Russia:Reform and Reaction

 

By 1800, Western Europe had entered the industrial age. Russia, on the other hand, saw little economic growth. The Czars feard change might weaken their control. Also, a rigid system of social classes blocked progress. Wealthy nobles owned all farmlands. They cared little about industry. The middle class was too small to have much power. Most Russians were serfs who toiled for the landowners. As long as people served masters, Russia could not move forward.

 

Alexander II freed the serfs in 1861. His few reforms, or changes, did not satisfy many Russians. He was killed in 1881. His son, Alexander III, persecuted all non Russians. He insisted on one language, Russian, and one church, Russian Orthodox. Jews were beaten and killed in the attacks known as pogroms. Many fled to other lands.

 

Under Alexander III and his son, Nicholas II, Russia at last entered the industrial age. Factory owners could be as unfair as the nobles had been. On January 22, 1905, a priest led marchers to the palace of the czar. They called for an end to poverty and a voice in government. Soldiers opened fire and killed hundreds of the demonstrators. That day, known as Bloody Sunday, sparked a revolution.

 

In 1905, NicholasII agreed to set up an elected Duma, or body of lawmakers. However, its powers were limited. Unrestamong peasants and workers did not end.

 

The Russian Revolution of 1905

 

Causes

*Low spirits after defeat in 1904 war with Japan.

*Poverty and bad working conditions

*Corrupt

*Persecution of minority groups. ie. pogroms

*"Bloody Sunday" killings

 

Results

*The "October Manifesto"- Czar Nicholas II announces reforms and new freedoms.

*Nicholas II sets up the Duma which must approve all laws.

*Nicholas II dissolves the first Duma when its leaders criticize the government.

*Pogroms continue

*New voting laws limit powers of later Dumas

 

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