1. Imperial Russia, reform and reaction - Alexander II
The years 1855 to 1894 saw Russia experiencing some dramatic reforms, but also severe repression. Under Alexander II, there was serious attempt at reform and this Tsar carried out Russia's greatest 19th reform - the emancipation of the serfs. However, this - and his other great liberal reforms - was to encourage opposition to his rule which would lead to his assassination. What was Russia like in 1855? What was the...