How secure was the Tsars power up to 1904

... How secure was the Tsar's power up to 1904? 'The rich swell up with pride, the poor from hunger' Sholom Aleichem (1859-1916) This essay will focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the last three Csars of Russia: Alexander II (1855-1881), Alexander III (1881-1894), Nicholas II (1894-1917). Furthermore it will investigate the consequences of autocratic rule over such a large, industrially under-developed and diverse country. The Fundamental Laws (published during the reign of Nicholas II in 1906) made explicit what such autocracy meant, for example, Law 5 states "Supreme Autocratic Power belongs to the Emperor of all Russia". Married to Fundamental Law No 1 "The Russian State is one and indivisible" it left little room for argument or misunderstanding amongst either native Russians or any of her satellites. Nicholas himself was determined to uphold his father's views on autocracy and believed in his divine right to rule. This would ultimately lead to disaffection

want to read more? →