ALEXANDER II

Meagan Carreira, Kyle Souza, Cassidy Gomes, Kevin

Dickinson

REIGN Came to throne in 1855 during the

Crimean War. His reign represented the pattern of

reform and repression used by his father and grandfather. (Alexander I & Nicholas I)

IDEOLOGY He implemented a universal military

service, and a legal reorganization. He wanted to re-evaluate the foreign

policy. He displayed a passion for helping

orphans, as well as children. He made personal relationships with

some of the children orphaned by the Crimean War.

Alexander said, “I cannot tell you that I totally oppose this; we live in an era in which this must eventually happen.

DID HE CHANGE HIS IDEOLOGIES?

This quote (previous slide), tells us that he wasn’t completely against freeing the serfs, because he knew it would have to happen sometime.

Some people revolted, and this is what caused Alexander to change his beliefs, and agree to freeing the serfs.

With the idea of emancipation, serfs finally had the rights and it gave them a new look at society.

Serfs, could now have jobs that payed them, and their social class became more like a real society.

LAST IDEOLOGIES The downfall of emancipation, took

place when things looked like they were all good, but their were setbacks as well.

Even though the serfs did receive land and property rights, it wasn’t enough to let their family live comfortably.

So along with how society was back then, the serfs were still at the bottom of the food chain, and the upper class was winning the fight for economic fairness.

MAJOR REFORMS Emancipation Manifesto- freed the serfs

in Russia Personal Serfdom would be abolished. 1864 – allowed each district to set up a

Zemstvo 1870- Improved municipal government 1874- universal military training Also encouraged expansion of industry

and the railway network His reforms didn’t satisfy liberals or

radicals.

MAJOR REFORMS CONT. Reforms in agriculture also disappointed

peasants. 1876- established a land & liberty The Russian court system was reformed

ZEMSTOVS Set up an elected assemblies called

zemstovs. Held responsible for matters such as

road repairs, school and agriculture.

THE PEOPLES WILL Alexander II was killed by a bomb thrown

in the street by a member of the peoples will group.

Organized in 1879 Employed terrorism and assassination in

their attempt to overthrow Russia’s czarist autocracy

Succeeded by his 36 year old son, Alexander III

Alexander II’s assassins were arrested and hanged and the peoples will was thoroughly suppressed.

WEBSITES USED www.notablebiographies.com/A-An/Alex

ander-II.html#ixzz2IFqFIUZw http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/R

USalexander2.htm The History textbook provided. http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/

Alexander_II.aspx