Russia Between 1750 and 1900 for AP World History

Between 1750 and 1900, Russia was ruled by tsars (czars), specifically the Romanov family. One tsar, Alexander II, attempted to modernize Russia by taking steps such as freeing the serfs. However, his son, Alexander III reversed many of his father’s reforms. At the same time, the masses of Russia were growing discontent. Alexander III’s son would be the last tsar of Russia. Read the FREE Google Slides to learn more about Russia between 1750 and 1900.

A Brief History of Russia

Russia’s story began in the 9th century with the establishment of Kievan Rus, a loose confederation of city-states, blending Eastern Slavic traditions. Then, the Mongols swept in during the 13th century, making Russia a part of the Golden Horde for about 200 years. Ivan III, or Ivan the Great, broke free from Mongol rule in the late 15th century. His grandson, Ivan IV, became the first Tsar, earning the name “Ivan the Terrible.” The 17th century brought stability with the Romanov dynasty, starting with Michael I. Enter Peter the Great in 1682, who transformed Russia by modernizing the military, administration, and culture, even moving the capital to Saint Petersburg.

The Romanovs

The Romanov dynasty, which ruled Russia for over three centuries, played a crucial role in shaping the course of Russian history. Ascending to power in 1613 with the coronation of Michael Romanov, the dynasty faced the formidable task of consolidating authority and restoring stability after the Time of Troubles. The Romanovs presided over a vast and diverse empire, navigating challenges such as social upheavals, external threats, and modernization pressures. Peter the Great, a towering figure among the Romanovs, embarked on ambitious reforms to westernize Russia, transforming it into a major European power. The dynasty also witnessed the zenith of Russian cultural achievements, particularly during the reign of Catherine the Great. However, the Romanovs’ rule was not without its darker moments, notably the oppressive regime of Nicholas II, which culminated in the Russian Revolution of 1917.

Serfs in Russia

Life for serfs in Russia between 1750 and 1900 was characterized by harsh conditions, limited freedoms, and a rigid social structure. Serfdom, an institution that bound peasants to the land and subjected them to the authority of landowners, prevailed during this period. Serfs, who made up the majority of the Russian population, lived in rural villages and were tied to the estates of the nobility. They were obligated to work the land, providing a significant portion of their produce to the landowner.

Serfs had little control over their lives and were subject to the will of the landowners, who held immense power over them. The landowners had the authority to administer justice, collect taxes, and even decide the fate of serfs in legal matters. Serfs were often subjected to heavy labor, with long hours spent toiling in the fields.

Social mobility was almost non-existent for serfs, and they were typically bound to the land for generations. The serfdom system created a stark social divide between the privileged nobility and the oppressed peasantry. While there were sporadic attempts at reform during the 19th century, including the Emancipation of the Serfs in 1861 by Tsar Alexander II, the changes were gradual, and the conditions for many serfs remained difficult.

Despite the abolition of serfdom, life for peasants continued to be challenging in the post-emancipation period. Many were burdened by debt and struggled to secure adequate land. The legacy of serfdom lingered in Russian society, influencing the dynamics between social classes for years to come.

Alexander II

Alexander II, ruling from 1855 to 1881, was a transformative figure in Russian history during a period of significant social and political change. Faced with the challenges of a rapidly evolving world, he initiated a series of reforms aimed at modernizing and liberalizing Russian society. His most notable achievement was the Emancipation of the Serfs in 1861, which liberated millions of serfs from centuries-old bondage to the land. While this move was a watershed moment, it did not fully address the broader social and economic issues, and many former serfs continued to face challenges.

Alexander II’s reign also witnessed attempts at judicial and administrative reforms, such as the establishment of local self-government (zemstvos) and the introduction of a judicial system with trial by jury. However, these reforms were met with resistance from conservative forces, and the pace of change was often slow.

Despite his efforts to modernize, Alexander II faced increasing opposition. Discontent among various social groups, coupled with nationalist movements in Poland and the Caucasus, led to political turmoil. Tragically, his reign was cut short by his assassination in 1881 by revolutionary terrorists. While Alexander II’s reforms had a lasting impact on Russian society, they also highlighted the inherent tensions between autocratic rule and the aspirations for a more participatory and liberal political system, setting the stage for further upheavals in Russian history.

The Emancipation Edict

The Emancipation Edict of 1861, a pivotal moment in Russian history, was a reform initiative undertaken by Tsar Alexander II to address the longstanding issue of serfdom. Issued in the midst of a changing socio-political landscape, the edict aimed to liberate millions of serfs from their ties to the land. While the decree officially emancipated the serfs, granting them personal freedom and allowing them to own property, the transition was not without challenges. The land redistribution, intended to provide serfs with their own plots, often fell short of meeting the agricultural needs of the newly freed peasants. Additionally, the obligation to repay the state for the land distributed created economic burdens for many former serfs.

The Emergence of a Middle Class

The Russian middle class started to grow in the late 1800s and early 1900s. This happened because the government freed millions of people from working on farms in 1861, and more jobs were created as cities and industries expanded. People in the middle class worked in businesses, industries, and professional jobs. Changes in education also allowed more people to get better jobs. Russia was becoming more focused on making money through buying and selling, which helped the middle class grow. Even though the middle class faced challenges like not having enough political freedom and dealing with social differences, its rise was an important change in Russia’s society and had an impact on the events that led to the Russian Revolution.

Arts in Russia

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Russia experienced a vibrant cultural renaissance marked by the contributions of notable authors, artists, and musicians. Alexander Pushkin, often hailed as the father of Russian literature, crafted poems and novels celebrating the richness of the Russian language and culture. Leo Tolstoy, renowned for his epic novels like “War and Peace” and “Anna Karenina,” explored profound themes of morality and society. Fyodor Dostoevsky, through works such as “Crime and Punishment” and “The Brothers Karamazov,” delved into the intricacies of the human psyche and existential questions.

In the realm of music, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, a celebrated composer, left an indelible mark with his masterpieces like “Swan Lake” and “The Nutcracker.” Tchaikovsky’s compositions bridged Western and Russian musical traditions, contributing to the rich tapestry of classical music.

In visual arts, Ilya Repin, a prominent painter, depicted scenes of Russian life with realism and emotional depth. The Wanderers, a realist art movement that included Repin, aimed to portray social issues and convey a strong sense of national identity. Together, these creative minds shaped Russia’s cultural identity, producing enduring works that continue to resonate and define the artistic legacy of the nation.

The People’s Will

The People’s Will, a revolutionary organization that emerged in Russia during the late 19th century, played a pivotal role in the country’s political landscape. Founded in 1879, the group sought to overthrow the autocratic rule of the Romanovs and establish a democratic and socialist government. Comprising mainly intellectuals and radical thinkers, the People’s Will gained notoriety for its use of violence as a means of political change. Their most infamous act was the assassination of Tsar Alexander II in 1881. Despite the immediate consequences of repression by the authorities, the People’s Will symbolized the growing discontent with autocracy and the desire for political reform. Their actions contributed to the broader revolutionary fervor that ultimately led to the Russian Revolution of 1917, marking a transformative period in Russian history as the nation transitioned from monarchy to communism.

Alexander III

Alexander III, who ruled Russia from 1881 to 1894, emerged as a reactionary figure in the wake of his father Alexander II’s assassination. Focused on reversing the liberal reforms instituted by his predecessor, Alexander III pursued a policy of conservative autocracy, aiming to strengthen the autocratic power of the tsar and maintain social order. His reign was characterized by a series of repressive measures, including the suppression of revolutionary movements and the restriction of civil liberties. Alexander III implemented a program of Russification, aimed at assimilating various ethnic groups within the Russian Empire into a unified Russian culture. This policy intensified tensions and fostered discontent among non-Russian nationalities. Economically, Alexander III supported industrialization but largely maintained the existing social hierarchy, favoring the interests of the nobility. His conservative policies set the stage for the subsequent reign of his son, Nicholas II, and contributed to the socio-political challenges that culminated in the Russian Revolution of 1917.

Russification

Russification, a policy instituted by Tsar Alexander III in late 19th-century Russia, aimed at imposing a uniform Russian culture and identity on the diverse ethnic groups within the Russian Empire. This strategy sought to strengthen the central authority of the state by suppressing regional and cultural distinctions. Russian language, customs, and traditions were forcefully promoted, often at the expense of local languages and cultures. The policy extended beyond cultural assimilation to include restrictions on non-Russian institutions, such as religious practices and educational systems. Russification was particularly pronounced in areas like Poland, Finland, and the Baltic states, sparking resistance and fostering a sense of national identity among various ethnic groups. This policy, driven by the desire to consolidate imperial control, inadvertently fueled nationalist sentiments and contributed to the tensions that eventually erupted into widespread discontent and revolutionary movements, shaping the complex tapestry of Russian history in the years to come.

Factories in Russia

As Russia moved from an agrarian society to an industrial one, the factory environment evolved in tandem. In the early stages, particularly during the 18th century, factory conditions were often rudimentary, characterized by long working hours, low wages, and minimal concern for workers’ welfare. The 19th century saw the rapid expansion of industrialization, especially during the reign of Tsar Alexander II. Factories proliferated, and a burgeoning working class faced grueling conditions, including crowded and unsafe workplaces, lack of job security, and meager wages. Child labor was prevalent, and the absence of labor regulations led to the exploitation of workers, with little recourse for grievances. As industrialization advanced, labor movements gained momentum, leading to eventual calls for workers’ rights and improved conditions. However, the period up to 1900 witnessed a stark contrast between the booming industrial sector and the challenging circumstances faced by the labor force, setting the stage for future social and political changes in Russia.

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