What were the Zemstva?

What were the Zemstva?

When Alexander II freed Russia's serfs in 1861, many other changes were introduced, including local government reforms.

In 1864 Zemstva were created – these were local councils who were elected through democratic voting. Each Zemstvo was given responsibility for health, education, roads and bridges, and the local economy.  For the first time in Russian history gentry, peasants, and city in­habitants sat together in assemblies in order to discuss their common economic interests.

However, the Zemstva were dominated by nobles and ruling classes, therefore the normal people didn’t have much influence. They also had no control over taxation and law and order.

Multiple Choice

What were the Zemstva?

• Workers' meetings

• Local councils

• The Tsar's advisors

• Groups of freed serfs

Multiple Select

What did Zemstva have responsibility over?

• Education

• Local economy

• Working with the Tsar

• Bridges

• Bridges

Multiple Select

Who was involved in the Zemstva?

• Rich nobles

• Peasants

• City workers

• Russian gentry (gentlemen)

• Russian gentry (gentlemen)

Multiple Choice

What was the problem with the Zemstva?

• The Tsar didn't listen to them

• They weren't powerful enough

• They were dominated by rich nobles and gentry

• There were too many different groups involved