“The reforms of Alexander II were mainly aimed at preserving Russian autocracy.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of what Alexander II hoped to achieve by implementing reforms. Candidates may argue that the reforms were aimed at modernizing Russia and that Alexander II was a genuine liberal much influenced by Western ideas. Others may argue that the aim was to modernize Russia to strengthen autocracy. Indeed, their limited nature suggest that Alexander’s main aim was the preservation of autocracy. When discussing each reform, candidates may consider how it might strengthen autocracy. For example, the Emancipation Edict was aimed at both modernization of agriculture and a reduction of peasant unrest (Reform from Above). The establishment of the Zemstva and Duma could be suggested as a move toward liberal democracy or that, because they were dominated by the nobility, they were a means to extend central authority to the regions. Both educational and legal reforms could be considered as attempts at westernization and
modernization but both had limits.