To what extent did the reforms of Alexander II change Russian society by 1881?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the suggestion that the reforms of Alexander II changed Russian society. The main reforms such as the Emancipation of the Serfs and local government reform should be examined in relation to their impact on Russian society. Candidates may argue that the most radical change was to the principles that governed Russian society; the idea of freedom of the individual was introduced with the abolition of serfdom and the notion of equal justice with legal reforms. Candidates may argue that Russian society remained hierarchical with the monarchy, Church and nobility at the top and the peasantry, despite notional freedom, still largely enslaved by the Mir and the obligation to pay Redemption Dues. Other major reforms include education and military reforms, and their impact on society could be considered.

The question required candidates to consider the merits or otherwise of the suggestion that the reforms of Alexander II changed Russian society. Some good knowledge and arguments were seen. However, some candidates seemed to have a pre-prepared answer for a different question and focused on the intentions behind Alexander II’s reforms. This was not the question being asked.