On March 1, 1881, Emperor Alexander II Nikolaevich died at the hands of the Narodnaya Volya, and his second son Alexander ascended the throne. At first he was preparing for a military career, because. the heir to power was his elder brother Nikolai, but in 1865 he died.

In 1868, during a severe crop failure, Alexander Alexandrovich was appointed chairman of the committee for the collection and distribution of benefits to the starving. When he was before accession to the throne, he was the ataman of the Cossack troops, chancellor of the University of Helsingfors. In 1877 he took part in the Russian-Turkish war as a detachment commander.

The historical portrait of Alexander III was more like a mighty Russian peasant than the sovereign of the empire. He possessed heroic strength, but did not differ in mental abilities. Despite this characteristic, Alexander III was very fond of theater, music, painting, and studied Russian history.

In 1866 he married the Danish princess Dagmar, in Orthodoxy Maria Feodorovna. She was smart, educated, and in many ways complemented her husband. Alexander and Maria Feodorovna had 5 children.

Domestic policy of Alexander III

The beginning of the reign of Alexander III fell on the period of the struggle of two parties: the liberal (desiring the reforms initiated by Alexander II) and the monarchist. Alexander III abolished the idea of ​​the constitutionality of Russia and set a course for strengthening the autocracy.

On August 14, 1881, the government adopted a special law "Regulations on Measures to Protect State Order and Public Peace." To combat unrest and terror, states of emergency were introduced, punitive measures were used, and in 1882 the secret police appeared.

Alexander III believed that all the troubles in the country come from the freethinking of subjects and the excessive education of the lower class, which was caused by his father's reforms. Therefore, he began a policy of counter-reforms.

Universities were considered the main center of terror. The new university charter of 1884 sharply limited their autonomy, student associations and student courts were banned, access to education for representatives of the lower classes and Jews was limited, and strict censorship was introduced in the country.

changes in the Zemstvo reform under Alexander III:

In April 1881, the Manifesto on the independence of the autocracy was published, compiled by K.M. Pobedonostsev. The rights of the zemstvos were severely curtailed, and their work was taken under the strict control of the governors. Merchants and officials sat in the city dumas, and only wealthy local nobles sat in the zemstvos. Peasants lost the right to participate in elections.

Changes in judicial reform under Alexander III:

In 1890, a new regulation on zemstvos was adopted. Judges became dependent on the authorities, the competence of the jury was reduced, the world courts were practically eliminated.

Changes in the peasant reform under Alexander III:

The poll tax and communal land tenure were abolished, and compulsory redemption of land was introduced, but redemption payments were reduced. In 1882, the Peasants' Bank was established, designed to issue loans to peasants for the purchase of land and private property.

Changes in the military reform under Alexander III:

The defense capability of border districts and fortresses was strengthened.

Alexander III knew the importance of army reserves, so infantry battalions were created, reserve regiments were formed. A cavalry division was created, capable of fighting both on horseback and on foot.

To conduct combat in mountainous areas, batteries of mountain artillery were created, mortar regiments, siege artillery battalions were formed. A special railway brigade was created to deliver troops and army reserves.

In 1892, mine river companies, serf telegraphs, aeronautic detachments, and military pigeon houses appeared.

Military gymnasiums were transformed into cadet corps, for the first time non-commissioned officer training battalions were created, which trained junior commanders.

A new three-line rifle was adopted, a smokeless type of gunpowder was invented. The military uniform has been changed to a more comfortable one. The order of appointment to command positions in the army was changed: only by seniority.

Social policy of Alexander III

"Russia for the Russians" is the emperor's favorite slogan. Only the Orthodox Church is considered truly Russian, all other religions were officially defined as "non-denominational confessions."

The policy of anti-Semitism was officially proclaimed, and the persecution of Jews began.

Foreign policy of Alexander III

The reign of Emperor Alexander III was the most peaceful. Only once did Russian troops clash with Afghan troops on the Kushka River. Alexander III protected his country from wars, and also helped to extinguish hostility between other countries, for which he received the nickname "Peacemaker".

Economic policy of Alexander III

Under Alexander III, cities, factories and plants grew, domestic and foreign trade grew, the length of railways increased, and the construction of the great Siberian Railway began. In order to develop new lands, peasant families were resettled in Siberia and Central Asia.

In the late 1980s, the state budget deficit was overcome, and revenues exceeded expenditures.

The results of the reign of Alexander III

Emperor Alexander III was called "the most Russian Tsar." He defended the Russian population with all his might, especially on the outskirts, which contributed to the strengthening of state unity.

As a result of the measures taken in Russia, a rapid industrial boom took place, the exchange rate of the Russian ruble grew and strengthened, and the well-being of the population improved.

Alexander III and his counter-reforms provided Russia with a peaceful and calm era without wars and internal unrest, but also engendered a revolutionary spirit in Russians that would break out under his son Nicholas II.

The name of Emperor Alexander III, one of the greatest statesmen of Russia, was desecrated and forgotten for many years. And only in recent decades, when it became possible to speak unbiasedly and freely about the past, evaluate the present and think about the future, the public service of Emperor Alexander III is of great interest to everyone who is interested in the history of their country.

The reign of Alexander III was not accompanied by either bloody wars or devastating radical reforms. It brought economic stability to Russia, the strengthening of international prestige, the growth of its population and spiritual self-deepening. Alexander III put an end to the terrorism that shook the state during the reign of his father, Emperor Alexander II, who was killed on March 1, 1881 by a bomb from the gentry of the Bobruisk district of the Minsk province, Ignaty Grinevitsky.

Emperor Alexander III was not intended to reign by birth. As the second son of Alexander II, he became heir to the Russian throne only after the untimely death of his elder brother Tsarevich Nikolai Alexandrovich in 1865. Then, on April 12, 1865, the Supreme Manifesto announced to Russia the proclamation of Grand Duke Alexander Alexandrovich as the Tsarevich's heir, and a year later the Tsarevich was married to the Danish princess Dagmar, who was married to Maria Fedorovna.

On the anniversary of his brother’s death on April 12, 1866, he wrote in his diary: “I will never forget this day ... the first funeral service over the body of a dear friend ... I thought in those moments that I would not survive my brother, that I would constantly cry at just one thought that I no longer have a brother and friend. But God strengthened me and gave me the strength to take on my new assignment. Maybe I often forgot in the eyes of others my purpose, but in my soul there was always this feeling that I should not live for myself, but for others; heavy and difficult duty. But: "Thy will be done, O God". I repeat these words all the time, and they always console and support me, because everything that happens to us is all the will of God, and therefore I am calm and trust in the Lord! Awareness of the gravity of obligations and responsibility for the future of the state, entrusted to him from above, did not leave the new emperor throughout his short life.

The educators of the Grand Duke Alexander Alexandrovich were Adjutant General, Count V.A. Perovsky, a man of strict moral rules, appointed by his grandfather Emperor Nicholas I. The education of the future emperor was in charge of the well-known economist, professor of Moscow University A.I. Chivilev. Academician Ya.K. Grotto taught Alexander history, geography, Russian and German; prominent military theorist M.I. Dragomirov - tactics and military history, S.M. Solovyov - Russian history. The future emperor studied political and legal sciences, as well as Russian legislation, under K.P. Pobedonostsev, who had a particularly great influence on Alexander. After graduation, Grand Duke Alexander Alexandrovich repeatedly traveled around Russia. It was these trips that laid in him not only love and the foundations of a deep interest in the fate of the Motherland, but formed an understanding of the problems facing Russia.

As heir to the throne, the Tsarevich participated in meetings of the State Council and the Committee of Ministers, was chancellor of the University of Helsingfors, ataman of the Cossack troops, commander of the guards in St. Petersburg. In 1868, when Russia suffered a severe famine, he stood at the head of a commission formed to provide assistance to the victims. During the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878. he commanded the Ruschuk detachment, which played an important and difficult tactical role: he held back the Turks from the east, facilitating the actions of the Russian army, which besieged Plevna. Understanding the need to strengthen the Russian fleet, the Tsesarevich addressed an ardent appeal to the people for donations to the Russian fleet. In a short time the money was raised. Vessels of the Volunteer Fleet were built on them. It was then that the heir to the throne became convinced that Russia had only two friends: its army and navy.

He was interested in music, fine arts and history, was one of the initiators of the creation of the Russian Historical Society and its chairman, was engaged in collecting collections of antiquities and restoring historical monuments.

The accession to the Russian throne of Emperor Alexander III followed on March 2, 1881, after the tragic death of his father, Emperor Alexander II, who went down in history for his extensive transformative activities. The regicide was the strongest shock for Alexander III and caused a complete change in the political course of the country. Already the Manifesto on the accession to the throne of the new emperor contained the program of his foreign and domestic policy. It said: “In the midst of Our great sorrow, the voice of God commands Us to stand up cheerfully for the cause of government, in the hope of God’s Providence, with faith in the strength and truth of Autocratic power, which We are called to establish and protect for the good of the people from any encroachments on it.” It was clear that the time for constitutional hesitation, which had characterized the previous government, was over. The emperor set as his main task the suppression of not only the revolutionary terrorist, but also the liberal opposition movement.

The government formed with the participation of the Chief Prosecutor of the Holy Synod K.P. Pobedonostsev, focused on strengthening the "traditionalist" principles in the politics, economy and culture of the Russian Empire. In the 80s - mid 90s. a series of legislative acts appeared that limited the nature and actions of those reforms of the 60-70s, which, according to the emperor, did not correspond to the historical destiny of Russia. Trying to prevent the destructive power of the opposition movement, the emperor imposed restrictions on zemstvo and city self-government. The elective beginning in the magistrate's court was reduced, in the districts the execution of judicial duties was transferred to the newly established zemstvo chiefs.

At the same time, steps were taken to develop the state's economy, strengthen finances and carry out military reforms, and resolve agrarian-peasant and national-religious issues. The young emperor also paid attention to the development of the material well-being of his subjects: he founded the Ministry of Agriculture to improve agriculture, established noble and peasant land banks, with the assistance of which nobles and peasants could acquire land property, patronized domestic industry (by raising customs duties on foreign goods ), and the construction of new canals and railways, including through Belarus, contributed to the revival of the economy and trade.

The population of Belarus for the first time in full force was sworn in to Emperor Alexander III. At the same time, local authorities paid special attention to the peasantry, among whom there were rumors that the oath was being carried out in order to return the former serfdom and a 25-year term of military service. In order to prevent peasant unrest, the Minsk governor proposed to take the oath for the peasants together with the privileged estates. In the event that Catholic peasants refused to take the oath “in the prescribed manner”, it was recommended “to act ... in a condescending and cautious manner, observing ... that the oath was taken according to the Christian rite, ... without forcing ... and generally not influencing them in a spirit that could irritate their religious beliefs."

The state policy in Belarus was dictated, first of all, by the unwillingness of the "violent breaking of the historically established order of life" of the local population, the "violent eradication of languages" and the desire to ensure that "foreigners become modern sons, and not remain the eternal adoptives of the country." It was at this time that the general imperial legislation, the administrative-political administration and the education system finally established themselves in the Belarusian lands. At the same time, the authority of the Orthodox Church rose.

In foreign policy affairs, Alexander III tried to avoid military conflicts, so he went down in history as the "Tsar-Peacemaker". The main direction of the new political course was to ensure Russian interests through the search for reliance on "themselves." Having approached France, with which Russia had no controversial interests, he concluded a peace treaty with her, thus establishing an important balance between the European states. Another extremely important policy direction for Russia was the preservation of stability in Central Asia, which became part of the Russian Empire shortly before the reign of Alexander III. The borders of the Russian Empire pr him advanced to Afghanistan. A railway was laid on this vast expanse, connecting the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea with the center of Russian Central Asian possessions - Samarkand and the river. Amu Darya. In general, Alexander III persistently strove for the complete unification of all the outskirts with native Russia. To this end, he abolished the Caucasian governorship, destroyed the privileges of the Baltic Germans and forbade foreigners, including Poles, to acquire land in Western Russia, including Belarus.

The emperor also worked hard to improve military affairs: the Russian army was significantly enlarged and armed with new weapons; several fortresses were built on the western border. The navy under him became one of the strongest in Europe.

Alexander III was a deeply believing Orthodox man and tried to do everything he considered necessary and useful for the Orthodox Church. Under him, church life noticeably revived: church brotherhoods began to operate more actively, societies for spiritual and moral readings and discussions arose, as well as for the fight against drunkenness. To strengthen Orthodoxy in the reign of Emperor Alexander III, monasteries were founded again or restored, churches were built, including with numerous and generous imperial donations. During his 13-year reign, 5,000 churches were built with state funds and donated money. Of the churches erected at that time, they are remarkable for their beauty and inner splendor: the Church of the Resurrection of Christ in St. Petersburg on the site of the mortal wound of Emperor Alexander II - the Tsar Martyr, the majestic church in the name of St. Vladimir Equal-to-the-Apostles in Kiev, the cathedral in Riga. On the day of the coronation of the emperor, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, who guarded Holy Rus' from the impudent conqueror, was solemnly consecrated in Moscow. Alexander III did not allow any modernization in Orthodox architecture and personally approved the projects of churches under construction. He zealously made sure that the Orthodox churches in Russia looked Russian, so the architecture of his time has pronounced features of a peculiar Russian style. He left this Russian style in churches and buildings as a legacy to the entire Orthodox world.

Parochial schools were extremely important in the era of Alexander III. The emperor saw in the parish school one of the forms of cooperation between the State and the Church. The Orthodox Church, in his opinion, from time immemorial has been the educator and teacher of the people. For centuries, schools at churches were the first and only schools in Rus', including Belaya. Until the half of the 60s. In the 19th century, almost exclusively priests and other members of the clergy were mentors in rural schools. On June 13, 1884, the "Rules on parish schools" were approved by the emperor. Approving them, the emperor wrote in his report about them: “I hope that the parish clergy will prove worthy of their high calling in this important matter.” Parish schools began to open in many places in Russia, often in the most remote and remote villages. Often they were the only source of education for the people. At the accession to the throne of Emperor Alexander III, there were only about 4,000 parish schools in the Russian Empire. In the year of his death, there were 31,000 of them and over a million boys and girls were studying in them.

Along with the number of schools, their position also strengthened. Initially, these schools were based on church funds, on the funds of church brotherhoods and trustees and individual benefactors. Later, the state treasury came to their aid. To manage all parochial schools, a special school council was formed under the Holy Synod, publishing textbooks and literature necessary for education. Taking care of the parochial school, the emperor realized the importance of combining the foundations of education and upbringing in the public school. This upbringing, protecting the people from the harmful influences of the West, the emperor saw in Orthodoxy. Therefore, Alexander III was especially attentive to the parish clergy. Before him, the parish clergy of only a few dioceses received support from the treasury. Under Alexander III, a vacation was started from the treasury of sums to provide for the clergy. This order laid the foundation for improving the life of the Russian parish priest. When the clergy expressed gratitude for this undertaking, he said: "I will be quite glad when I manage to provide for all the rural clergy."

Emperor Alexander III treated the development of higher and secondary education in Russia with the same care. During his short reign, Tomsk University and a number of industrial schools were opened.

The king's family life was distinguished by impeccability. According to his diary, which he kept daily when he was his heir, one can study the daily life of an Orthodox person no worse than according to Ivan Shmelev's well-known book "The Summer of the Lord." True pleasure was given to Alexander III by church hymns and sacred music, which he put much higher than secular.

Emperor Alexander reigned thirteen years and seven months. Constant worries and intense studies broke his strong nature early: he became more and more unwell. Before the death of Alexander III, he confessed and communed St. John of Kronstadt. Not for a moment did the consciousness leave the king; saying goodbye to his family, he said to his wife: “I feel the end. Be calm. I am completely calm… “About half past 3 he took communion,” the new emperor Nicholas II wrote in his diary on the evening of October 20, 1894, “soon, slight convulsions began, ... and the end came quickly! Father John stood at the head of the bed for more than an hour, holding his head. It was the death of a saint!” Alexander III died in his Livadia Palace (in the Crimea), before reaching his fiftieth birthday.

The personality of the emperor and his significance for the history of Russia are rightly expressed in the following verses:

In the hour of turmoil and struggle, having ascended under the shadow of the throne,
He extended a mighty hand.
And the noisy sedition froze around.
Like a dying fire.

He understood Rus''s spirit and believed in its strength,
Loved her space and expanse,
He lived like a Russian Tsar and he went down to the grave
Like a true Russian hero.

Alexander III Alexandrovich Romanov
Years of life: February 26, 1845, Anichkov Palace, St. Petersburg - October 20, 1894, Livadia Palace, Crimea.

Son of Maria Alexandrovna, recognized daughter of Grand Duke Ludwig II of Hesse and Emperor.

Emperor of All Russia (1 (13) March 1881 - October 20 (November 1), 1894), Tsar of Poland and Grand Duke of Finland from March 1, 1881

From the Romanov dynasty.

He was awarded a special epithet in pre-revolutionary historiography - the Peacemaker.

Biography of Alexander III

He was the 2nd son of the imperial family. Born February 26 (March 10), 1845 in Tsarskoye Selo His elder brother was preparing to inherit the throne.

The mentor who had a strong influence on his worldview was K.P. Pobedonostsev.

As a prince, he became a member of the State Council, commander of the guards and chieftain of all Cossack troops.

During the Russian-Turkish war of 1877–1878. he was the commander of the Separate Ruschuk Detachment in Bulgaria. He created the Volunteer Fleet of Russia (since 1878), which became the core of the country's merchant fleet and the reserve of the Russian military fleet.

After the death of his elder brother Nicholas in 1865, he became the heir to the throne.

In 1866, he married the bride of his deceased brother, the daughter of the Danish king Christian IX, Princess Sophia Frederica Dagmar, who adopted the name Maria Feodorovna in Orthodoxy.

Emperor Alexander 3

Having ascended the throne after the assassination of Alexander II on March 1 (13), 1881 (his father's legs were blown off by a terrorist bomb, and his son spent the last hours of his life nearby), canceled the draft constitutional reform signed by his father just before his death. He stated that Russia would pursue a peaceful policy and deal with internal problems - strengthening the autocracy.

His manifesto of April 29 (May 11), 1881 reflected the program of domestic and foreign policy. The main priorities were: maintaining order and power, strengthening church piety and ensuring the national interests of Russia.

Reforms of Alexander 3

The tsar created the State Peasant Land Bank to issue loans to peasants for the purchase of land, and also issued a number of laws to alleviate the situation of the workers.

Alexander 3 pursued a tough policy of Russification, which faced opposition from some Finns and Poles.
After Bismarck's resignation from the post of Chancellor of Germany in 1893, Alexander III Alexandrovich concluded an alliance with France (Franco-Russian alliance).

In foreign policy, for years of reign of Alexander 3 Russia has firmly taken a leading position in Europe. Possessing enormous physical strength, the tsar symbolized for other states the power and invincibility of Russia. Once the Austrian ambassador began to threaten him during dinner, promising to move a couple of army corps to the borders. The king listened in silence, then took a fork from the table, tied it in a knot and threw it on the ambassador's plate. “This is what we will do with your couple of hulls,” the king replied.

Domestic policy of Alexander 3

Court etiquette and ceremonial became much simpler. He significantly reduced the staff of the Ministry of the Court, the number of servants was reduced and strict control over the spending of money was introduced. At the same time, a lot of money was spent on the acquisition of art objects by him, since the emperor was a passionate collector. Gatchina Castle under him turned into a storehouse of priceless treasures, which later became a true national treasure of Russia.

Unlike all his predecessors-rulers on the Russian throne, he adhered to strict family morality and was an exemplary family man - a loving husband and a good father. He was one of the most pious Russian sovereigns, firmly adhered to the Orthodox canons, willingly donated to monasteries, to build new churches and restore ancient ones.
Passionately fond of hunting and fishing, boating. Belovezhskaya Pushcha was the Emperor's favorite hunting ground. He participated in archaeological excavations, loved to play the trumpet in a brass band.

The family had very warm relations. Every year the date of marriage was celebrated. Evenings for children were often arranged: circus and puppet performances. Everyone was attentive to each other and gave gifts.

The emperor was very hardworking. And yet, despite a healthy lifestyle, he died young, before reaching the age of 50, quite unexpectedly. In October 1888, the tsar's train crashed near Kharkov. There were many victims, but the royal family remained intact. Alexander, with incredible efforts, held the collapsed roof of the car on his shoulders until help arrived.

But soon after this incident, the emperor began to complain of back pain. Doctors came to the conclusion that a terrible concussion during the fall served as the onset of kidney disease. At the insistence of the Berlin doctors, he was sent to the Crimea, to Livadia, but the disease progressed.

On October 20, 1894, the Emperor died. He was buried in St. Petersburg, in the Peter and Paul Cathedral.
The death of Emperor Alexander III caused an echo all over the world, flags were lowered in France, memorial services were held in all churches in England. Many foreign figures called him a peacemaker.

The Marquess of Salisbury said: “Alexander III saved Europe many times from the horrors of war. According to his deeds, the sovereigns of Europe should learn how to manage their peoples.

He was married to the daughter of the Danish king Christian IX Dagmar of Denmark (Maria Feodorovna). They had children:

• Nicholas II (May 18, 1868 - July 17, 1918),
• Alexander (May 20, 1869 – April 21, 1870),
• Georgy Alexandrovich (April 27, 1871 - June 28, 1899),
• Xenia Alexandrovna (April 6, 1875 - April 20, 1960, London), also Romanova by her husband,
• Mikhail Alexandrovich (December 5, 1878 - June 13, 1918),
• Olga Alexandrovna (June 13, 1882 - November 24, 1960).

He had a military rank - general of infantry, general of cavalry (Russian Imperial Army). The Emperor was of enormous stature.

In 1883, the so-called "coronation ruble" was issued in honor of the coronation of Alexander III.

Reign of Alexander III (briefly)

Reign of Alexander III (briefly)

After the assassination of Alexander II, power is concentrated in the hands of his son Alexander III, who was shocked by the death of his father and therefore feared the strengthening of revolutionary manifestations in Russia. Having fallen under the influence of such reactionaries as P. Tolstoy and K. Pobedonostsev, the tsar sought by all means to strengthen the autocracy and the class stratum, as well as the very Russian social foundations and traditions.

At the same time, only public opinion could influence the policy of this ruler. But with the accession of Alexander, the expected revolutionary upsurge does not occur. On the contrary, the people moved away from the senseless terror, and the strengthened police repressions were able to finally change the balance in favor of the conservative forces.

Under such conditions, it becomes possible to turn to the so-called counter-reforms of Alexander III. In the Manifesto of April 29, 1881, the tsar declares his desire to preserve autocracy at any cost.

In order to strengthen the autocracy, the tsar subjected the zemstvo self-government to changes. According to the “Regulations on Institutions” published in 1890, the position of the nobility was significantly strengthened, thanks to the introduction of a high property qualification.

Considering the intelligentsia as a threat, the emperor issues a certain document in 1881, representing the multiple repressive rights of the local administration, which was now allowed to expel without trial, impose a state of emergency, close educational institutions, and also bring them to a military court.

In 1892, the so-called "City Regulations" were published, which infringed on the identity of local governments. Thus, the government managed to take them under control, including them in a single system of state institutions.

A very important direction of the domestic policy of Alexander III was the strengthening of the peasant community. By a law of 1893, the tsar forbids the pledge and sale of peasant lands.

Back in 1884, the ruler carried out a university counter-reform, the main goal of which was to educate a humble intelligentsia. At this time, the autonomy of universities was significantly limited.

Under Alexander the Third, the development of the so-called factory legislation begins, which restrains the master's initiative in the enterprise and excludes any possibility of fighting for the workers' own rights.

After the death of Emperor Alexander II in March 1881, his second son became the ruler of Russia. Initially, he was supposed to make a career in the military sphere, but after the death of the heir (older brother) Nikolai, he had to forget about a military career and take a place on the throne.

Historians paint this ruler as a typical Russian powerful man, who was more inclined towards war than to subtle and careful planning of the state course. The features of his reign are the preservation of autocracy and the signing of peace agreements.

In contact with

Main events

The reign of Alexander 3 was remembered as one of the most peaceful, because the emperor sought to preserve friendly relations with all neighbors and, if possible, act as a peacemaker in conflicts. Although not without military victories. The main events of the emperor's reign by years are briefly as follows:

• 1881: the capture of Ashgabat, the resumption of the "Union of the Three Emperors";
• 1882: A.F. Mozhaisky designed and launched an airplane on its first flight, factory legislation is being developed;
• 1883: Creation by Plekhanov of the Emancipation of Labor group in Geneva;
• 1884: introduction of a new charter for universities and the opening of parochial schools in the villages;
• 1885: annexation of Central Asia and the Russo-Afghan conflict;
• 1887: Russo-German peace treaty concluded;
• 1888: University in Tomsk was opened;
• 1889: positions of judges in rural districts were abolished, the position of zemstvo chief was introduced;
• 1891: beginning construction of the Great Siberian Route;
• 1891-1892: Volga famine;
• 1892: a new Customs Charter was adopted, a new "City Regulation" was approved, a secret Russian-French military convention was concluded;
• 1893: the law "On the customs tariff" is adopted, the beginning of the Russian-German "customs war".

The main events show that the activities of the king were mainly aimed at the counter-reforms of his father.

The years of the reign of Alexander III

Domestic politics

Russia under Alexander 3 was divided into supporters of two parties: the liberal, advocating reforms, and the monarchist, opposing democracy. Unlike his father, the son took a course on strengthening of autocracy and rejected the very model of constitutional Russia.

Main directions

In Russia, the administrative regulation of the social sphere has been preserved. All enemies of the monarchy were persecuted, arrested and expelled. Despite the counter-reforms, the state developed dynamically, and its social and economic indicators grew. The main directions of the domestic policy of Alexander 3 were:

1. Taxation - new increased duties on imported goods, direct taxes were introduced, and the rates of the old ones increased. An inheritance tax was introduced and the tax on industrial enterprises, land and real estate was increased, which affected the wealthy in the first place. In turn, serious concessions were introduced for the peasants: the size of the annual redemption was reduced, the poll tax was abolished, and the Peasant Land Bank was established.
2. Social sphere - the promotion of the industrial industry increased the number of workers in factories, the number of hired workers increased.
3. Labor legislation - in 1882, the Factory Inspectorate was created, a law on child labor was adopted (it became prohibited until the age of 12), a reduction in the working day for adolescents was introduced, ban on night work for minors. Acts were approved on the rules for hiring and on the relations of workers in the team. Relations between the employer and the worker were settled by mandatory signing of a work contract and paybook payments.
4. Local self-government - zemstvos and cities were endowed with great rights, the zemstvo chief became at the same time a justice of the peace.
5. Judicial proceedings - juveniles and students were not allowed to attend court hearings. It was forbidden to publish transcripts and reports, as well as to let the public into trials in which religious and moral feelings could be offended. Serious crimes were sent to the judicial chambers for consideration.
6. Education - universities were deprived of the right to be autonomous due to the frequent revolutionary views and movements that originated here. A new edition of the University Charter began to operate.

Thus, the main directions of Alexander's domestic policy were reduced to the settlement of social issues, taxation and education.

Tasks

Many progressive citizens of Russia saw in the tsar someone who would continue the reforms and lead Russia to a constitution. However, the reforms of Alexander 3 destroyed these hopes. His first speech was marked by the fact that the tsar declared the senselessness of constitutional plans, which clearly indicated the course of autocracy.

He set himself the task of preventing the development of a revolutionary movement in Russia. The emperor did not recognize the reforms, dismissed some officials who advocated reforms, and adopted the Manifesto on autocratic power. At the same time, Russian governors were endowed with special rights in the struggle for imperial power. An equally important task was the introduction of counter-reforms of the zemstvo persuasion and refereeing.

The policy of autocracy and reactionary reforms also touched the educational sphere. According to the adopted circular, the children of lackeys and other servants were forbidden to attend gymnasiums, and schools in the villages were replaced by parochial institutions. Was conducted strict censorship of all printed publications.

Important! The harsh reforms of the domestic policy of Alexander III became the main cause of deep discontent in Russian society, which created excellent ground for the growth and aggravation of social contradictions.

Counter-reforms

All the reforms of the previous emperor were aimed at constitutional politics and gave greater rights to peasants and other ordinary people. His son was categorically against such changes in society, and as soon as he took the throne, he began to carry out counter-reforms, including:

• Zemskaya - the position of Zemstvo chief is introduced, they are appointed by the Minister of Internal Affairs. Only people of noble origin had the right to take such a position, and their job was to control the peasants in the administrative part.
• City - the number of voters is reduced due to an increase in property qualifications, and any law in the Duma must be approved by the governor. The number of Duma meetings was limited, which in fact led to the management of the city by the government.
• Judicial - jurors had to have sufficient educational qualifications to occupy such a position, which increased the number of nobles among them.
• Printed and educational – introduced tight control over educational institutions, the autonomy of universities is prohibited, the academic staff was controlled by the government. A special police force was created to supervise schoolchildren and students.

Thus, economic reforms, adopted laws, acts and manifestos brought the Russian Empire to the level of 1861, which could not favorably affect the mood in society.

Monument to Alexander III in St. Petersburg near the Marble Palace

Foreign policy

The peaceful foreign policy of Alexander 3, despite the short period of his reign, led to the assignment of the unofficial title of "Peacemaker" to him.

He set the main external task maintaining peace with neighbors and other states, as well as finding and strengthening relationships with prospective allies. Despite the peaceful course, the emperor planned to strengthen Russia's influence in all areas.

Main directions

The main directions of the foreign policy of Alexander 3 concentrated on several directions, which is clearly seen in the table.

Directions	Actions
Europe	A peace treaty was concluded with Germany in 1887 and a customs war with Germany began in 1890. Peace treaty with France in 1891. The Russo-French Convention in 1892 and the formation of an official union in 1893.
Balkans	Support for Bulgaria after the declaration of its independence in 1879. Secret relations between Romania and Bulgaria led to the severance of all diplomatic relations with the latter. Restoration of an alliance with Turkey. The signing of a peace treaty with Austria and Germany, which in a year will turn into the Triple Alliance. The beginning of a rapprochement with France to prevent war with Germany in the late 1880s.
Asia	The area of ​​the state was increased by more than 400,000 sq. km.
East	Due to the upcoming treaties and the unification of a number of countries against Japan, the Russian Empire is turning into its enemy in the Far East. In order to increase its power and, in case of danger, to resist aggressive Japan, Russia begins to build the Siberian Railway.

Russia's peaceful actions have not always ended successfully, but not because of wrong actions, but because of hostile neighbors. The main directions of the foreign policy of Alexander 3 led to increase the area of ​​the state peacefully and 13 peaceful years of the country.

Foreign policy of Alexander 3

Board results

Alexander 3 was called "the most Russian tsar", who put all his strength into protecting the Russian people, strengthening the outskirts and state unity. His reign was short, only 14 years, as he died at 49 from kidney failure. The pros and cons of Alexander's reign make it possible to assess his activities on the throne.

The pros and cons of ruling

The results of Alexander's reign include both advantages and disadvantages, like any other policy. The advantages of the reign of this emperor include:

• providing peasants with multiple benefits and the opportunity to take loans and credits;
• creation of factory legislation;
• the beginning of the work of the Peasants' Bank;
• the sharp growth of the industry;
• the growth of the ruble and the strengthening of its exchange rate;
• restoration of the significance and authority of the Orthodox Church;
• peaceful foreign policy and strengthening state power;
• expansion of the state by joining the Asian khanates.

The disadvantages include:

• counter-reforms of Alexander 3, which crossed out all the achievements of Alexander II;
• preservation of autocracy;
• severe limitation of the power of local self-government;
• press censorship, lack of publicity;
• restrictions in the field of education.

Alexander III. Personality. Domestic and foreign policy of Russia in 1881-1894.

Video lesson on the history of "Foreign policy of Alexander III"

Conclusion

The domestic and foreign policy of Alexander, despite their peaceful course, ensured the emergence of a revolutionary spirit among the people, which ultimately led to. Russia under Alexander 3 took a step back in its social development.