Description:
(Emperor of Russia (1855 - 1881))
Alexander II of Russia was the Emperor of Russia, as well as the King of Poland and the Grand Duke of Finland, who reigned from March 1855 to March 1881, before being assassinated by members of the Narodnaya Volya (People's Will) movement. He is remembered in history for his numerous reforms that ushered in the modern age for the Russian Empire and is revered as "Alexander the Liberator" for the emancipation of the serfs in 1861. While he grew up under the autocratic system governing Russia at the time, his liberal education under Vasily Zhukovsky created a clear internal conflict, which is evident through his actions during his reign. Although he introduced significant reforms, these measures were motivated more by necessity than by a purely humanitarian outlook. Even for his most famous reform, the emancipation of the serfs, Alexander believed it was inevitable and stated that it was better for the change to come "from above than from below." Regardless of his intentions, Alexander II modernized the Russian Empire by reforming the military, judicial system, and education system, as well as by curtailing noble privileges.
Birthday
April 29, 1818 (Taurus)
Born In
Russia
Alternative names
Alexander Nikolaevich Romanov
City
Moscow, Russia
Died on
March 13, 1881
Spouse/Ex-
Catherine Dolgorukov (m. 1880–1881), Maria Alexandrovna (m. 1841–1880)
Children
Alexander III of Russia, Antoinette Bayer, Boris Alexandrovich Yurievsky, Catherine Yurievskaya, Charlotte Henriette Sophie Jansen, Grand Duchess Alexandra Alexandrovna of Russia, Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna of Russia, Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich of Russia, Grand Duke Paul Alexandrovich of Russia, Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich of Russia, Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich of Russia, Joseph Raboxicz, Michael-Bogdan Oginski, Nicholas Alexandrovich, Olga Yurievskaya, Prince George Alexandrovich Yuryevsky
Relatives
Alexis Pashkine, Grand Duchess Alexandra Nikolaevna of Russia, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Nicholaevna of Russia, Grand Duke Konstantin Nikolayevich of Russia, Grand Duke Michael Nikolaevich of Russia, Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolaevich of Russia, Olga Carlovna Albrecht, Olga Nikolaevna of Russia, Youzia Koberwein
When did Alexander II of Russia abolish serfdom?
Alexander II of Russia abolished serfdom in 1861, through the Emancipation Manifesto.
What reforms did Alexander II of Russia implement during his reign?
Alexander II of Russia implemented numerous reforms, including the abolition of serfdom, judicial reforms, military reforms, and local government reforms.
What was the outcome of the assassination attempt on Alexander II of Russia in 1866?
The assassination attempt on Alexander II of Russia in 1866, resulted in the introduction of repressive measures and a shift towards a more conservative stance.
How did Alexander II of Russia contribute to the modernization of Russia?
Alexander II of Russia contributed to the modernization of Russia through various reforms aimed at modernizing the economy, military, and administration of the country.
What was the significance of Alexander II of Russia's assassination in 1881?
The assassination of Alexander II of Russia in 1881, marked the end of the era of reform and led to a period of increased repression and political stagnation in Russia.
