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Autocracy
in Transition |
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Autocracy
in Transition |
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Russia of the late 19th century was a vast country attempting to bring itself into the industrial age, while keeping its medieval governmental system intact. This struggle coupled with simmering revolutionary movements would ultimately become too much to bear bringing down both the autocracy and Imperial Russia. But that was a conflict for another time, for the time being Russia was a vibrant place of culture, prosperity, and great change. By the 1890's it could be seen that the old world was slowly transforming into something new.
In 1881 Alexander III had become Tsar of Russia. This turn of events marked a return to an austere autocracy that frowned on the opulence of European royalty. Many earlier reforms were repealed and measures restricting peasant ownership of land were introduced. This consolidation of power continued until his sudden illness and death in the 1894. It was also during this time that the industrial revolution took hold in Russia and people began moving to the cities. The expansion into the Turkomen territories of Central Asia continued, resulting in their defeat and annexation. A later action almost resulted in war with Britain as the Great Game turned briefly to war in Afghanistan during 1885.
Under Alexander the military strived to become more modern. Efforts were made to make use of the new smokeless powder and magazine rifles that were coming into use. These would eventually result in the famous Mosin-Nagant rifle that lasted well into the next century. New ships and artillery were also built. It was hoped that such changes would keep Russia on equal footing with other European nations.
The sudden death of Alexander III in November of 1894 resulted in his son Nicholas II becoming Tsar of Russia before he was ready. Nicolas had expected his father to reign for quite some time, and had not been prepared for the task of rulership. Even so, he was crowned Tsar of the Russian Empire in 1894. As one of his first orders, he undertook the census of 1897. This was the first time such a thing had been done in Russia. Railroads were constructed, schools were built, and the future looked hopeful for the moment.
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