To what extent and why does Alexander II (1855-81) deserve the title Tsar Liberator?
The debate on whether Alexander II was a Tsar Liberator is one which divides the opinion of many historians who examine Russian history. Alexander II introduced many reforms during his reign which revolutionised the political, social and economic landscape of Russia and were considered by many as ‘liberating’. My definition of ‘to liberate’ is to set free, either from oppression, confinement or indeed foreign control. Did Tsar Alexander do this and to what extent? The Emancipation of Serfs in 1861 is probably considered his most liberating action of his reign and is considered by (M.S Anderson) to be “The greatest single liberating measure in history”. Furthermore, his judiciary reforms which aimed to modernise the Russian legal system while attain parity with the western powers were also considered as very liberal actions. His military reforms which abolished military colonies and reduced the length of service favoured the ordinary working men. His political reforms while creating local governance and promoting devolution to an extent allowed the people to have more of a say. While is revolutionary educational reforms which opened up the educational system and allowed for less educational censorship which again links in to the reduced censorship of the pres which allowed the press to discuss government policy in 1865. These can all be argued to liberating actions, nevertheless was this due to circumstances of the times or was Alexander II a true liberator of his people?
Alexander was in fact not a liberal in terms of mindset or action, he wanted to maintain tsarist system and power, but accepted he needed to reform to restore Russian dignity and power. He felt that introducing limited reforms would stimulate economy and preserve political framework of his rule, he was aware of the problems facing Russia. He had controlled government whilst Nicholas I (his father) was abroad had worked on various committees examining serfdom and railways, had toured Empire which
Alexander was in fact not a liberal in terms of mindset or action, he wanted to maintain tsarist system and power, but accepted he needed to reform to restore Russian dignity and power. He felt that introducing limited reforms would stimulate economy and preserve political framework of his rule, he was aware of the problems facing Russia. He had controlled government whilst Nicholas I (his father) was abroad had worked on various committees examining serfdom and railways, had toured Empire which