and trial by jury introduced
- Justices of the Peace elected by zemstva
- Independent bar association created
- Oral evidence allowed and cross-examined
Vocabulary: Zemstva were local government councils established by Alexander II's reforms.
These reforms were seen as crucial for industrialization and catching up to Western powers. However, later "special courts" introduced in 1878 were more repressive.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
What Was Serfdom and Did It End in Russia?
Alexander II's reforms in 19th century Russia marked a significant period of modernization and social change. The Emancipation of the serfs in Russia under Alexander IIwas a cornerstone of these reforms, alongside changes in local government, education, legal system,... Show more
Military and Economic Reforms
Alexander II enacted sweeping military and economic reforms to modernize Russia:
Military reforms under Minister Miliutin aimed to humanize and professionalize the army:
- Ended extreme corporal punishment in 1863
- Created 10 regional military commands
- Revised the Military Code
- Reduced conscription from 25 to 15 years
- Extended conscription to all social classes
- Established military schools open to all classes
Highlight: Conscription was reduced to 7 years active service, or just 6 months for university students.
Economic reforms under Finance Minister Reutern promoted industrialization:
- Unified the treasury and published budgets
- Replaced licenses with excise duties on goods
- Expanded railways from 700 to 14,000 miles
- Established hundreds of banks and joint-stock companies
- Abolished restrictions on Jewish settlement
Example: By 1878, Russia had 278 municipal banks, 727 loan associations, and 566 joint-stock companies.
These reforms aimed to address weaknesses exposed by defeat in the Crimean War and modernize Russia's military and economy. However, their impact was limited by continuing autocracy.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Emancipation of the Serfs and Local Government Reforms
Alexander II enacted major reforms to modernize Russia in the mid-19th century, focusing on emancipating serfs and reforming local government.
The emancipation edict of 1861 freed serfs from bondage to landowners, granting them personal freedoms like the right to marry freely. However, former serfs still faced challenges:
Highlight: While freed from lords, serfs had to pay 49 years of redemption payments at 6% interest.
Definition: Serfdom was a system where peasants were bound to the land they worked on, with very limited personal freedoms.
Local government reforms in 1864 created elected zemstva councils to manage local affairs like education and infrastructure. In 1870, town councils called dumas were established.
Example: Zemstva were responsible for roads, schools, and economic development, but had no control over taxes or police.
Alexander II viewed these reforms as necessary to prevent peasant revolts and restore Russia's great power status after defeat in the Crimean War. However, nobles still dominated local government, limiting real change for peasants.
Education and Legal Reforms
Alexander II enacted significant education and legal reforms to modernize Russia:
Education reforms under Minister Golovin expanded access and autonomy:
- New curricula and teaching methods introduced
- 1863 University Regulations granted academic freedom and autonomy
- Increased lower-class attendance at primary and secondary schools
- Creation of technical schools
Quote: "Russia was far behind the west in terms of intellectual capabilities"
Legal reforms aimed to address corruption and inefficiency:
- Public trials and trial by jury introduced
- Justices of the Peace elected by zemstva
- Independent bar association created
- Oral evidence allowed and cross-examined
Vocabulary: Zemstva were local government councils established by Alexander II's reforms.
These reforms were seen as crucial for industrialization and catching up to Western powers. However, later "special courts" introduced in 1878 were more repressive.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user