The extent of change in Russia, 1881-1894

The extent of change in Russia, 1881-1894

1. Alexander III and his policies

   • Repression
     • Loris - Melikov (reforming minister)was forced to resign
     • Manifesto introduced to emphasise political power of the Tsar
     • 'Statute of State Security' passed establishing government controlled courts. Suspects could be put on trial without a jury.
     • Press freedoms were restricted. 14 major newspapers were banned by 1889.
     • Okhrana became feared
     • Uni fees were increased

2. Russification

   • In 1885, Russian became the official language of the Empire
   • Jews were heavily persecuted and experienced pogroms

3. Economy and Modernisation

   • Purpose: to compete with international rivals
   • Nickolai Bunge was finance minister in 1881 and 1882
     • Reduced the amount of tax paid by peasants
     • Established peasants Land Bank to provide financial support
     • In 1887, Vyshnegradsky became Finance minister
       • He introduced incentives for peasants to move to Siberia
       • Encouraged foreign countries to loan Russia money for industrialisation
         • However severe famines still occurred in 1891-92 where 1.5 and 2 million people died