E-content for B.A Third Year (History Honours) Paper VIII (C) History of Russia(1855-1953) TOPIC NO. 2- CZAR ALEXANDER II: REFORMS By Dr. Divya Kumar Assistant Professor Department of History B.D College Patliputra University Patna
[email protected] Dr Divya Kumar, B D College, Patliputra University, Patna. 1 Czar Alexander II : Reforms LESSON PLAN Introduction Alexander II- A Brief Profile Condition of Russia at the Time of His Accession His Reforms His Foreign Policy An Assessment of His Reforms INTRODUCTION Czar Alexander II of Russia, the successor of Czar Nicholas I is known in history for the numerous reforms he introduced in his country since the days of Peter the Great. Interestingly, his reign from 1855 and 1881, that is, till his death, can be divided into two phases. His progressive policies on the domestic front found expression only in the first decade of his reign, the reformist zeal unfortunately being cut short after an assassination bid on him in 1866. Thereafter, following his father’s footsteps, Alexander II reverted to suppression. Likewise, his foreign policy too showed a combination of liberalism and conservatism, depending on the countries and circumstances. ALEXANDER II- A BRIEF PROFILE Alexander II was born in Moscow on 29th of April, 1818. He was the eldest son of Czar Nicholas I and Charlotte, the daughter of Frederick William III of Prussia. His earlier name was Alexander Nikolaevich. Belonging to the Dr Divya Kumar, B D College, Patliputra University, Patna. 2 Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov House,he became the heir apparent from 1825 onwards.