19th Century. Counter-Reforms of Alexander III. Russian History. Historical Project
Alexander III.
Reign: March 1 (13), 1881 – October 20 (November 1), 1894
On March 1, 1881, after the assassination of Tsar-Liberator Alexander II, his son ascended the Russian throne. He would go down in history as Emperor Alexander III. Even during his father's lifetime, he had doubts about the need for liberal reforms. And after his death at the hands of Narodnaya Volya terrorists, he became firmly convinced that such changes were harmful and even dangerous for Russia. During this sovereign's reign, a veritable hunt for revolutionaries would be declared, and counter-reforms would begin in education, the judiciary, and zemstvo administration. However, this period would also be one of the most peaceful in Russian history.
After watching this episode, you will learn: why did Alexander III not continue his father's liberal reforms and instead began to tighten the screws? What consequences did his conservative policies have for the Russian economy? And why was Alexander III nicknamed the Peacemaker? This and much more is covered in the new series of the “Russian History” project.