Under whose influence was Alexander 3. Ascension to the throne. Assassination attempt on Alexander III
On February 26, 1845, the third child and second son were born to the future Emperor Tsarevich Alexander Nikolayevich. The boy was named Alexander.
Alexander 3. Biography
During the first 26 years, he was brought up, like other grand dukes, for a military career, since his elder brother Nikolai was to become the heir to the throne. By the age of 18, Alexander the Third was already in the rank of colonel. Future Russian emperor, according to the reviews of his educators, did not differ much in the breadth of his interests. According to the recollections of the teacher, Alexander the Third "was always lazy" and began to catch up only when he became the heir. An attempt to fill the gaps in education was carried out under the close supervision of Pobedonostsev. At the same time, from the sources left by the educators, we learn that the boy was distinguished by perseverance and diligence in calligraphy. Naturally, excellent military specialists, professors of Moscow University, were engaged in his education. The boy was especially fond of Russian history and culture, which eventually grew into real Russophilism.
Alexander was sometimes called slow-witted by members of his family, sometimes for excessive shyness and clumsiness - "pug", "bulldog". According to the memoirs of his contemporaries, outwardly he did not look like a heavyweight: he was well-built, with a small mustache, and a bald patch that appeared early. People were attracted by such traits of his character as sincerity, honesty, benevolence, lack of excessive ambition and a great sense of responsibility.
The beginning of a political career
His serene life ended when, in 1865, his elder brother Nikolai died suddenly. Alexander III was declared heir to the throne. These events stunned him. He immediately had to take up the duties of the Tsarevich. His father began to introduce him to state affairs. He listened to the reports of ministers, got acquainted with official papers, received membership in the State Council and the Council of Ministers. He becomes a major general and chieftain of all Cossack troops Russia. That's when I had to make up for the gaps in youth education. love for Russia and Russian history he formed the course of Professor S.M. Solovyov. accompanied him throughout his life.
Tsarevich Alexander III stayed for quite a long time - 16 years. During this time he received
Combat experience. Participated in Russian-Turkish war 1877-1878, received for this the Order of St. Vladimir with swords" and "St. George 2nd class. It was during the war that he met people who later became his comrades-in-arms. Later, he created the Volunteer Fleet, which was transport in peacetime and combat in wartime.
In domestic political life, the Tsarevich did not adhere to the views of his father, Emperor Alexander II, but did not oppose the course of the Great Reforms either. His relationship with his parent was complicated and he could not come to terms with the fact that his father settled his favorite E.M. in the Winter Palace with his living wife. Dolgoruky and their three children.
The Tsarevich himself was an exemplary family man. He married the bride of his deceased brother, Princess Louise Sophia Frederica Dagmar, who after the wedding adopted Orthodoxy and a new name - Maria Feodorovna. They had six children.
A happy family life ended on March 1, 1881, when a terrorist act was committed, as a result of which the father of the Tsarevich died.
Reforms of Alexander 3 or transformations necessary for Russia
On the morning of March 2, members of the State Council and the highest officials of the court took the oath to the new Emperor Alexander III. He said that he would try to continue the work begun by his father. But the firmest idea of further actions did not appear for a long time. Pobedonostsev, an ardent opponent of liberal reforms, wrote to the monarch: “Either save yourself and Russia now, or never!”
The most accurate political course of the emperor was set out in a manifesto of April 29, 1881. Historians called it the "Manifesto on the inviolability of autocracy." It meant major adjustments to the Great Reforms of the 1860s and 1870s. The primary task of the government was to fight the revolution.
The repressive apparatus, political investigation, secret-investigative services, etc. were strengthened. To contemporaries, government policy seemed cruel and punitive. But to those who live at the present time, it may seem very modest. But now we will not dwell on this in detail.
The government tightened its policy in the field of education: universities were deprived of autonomy, a circular “On Cook's Children” was issued, a special censorship regime was introduced regarding the activities of newspapers and magazines, and zemstvo self-government was curtailed. All these transformations were carried out to exclude that spirit of freedom,
which hovered in
The economic policy of Alexander III was more successful. The industrial and financial sphere was aimed at introducing a gold backing for the ruble, establishing a protective customs tariff, building railways which created not only the means of communication necessary for the domestic market, but also accelerated the development of local industries.
The second successful area was foreign policy. Alexander the Third received the nickname "emperor-peacemaker". Immediately after accession to the throne, he sent out a dispatch declaring: the emperor wants to maintain peace with all powers and concentrate his special attention on internal affairs. He professed the principles of strong and national (Russian) autocratic power.
But fate gave him a short life. In 1888, the train in which the emperor's family was traveling suffered a terrible wreck. Alexander Alexandrovich found himself crushed by the collapsed ceiling. Having great physical strength, he helped his wife, children and got out himself. But the injury made itself felt - he developed a kidney disease, complicated after the "influenza" - the flu. On October 29, 1894, he died before reaching the age of 50. He said to his wife: "I feel the end, be calm, I am completely calm."
He did not know what trials his dearly beloved Motherland, his widow, his son and the entire Romanov family would have to endure.
Russia for Russians, and in Russian (Emperor Alexander III)
Alexander III - a significant figure in. During his reign, no Russian blood was shed in Europe. Alexander III ensured long years of calm for Russia. For his peace-loving policy, he entered Russian history as a "tsar-peacemaker."
He was the second child in the family of Alexander II and Maria Alexandrovna Romanov. According to the rules of succession, Alexander was not prepared for the role of ruler. The throne was to take the elder brother - Nicholas.
Alexander, not at all envious of his brother, did not feel the slightest jealousy, watching how Nicholas was being prepared for the throne. Nikolai was a diligent student, and Alexander was overcome by boredom in the classroom.
The teachers of Alexander III were such distinguished people as the historians Solovyov, Grott, the remarkable military tactician Dragomirov, and Konstantin Pobedonostsev. It was the latter who had a great influence on Alexander III, largely determining the priorities of the internal and foreign policy Russian emperor. It was Pobedonostsev who brought up in Alexander III a true Russian patriot and Slavophile.
Little Sasha was more attracted not by studies, but by physical activity. future emperor loved horseback riding and gymnastics. Even before he came of age, Alexander Alexandrovich showed remarkable strength, easily lifted weights and easily bent horseshoes.
He did not like secular entertainment, he preferred to spend free time to improve skills in riding, and the development of physical strength. The brothers joked, they say, - "Sasha is the Hercules of our family." Alexander loved the Gatchina Palace, and loved to spend time there, spending his days walking in the park, thinking about the day ahead.
In 1855 Nicholas was proclaimed Tsarevich. Sasha was glad for his brother, and even more so that he himself would not have to be emperor. However, fate nevertheless prepared the Russian throne for Alexander Alexandrovich.
Nicholas's health deteriorated. The Tsarevich suffered from rheumatism from a bruised spine, and later he also contracted tuberculosis. In 1865 Nikolai died. Alexander Alexandrovich Romanov was proclaimed the new heir to the throne. It is worth noting that Nicholas had a bride - the Danish princess Dagmar. They say that the dying Nikolai took the hands of Dagmar and Alexander with one hand, as if urging two close people not to be separated after his death.
In 1866, Alexander III set off on a trip to Europe. His path lies in Copenhagen, where he wooed his brother's bride. Dagmar and Alexander became close when they cared for the sick Nikolai together. Their engagement took place on June 17 in Copenhagen. On October 13, Dagmar converted to Orthodoxy and became known as Maria Fedorovna Romanova, and on that day the young people got engaged.
Alexander III and Maria Feodorovna Romanov lived happily family life. Their family is a true role model. Alexander Alexandrovich was a real, exemplary family man. The Russian Emperor loved his wife very much. After the wedding, they settled in the Anichkov Palace. The couple was happy and raised three sons and two daughters. The first-born of the imperial couple was the son Nikolai. Alexander loved all his children very much, but the second son, Misha, enjoyed special paternal love.
The high morality of the emperor gave him the right to ask her from the courtiers. Under Alexander III, they fell into disgrace for adultery. Alexander Alexandrovich was modest in everyday life, did not like idleness. Witte, the Minister of Finance of the Russian Empire, witnessed how the emperor's valet darned worn things for him.
The emperor loved pictures. The Emperor even had his own collection, which by 1894 consisted of 130 works by various artists. On his initiative, a Russian museum was opened in St. Petersburg. He had great respect for creativity. Alexander Romanov also liked the artist Alexei Bogolyubov, with whom the emperor had a good relationship.
The emperor provided all kinds of support to young and talented cultural figures, museums, theaters and universities were opened under his patronage. Alexander adhered to truly Christian postulates, and in every possible way protected the Orthodox faith, tirelessly defending its interests.
Alexander III ascended the Russian throne after being assassinated by revolutionary terrorists. It happened on March 2, 1881. For the first time, peasants were sworn in to the emperor, along with the rest of the population. In domestic politics Alexander III embarked on the path of counter-reforms.
The new Russian emperor was distinguished by conservative views. During his reign Russian empire has achieved great success. Russia was a strong, developing country with which all European powers sought friendship. In Europe, there were always some political movements.
And then one day, a minister came to Alexander, who was fishing, talking about affairs in Europe. He asked the emperor to somehow react. To which Alexander replied - "Europe can wait until the Russian Tsar is fishing." Alexander Alexandrovich really could afford such statements, because Russia was on the rise, and its army was the most powerful in the world.
Nevertheless, the international situation obliged Russia to find a reliable ally. In 1891, friendly relations between Russia and France began to take shape, which ended with the signing of an alliance agreement.
On October 17, 1888, an attempt was made on Alexander III and the entire royal family. The terrorists derailed the train in which the emperor was. Seven wagons were broken, many victims. The king and his family remained alive by the will of fate. At the time of the explosion, they were in the restaurant car. During the explosion, at the wagon with royal family the roof collapsed, and Alexander literally held it on himself until help arrived in time.
After some time, he began to complain of back pain. During the examination, it turned out that the king had kidney problems. In the winter of 1894, Alexander caught a bad cold, and soon the emperor became very ill while hunting, and was diagnosed with acute nephritis. Doctors sent the emperor to the Crimea, where on November 20, 1894, Alexander III died.
Alexander III left a big mark in the history of Russia. After his death, the following lines were written in one of the French newspapers: - "He leaves Russia, greater than he received it."
Russia has two allies - it's the Army and the Navy (Alexander III)
ALEXANDER III(1845-94), Russian emperor since 1881. Second son of Alexander II. In the 1st floor. 80s carried out the abolition of the poll tax, lowered the redemption payments. From the 2nd floor. 80s carried out counter-reforms. Strengthened the role of the police, local and central administration. In the reign of Alexander III, the accession to Russia was basically completed. Asia (1885), a Russian-French alliance was concluded (1891-93).
ALEXANDER III, Russian Emperor (since 1881), the second son of Grand Duke Alexander Nikolayevich (later Emperor Alexander II) and Grand Duchess (later Empress) Maria Alexandrovna.
Upbringing. Beginning of state activity
Not being the heir to the throne by birth, Alexander Alexandrovich prepared mainly for military activities. He became Tsarevich in 1865 after the death of his elder brother, Grand Duke Nikolai Alexandrovich, from that time he began to receive a more extensive and fundamental education. Among the mentors of Alexander Alexandrovich were S. M. Solovyov (history), J. K. Grot (history of literature), M. I. Dragomirov (martial arts). The teacher of jurisprudence K. P. Pobedonostsev had the greatest influence on the crown prince.
In 1866, Alexander Alexandrovich married the bride of his late brother, the Danish princess Dagmar (1847-1928; in Orthodoxy - Maria Feodorovna). The spouses had children: Nikolai (later Russian Emperor Nicholas II), George, Xenia, Mikhail, Olga.
Alexander Alexandrovich was the chief ataman of all Cossack troops, held a number of military positions (up to the commander of the troops of the St. Petersburg Military District and the Guards Corps). Since 1868 - Member of the State Council and the Committee of Ministers. In the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-78 he commanded the Ruschuk detachment in Bulgaria. After the war, together with Pobedonostsev, he participated in the creation of the Volunteer Fleet, a joint-stock shipping company designed to promote the foreign economic policy of the government.
Personality and outlook
Character traits and lifestyle markedly distinguished Alexander Alexandrovich from the court environment. Alexander III adhered to strict rules of morality, was very pious, distinguished by thrift, modesty, hostility to comfort, spent his leisure time in a narrow family and friendly circle. He was interested in music, painting, history (he was one of the initiators of the creation of the Russian Historical Society and its first chairman). Contributed to the liberalization of external parties social activities: abolished kneeling before the king, allowed smoking on the streets and in in public places and etc.
Distinguished by a strong will, Alexander III at the same time had a limited and straightforward mind. In the reforms of his father, Alexander II, he saw, first of all, negative aspects - the growth of government bureaucracy, the difficult financial situation of the people, and the imitation of Western models. He had a strong dislike for liberalism and the intelligentsia. These views were reinforced by impressions of the life and customs of the higher spheres (his father’s long-term relationship with Princess E. M. Dolgorukova, corruption in government circles, etc.) The political ideal of Alexander III was based on ideas about patriarchal-paternal autocratic rule, planting religious values in society , strengthening the class structure, national-original social development.
The beginning of the reign
After the death of Alexander II from the bomb of the Narodnaya Volya, a struggle broke out between the liberals and the guards at the throne. The leaders of the guards of Pobedonostsev (since 1880 - the chief prosecutor of the Holy Synod) and the journalist M. N. Katkov opposed plans for changes in state structure proposed by the Minister of Internal Affairs M.T. Loris-Melikov. At the insistence of Pobedonostsev, Alexander III issued on April 29, 1881 a manifesto "On the inviolability of autocracy", which led to the resignation of Loris-Melikov and his supporters.
The beginning of the reign of Alexander III was characterized by the tightening of administrative and police repressions and censorship (Regulations on measures to protect state security and Public Peace, 1881; Provisional rules on the press, 1882). By the mid-1880s, the government managed to suppress through repression revolutionary movement, especially "Narodnaya Volya". At the same time, a number of measures were taken to alleviate the financial situation of the people and alleviate social tension in society (the introduction of mandatory redemption and the reduction of redemption payments, the establishment of the Peasant Land Bank, the introduction of factory inspection, the gradual abolition of the poll tax, etc.).
Loris-Melikov's successor as Minister of the Interior, N. P. Ignatiev, tried to crown the policy of "people's autocracy" by convening an all-estate Zemsky Sobor, but this was sharply opposed by Katkov and Pobedonostsev. In May 1882, Alexander III replaced Ignatiev with D. A. Tolstoy, a staunch supporter of the reactionary-protective policy.
Counter-reforms
With the support of Alexander III, Tolstoy and his successor I. N. Durnovo pursued a policy of counter-reforms that limited the liberal transformations of the 1860s and 70s. University charter of 1884 curtailed autonomy high school. It was difficult for children from the lower classes to enter the gymnasium ("circular about the cook's children", 1887). Peasant self-government since 1889 was subordinated to zemstvo chiefs - officials from local landowners, who combined judicial and administrative power in their hands. Zemstvo and city regulations (1890 and 1892) tightened the administration's control over local self-government and limited the rights of voters from the lower strata of society.
During the coronation in 1883, Alexander III announced to the volost foremen: "Follow the advice and guidance of your leaders of the nobility." This attitude was reflected in the measures to protect the class rights of the noble landowners (the establishment of the Noble Land Bank, the adoption of the Provision on hiring for agricultural work, which was beneficial for the landowners), the strengthening of administrative guardianship over the peasantry, the conservation of the community and the large patriarchal family. Attempts were made to increase the social role of the Orthodox Church (the spread of parochial schools), repressions against the Old Believers and sectarians were tightened. On the outskirts, a policy of Russification was carried out, the rights of foreigners (especially Jews) were limited.
Diplomacy. Economy. The results of the reign
The foreign policy of Russia under Alexander III was mainly directed by the tsar himself and was distinguished by pragmatism, the desire to save the country from being drawn into international conflicts. The main content of this policy was the turn from traditional cooperation with Germany to an alliance with France (concluded in 1891-93). In the 1880s and 90s, Russia practically did not wage wars (except for the conquest that ended with the capture of Kushka in 1885). Central Asia), which is why the king was called the "peacemaker".
The economic life of Russia during the reign of Alexander III was characterized by economic growth, which was largely due to the policy of increased patronage of domestic industry. Thanks to the activities of the finance ministers N. Kh. Bunge, I. A. Vyshnegradsky, S. Yu. Witte, the revenues of the state treasury increased. The government of Alexander III encouraged the growth of large-scale capitalist industry, which achieved notable successes (metallurgy products doubled in 1886-92, the railway network grew by 47% in 1881-92). However, the rapid development of industry came into conflict with archaic socio-political forms, the backwardness of agriculture, the peasant community, and land shortages, which largely paved the way for social and economic crises (famine and the cholera epidemic in 1891-92).
The premature death of Alexander III was caused by jade.
On March 1, 1881, Emperor Alexander II Nikolaevich died at the hands of the Narodnaya Volya, and his second son Alexander ascended the throne. He first prepared for 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 have been transformed into cadet corps, for the first time, training non-commissioned officer battalions were created, which trained junior commanders.
A new three-line rifle was adopted, a smokeless type of gunpowder was invented. Military uniform changed to something more comfortable. 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 Orthodox Church 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.
