Alexander Ii: Reforms that Changed The Face of Russia and Its Society

His reforms were all extraordinary as they show Alexander willingly allowing a new intelligentsia to be formed. Alexander was perfectly aware of this possibility but still he persisted and implemented all these reforms. The education reforms show Alexander opening himself up to criticism from a new forged class of educated Russians. If Alexander had wanted to strengthen to grip on power that much he would not have made such revolutionary reforms that paved the way for new groups of the intelligentsia that would criticize the Tsar’s rule.

Censorship was also reformed by Alexander, between 1855 and 1863 the strict censorship of Nicholas I’s reign was relaxed. There was definitely a mood of cooperation rather than repression, the latter was the case with Nicholas’ policy on censorship. However, some publications did remain banned, the radical journal The Contemporary was banned, but this was seen as reasonable by the public. The economy was also in need of reform, and Alexander II decided to do it. There were vast reforms in financial control, taxation, and new sources of income were exploited. Annual budgets were also published and the economy was definitely starting to get back on its feet. Alexander II did not have much to gain in terms of strengthening his power over Russia, it was clear that Alexander had to reform the economy in order for the many other reforms to function fully. Despite the reform of the economy, inflation worsened and the national debt rose due to the Russo-Turkish War.

In conclusion, Alexander II was without a doubt a great reformer. His vast reforms, which I have spoken about broke Russia out of a previously archaic system. Alexander II also took huge risks with these reforms. With his education reforms being very liberal he risked coming under fire from the new breed of students that his reforms created, the same was the case with the new breed of lawyers that the legal reforms created. This put Alexander’s absolute power at risk, but still, he was brave enough to push through the reforms for the benefit of Russia. Alexander II did give the serfs a raw deal in many of his reforms, but he did take the crucial first step in their complete liberation and with it left his mark on Russian society.

Like any Monarch, Alexander II was not perfect, but his reforms completely changed the face of Russia and it society, mostly for the better.