The Period of Everything
Russia faced a temporary peace following the fall of the Ottomans, and a revival of trade routes. The people saw a time of unification and of increased economic profits. For the next 175 or so years, the Russian Empire experienced a little bit of everything, from Industrialization to revolutions, to social changes, to numerous wars.
On the Road to Nowhere
At the beginning of this time period, the Russians found themselves struggling with some of the most basic things the rest of Europe had--roads. Russia had been lacking the infrastructure to connect its' large territory, and help bridge the gaps between the people in the empire. Not only that, but after all of the famines and other difficulties Russia was having, there was a large migration into urban areas, leaving many places along the countryside to fend for themselves. And the peasants in these areas were often burdened with such heavy taxes, they could not afford to feed their own family, let alone get to a market in an attempt to make a profit.
After much struggle and a few tax increases, the Russia Tsars were able to build an infrastructure that allowed them to move goods from one empire to another. However, as they would soon find out, they may need to move more than just goods. As the Wars approach, the army has difficulties getting mobilized. In 1817, the roads were opened.
After the introduction of Roads, Steam power came to the Russians in 1843. This again helped to unify Russia and give the people a push towards industrialization. Additionally, railroads were introduced in 1837, something would come to be a saving grace and a sticking point in the Great War.
After much struggle and a few tax increases, the Russia Tsars were able to build an infrastructure that allowed them to move goods from one empire to another. However, as they would soon find out, they may need to move more than just goods. As the Wars approach, the army has difficulties getting mobilized. In 1817, the roads were opened.
After the introduction of Roads, Steam power came to the Russians in 1843. This again helped to unify Russia and give the people a push towards industrialization. Additionally, railroads were introduced in 1837, something would come to be a saving grace and a sticking point in the Great War.
The Tsars in Photos
The Tsars versus The People
As with all rulers, it can sometimes be trying to work with the subjects of a kingdom. However in Russia, the idea of trying took on a whole other meaning. This time period saw the rise of Catherine the Great who worked tirelessly to industrialize Europe, as her predecessor, Peter the Great attempted to do. 1762 was Catherine's rise to power. She was put on the throne following a military coup that removed her husband. Peter ruled with a heavy hand and little tolerance for the culture of the people. He was so focused on the next thing for Russia and how to be more European, he forgot his subjects did not all wish to move forward. Some of those same people would again revolt later in history, for many of the same reasons.
A Tsar who didn't forget the people, at least at the beginning of his reign was Alexander the Great. He declared the peasants serfs emancipated in 1861. Despite an increase in debt and an increase in poverty, many of the former serfs did gain their freedom, but the policy move did backfire.
Nicholas II was the last Tsar and is typically associated with the story of Anastasia, the would be last of the Russian Monarchy. Under his rule, the secret police began.
A Tsar who didn't forget the people, at least at the beginning of his reign was Alexander the Great. He declared the peasants serfs emancipated in 1861. Despite an increase in debt and an increase in poverty, many of the former serfs did gain their freedom, but the policy move did backfire.
Nicholas II was the last Tsar and is typically associated with the story of Anastasia, the would be last of the Russian Monarchy. Under his rule, the secret police began.
Revolts and Wars
Decembrist revolt: Was held on December 26 in protest to Nicholas I's ruling style and regime. It served as one of the many precursors to the end of the Monarchy and the rise of the Bolesheviks and eventually, the Communist Party. Despite this revolt and the 3,00 people involved, Nicholas was able to squash the rebellion and put the issues to rest.
Crimean War: Russia lost to France, Britain, and Ottoman Empire. In the war, the territories of the fading Ottoman Empire were divided up. Russia invaded in an attempt to move forward and expand the empire, but only found defeat and territory lost in the end. They then turned their eyes elsewhere.
1848: no revs (Compared to the rest of Europe), but famine, cholera epidemic, millions died
Revolution 1905: As the last precursor the eventual uprising, this revolution ended the Absolute Monarchy for good and established the Constitutional Monarchy. The Funny story is that Alexander was actually attempting to create a constitutional monarchy but experienced four attempted assassinations, with the fourth succeeding because of a group being led by a noble woman. Obviously, Nicholas had a grudge or two against the idea of the constitution, and thus reacted harshly. But it is interesting to think how Russia would look today if four men had not insisted on attempting to kill Alexander.
Just How Good is Westernization?
Many of the Tsars were reluctant to Westernize for fear of losing the culture and traditions the people always had. Offered as an alternate to the path of complete Westernization, the Slavophiles (intellectuals opposed to westernization ) believed in technology implementation without complete Westernization. Another obstacle to Westernization was the period known as Pan-slavism, a period of goodness and growth between all Slavic speaking people. A third situation that made Westernization doubtful was the drive of Russia to the East. Russia believed that it was doing just fine without the results of the West. However, the Russo-Japanese War proved them wrong. After losing the Russo-Japanese War and having to concede territory to Japan, Russia finally 'woke up' and discovered they needed to Westernize and Imperialize in order to keep up with the rest of the world.