Alexander's reign 3. Foreign policy of Alexander III

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 domestic and foreign policy of the 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. The 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 his free time on improving riding skills and developing 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 Fedorovna Romanov lived a happy 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 policy, Alexander III embarked on the path of counter-reforms.

The new Russian emperor was distinguished by conservative views. During his reign, the Russian Empire 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, the roof of the car with the royal family collapsed, and Alexander literally held it on himself until help arrived.

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)

"Peacemaker" - this is how the reign of Alexander 3 was characterized. Internal and was brilliantly carried out by this sovereign. He was not prepared to be the heir to the throne, but due to tragic circumstances, Alexander had to become one. Loving his homeland, caring for his people, their identity, he managed to raise the state, exhausted by the war with the Turks, financially and morally. This is one of the few sovereigns who managed to ensure their people life without wars, because during his reign the Russian Empire had no conflicts with any of the states. In the article we will tell you what kind of emperor Alexander 3 was. Domestic and foreign policy will also be briefly described and analyzed.

Alexander III: accession to the throne

How did Alexander come to the Russian throne? He was not born heir to the throne. His older brother, Nikolai, was to inherit the crown. However, the latter dies in 1991. Accordingly, young Alexander is urgently being prepared so that he can take over the work of his father, Emperor Alexander II, with dignity.

In general, Alexander III was prepared for a brilliant military career, but the plans were not destined to come true. After the death of his brother, Tsarevich Nicholas, Alexander was urgently taught foreign languages, geography and other sciences necessary for the future emperor.

Together with the crown from Nicholas, Alexander also receives a bride, the princess of Denmark, who was baptized with the name Maria. The young people were so shocked by the death of the Tsarevich, with whom they were on friendly terms, that the first-born was named Nicholas.

What did Alexander III receive by the beginning of his reign? A country devastated and depleted by the Russian-Turkish war, rampant anti-government sentiments in all social groups. Recall that the father of Emperor Alexander II died at the hands of terrorists.

Zemstvo and judicial reforms

On March 1, 1881, Alexander 3 came to the throne. Domestic and foreign policy can be briefly characterized as follows: firmness and determination. Let's analyze the main aspects.

The first thing the new sovereign undertook was the suppression of any kind of free-thinking. He believed that it was it that was responsible for most of Russia's troubles. Do not forget that his father also became a victim of terror, born from excessive education. Alexander II was a guardian of education, in contrast, Alexander III takes a number of decisions.

In 1884, a decree was issued concerning the activities of universities (the emperor considered them to be the center of freethinking). The document abolished all kinds of meetings within educational institutions, forbade student courts; access to higher education was closed to the lower classes.

As for local power, it was strengthened by the following measures: governors began to lead the zemstvos rigidly, the rights of officials were sharply curtailed. Officials were only from the upper strata, the peasantry was not allowed into power and did not participate in the elections.

There have also been changes in the judicial system. They are closely connected with the reforms in the zemstvos. The courts were now directly subordinate to the state, publicity in meetings was severely limited, the qualification was introduced for jurors.

The position of the peasants

Alexander III also touched the peasantry. Their position after the famous reform of 1861 was unenviable: lack of money to buy land, debts, inability to run their own business - all this forced ruined people to leave for the cities. Alexander III makes a number of decisions stabilizing the situation. So, the peasants are forgiven their debts, the tax rate for the redemption of land is reduced. A special Peasant Bank is also being created, where people could take out loans for farming (the interest was low).

Thus, agriculture in the country begins to develop, centers specializing in a certain direction appear: industrial crops (Baltic), grain (Ukraine), livestock (Ryazan, Nizhny Novgorod, etc.)

Military reform

The domestic policy and foreign policy of Alexander 3 were aimed at strengthening the autocracy within the country. Much of this was facilitated by the military reform.

Do not forget that initially Alexander was prepared for a military career, he knew this business well and understood it. Although Russia did not wage wars during his reign, the army strengthened very well. All kinds of fortifications, mountain divisions were created, great importance was given to both cavalry and infantry.

For the purpose of training on the basis of military gymnasiums, cadet corps are opened. Not only young soldiers are being trained, but command personnel are also being trained. Promotion is by seniority only.

A special role is assigned to the military infrastructure. This is how special railway brigades arise, called upon to deliver employees to their places of deployment if necessary.

Another innovation is the armament of the army. The three-line rifle becomes the main weapon, the shape changes (it is now more convenient for soldiers).

National reforms

The domestic policy and foreign policy of Alexander 3 was also strengthened due to a tough national position. The idea that the Russian Empire is intended only for Russians sounded just from the lips of Alexander III. Many are based on this idea.

The emperor is taking serious steps to strengthen the Orthodox faith. The border regions of the country were especially weak in this matter. Active construction of Orthodox churches begins. At the state level, citizens of the non-Orthodox faith and non-Russian nationalities are being oppressed. Poles and Jews got the most. Works on Russification are being carried out in Ukraine and the Baltic states.

Financial system and industry

The domestic policy and foreign policy of Alexander 3 proceeded from the realities of which emperor received the country. She was in great economic decline. Accordingly, one of the main tasks that had to be solved was to bring the country out of the economic crisis. To this end, the best figures of the era are involved in reforms in the financial and industrial spheres.

So, Bunge proposed to abolish the poll tax, instead it was proposed to pay excise taxes on alcohol, tobacco, sugar or oil. In addition, the tax rate on property is increased, for example, on land, urban real estate. In order to reduce the budget deficit, customs duties are being raised.

As for the industry, it is growing at a fast pace. Metallurgy, textile and machine-building production are especially flourishing. New methods of oil extraction are being developed. Thus, according to this indicator, Russia comes out on top.

We will briefly show what reforms Alexander 3 carried out. Foreign and domestic policy (table):

Domestic politics

As for foreign policy, it is not for nothing that this emperor is called a "peacemaker" - he in every possible way protected his country from military conflicts. He also attracted other countries to similar actions.

During his reign, the Russian Empire drew closer to Great Britain and France, but weakened its positions in the Balkans.

The confrontation with Germany in terms of customs relations exacerbated economic relations.

Thus, the domestic policy and foreign policy of Alexander 3 contributed to the economic, national and industrial rise of the country.

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:

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.
Social sphere - the promotion of the industrial industry increased the number of workers in factories, the number of hired workers increased.
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.
Local self-government - zemstvos and cities were endowed with great rights, the zemstvo chief became at the same time a justice of the peace.
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.
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.

The foreign policy of Alexander 3 often falls out of the memory of the guys, because it seems that nothing much happened during his reign. After all, as a Peacemaker, he entered the history of Russia - that means there were no wars, after all - you can not figure it out!

In fact, you can’t think like that: there are no topics in history in which nothing needs to be taught. We bring to your attention a summary of the lesson for grade 8, in which this topic should be discussed in the lessons.

By the way, about the domestic policy of this king.

Contents briefly

The reign of Alexander the Third was one of the most peaceful in the entire history of the Russian Empire, for which people called him a “peacemaker”. But, it was also a time of curtailing the reforms that Alexander II carried out. The emperor explained this by the fact that the reforms gave a lot of freedom to people, because of which his father Alexander II died - terrorists from Narodnaya Volya blew up his carriage.

The foreign policy of Alexander 3 was restrained, peaceful and balanced. It was possible to establish friendship with the leading powers - England and France. The emperor was the guarantor of stability in Europe and Asiatic possessions. Several large-scale wars were stopped, including with Japan. Military-political blocs were created: the “Triple Alliance” and the Franco-Russian Union, the “Union of the Three Emperors” was updated. The Trans-Siberian Railway was laid.

Main events

Key events with dates to keep in mind before the exam.

1881 - annexation of Ashgabat, creation of the Transcaspian region
1881, June 6 (according to the new style 18) - creation of the renewed "Union of Three Emperors" (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Russia)
1885 - rapprochement with England
1887 - conclusion of an agreement with Germany
1882 - registration of the "Triple Alliance" with Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy, the first military-political bloc
1890 - "Trade war" with Germany
1891 - start of construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway
1895 - establishment of the borders of Russia and England in Central Asia
1894 - 1895 — Sino-Japanese War

Plan

Briefly, foreign policy can be described as follows:

Characteristics of foreign policy;

Main events;

Main differences;

Findings.

Foreign Policy Tasks

Avoiding war in the Balkans;
Ensuring peace in Europe after the Patriotic and Russian-Turkish wars;
Delimitation of spheres of influence in Europe and Central Asia;
Russian-German relations;
Asian question;
Establishing friendly relations with France;
Search for allies in Europe.

Characteristics of foreign policy

Alexander the Third differed from his predecessors in his straightforwardness, impartiality and honesty. The latter was manifested in the rejection of "secret diplomacy", when there were secret divisions of the territory and the conclusion of secret treaties. He knew exactly where the sphere of interests of the country was located and sought its recognition from other rulers.

The basis of all the victories in the world was that our Emperor did not follow the lead of many European monarchs and diplomats who tried to provoke a new war, but adopted a very stubborn and restrained policy. This was the key to maintaining calm for the then monarchies. Since the Empire managed to calm down the insolent Turks for a while, granting freedom to the Balkans, in particular Bulgaria, then we can be trusted with Europe.

Main events

If we talk about the Balkan issue, here we have given complete freedom of action - there are problems with other countries - solve them yourself! But we have lost influence in the Balkans.

If we talk about the European question, they also showed restraint here: they took it and made friends with France, although quite recently we almost got the “key” to Paris! The next step was to conclude an agreement beneficial for the country, under which we would guarantee ourselves security. This was done in 1887 with Germany - it was a "reinsurance contract". But Kaiser Wilhelm did not even think of living in peace with Russia, but he took it and secretly signed peace with Austria-Hungary, although this later turned out sideways to them, but they did not know about it yet. And since 1890, the “customs war” began - the German authorities decided to raise duties on Russian goods. Friendship with Germany came to an end.

But we managed to formalize the first military-political bloc in history - the Franco-Russian alliance (the future Entente). Here we saved France from a war on two fronts - with Austria-Hungary and Germany. And Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy created the "Triple Alliance", hostile to Russia and France.

Then Emperor Alexander turned his gaze to Central Asia - Ashgabat was included in the Empire, forming the Transcaspian region. The Queen of England was concerned about this fact, because it threatened the interests of the crown. The All-Russian Emperor was able to resolve the issue peacefully by moving closer to England in 1885 and convening a commission that determined the border of the states in 1895.

By that time, in the Far East, which was still not very developed and far from St. Petersburg, Japan showed its claims. This seriously alerted the monarch and his entourage, because Japan could well have attacked Russia, as happened with China (Japanese-Chinese war of 1894-1895). It was decided to start building the Trans-Siberian Railway in 1891. Soon, this step justified itself, giving a powerful impetus to the development of Siberia and the Far East. Japanese troops captured Port Arthur, Manchuria and the Liaondong Peninsula, but Russia, Germany and France are forced to abandon all conquests.

The main differences in foreign policy

We will present this item in the form of a small table:

№	a brief description of	in detail
1.	The Emperor is the guarantor of stability	Like his predecessors, he tried to act as a guarantor of stability in Europe and the Balkans, so he did not send troops to Bulgaria when the situation "heated up" and kept the "balance of power" in the region
2.	Maintained influence	Concluded guarantee agreements with leading powers, trying to maintain influence in Europe, in the Far East
3.	Russia is an “arbiter”	Prevented many armed conflicts between countries
4.	Alliance with England and France	Many predicted rapprochement with Germany. But Chancellor Bismarck did not let these plans come true.
5.	“Control” over foreign policy	The emperor tried to independently control the affairs of the world by appointing an obedient and executive functionary - Minister of Foreign Affairs N. Girs

findings

The reign of Alexander III can be safely called “stable” and “calm”. The conservatism and stubbornness of the monarch contributed to gaining the authority of a reliable ally, a fair arbiter in international disputes.

The people definitely called Alexander III the “peacemaker king”, capable of solving problems through diplomatic means. And I must say “thank you” to him for the Trans-Siberian Railway, because the remote outskirts of the Empire will now be able to develop and attract more and more new people!