1.4 Emancipation

What title was Alexander II associated with due to his reform?

• Tsar Innovator
• Tsar Reformer
• Tsar Protector
• Tsar Liberator

Answer explanation

Alexander II is recognized as the Tsar Liberator due to his significant reforms, particularly regarding serfdom.

What main problem did the system of serfdom face in 1855?

• It failed to provide adequate income for the nobility.
• It supported increased agricultural productivity.
• It ensured economic stability.
• It enhanced the power of the serfs.

Answer explanation

The serfdom system was failing the nobility, leading to growing debt and economic difficulties.

What percentage of private serfs were mortgaged to the state by 1860?

• 50 percent
• 40 percent
• 60 percent
• 70 percent

Answer explanation

By 1860, 60 percent of all private serfs were mortgaged to the state, reflecting the financial struggles of the nobility.

What key issue faced the Russian state due to serfdom?

• High rates of literacy among serfs
• Lack of food due to poor productivity
• Increase in technological advancements
• Improved relationships with the nobility

Answer explanation

Limited land and slow productivity increase led to insufficient food availability, highlighting a significant issue from serfdom.

Which group of peasants was bound to the land and could not leave it without permission?

• State peasants
• Village council members
• Freedmen
• Serfs

Answer explanation

The serfs were bound to the land, differing from state peasants who enjoyed varying degrees of freedom.

Between 1845 and 1854, how many outbreaks of peasant disobedience were recorded?

• 216
• 348
• 148
• 400

Answer explanation

There were a total of 348 outbreaks of peasant disobedience reported between 1845 and 1854.

What was one of the reasons Alexander II sought reform of the serfdom system?

• To strengthen the nobility's power
• To increase the number of state peasants
• To enhance economic and industrial performance
• To return land to the Church

Answer explanation

Alexander II viewed the serf system as a hindrance to improving Russia's economic and industrial performance.

How were state peasants different from serfs?

• State peasants had varying degrees of freedom compared to serfs.
• Serfs faced fewer economic obligations.
• State peasants were completely free from land restrictions.
• State peasants could leave the land without permission.

Answer explanation

State peasants enjoyed varying degrees of freedom while serfs were strictly bound to the land.

What was a significant criticism of the Emancipation Decree articulated by Richard Pipes?

• It was too hasty and lacked consideration.
• It was too cautious and insufficient.
• It was overly ambitious and impractical.
• It was a complete failure from the start.

Answer explanation

Richard Pipes viewed the emancipation as being cautious and insufficient in its execution.

Why did Alexander II hesitate to destroy the nobility during the Emancipation of the Serfs?

• He believed they would support true democracy.
• He feared they might revolt against him.
• He wanted them as a source of stability.
• He thought they could help modernize Russia.

Answer explanation

Alexander II wanted to maintain the nobility as a stabilizing influence during the reforms.