What impression of the Tsar are you given from Source 1?

Do you think the Tsar would want to be seen this way? Why?

Do you think lots of parts of society would have seen the Tsar this way?

Why or why not?

What can you tell about the population of Imperial Russia?What proportion of imperial people were Great Russians?

Which of these groups are now independent?

The lands of Russia

• Huge area – over 9 500 kmW to E & 3 200kms N to S• Incredible variation of climates, vegetation &

physical features • In 1855, only 1.6% of people lived in towns of over

100,000• Even today, only 10% of land is used for crops &

most not farmed at all

What might be some results of such diversity?

How might such diversity have affected governance?

What was happening to Germany and Italy in the 19th century?

The making of modern Russia

• 1613: Michael Romanov elected tsar (emperor) – Russia ruled by his direct descendants until 1917

• Peter the Great & Catherine the Great ruled consecutively in 18th century, with similar aims– Add to territory – Modernise Russia

• During Napoleonic wars in early 19th century, Moscow was captured (1812). By 1814, Russians marched through Paris. How?– When size of army = power, Russia always won

Russian society

What can you see?

What questions do the pictures raise?

Imagine there was a 3rd picture.

What might it show us?

Keyword search Match the following key words to their definition. Copy them into your book.

serfs

autocracy

mir

Slavophiles

Westernisers

Constitutional monarchy

A. System of government in which the power of monarchy restrained by law & representative institutions (such as a parliament).

B. A peasant village community, run by village elders who were usually older & more successful peasants.

C. Unlimited government by one person.

D. Russians who believed Russia’s problems could be resolved by adopting Western institutions & Western developments.

E. Russia peasants; made up 90% of population; owned by nobles

F. Russians who believed the country’s problems could only be resolved by following traditional values.

Russian society & economy • 2 classes – peasants (90%) and nobility (10%)– Significant that no middle class?

• Majority of population tied to land, with economic repercussions

• Poor life expectancy & literacy rates • No industrialisation • Poor communication & transport • Decembrist Rising 1825 = result of W .European Enlightenment • Crimean War: – Increased anger & tension – Troops badly equipped / backwards military – Nicholas I dies & Alex II has to agree to ceasefire

By 1855…

• End of Nicholas I’s reign: – Dissatisfaction – Extremely low levels of education – Major censorship & government crackdown – Fear