Unit 3: Thematic study and historical interpretations

Section A Passage A (interpretation written for this paper in the style of a historian; not a real quotation): Alexander II was a reluctant reformer. He emancipated the serfs to preserve the autocracy, not to weaken it, and when reform encouraged dissent he turned to repression. His reign shows that Tsarism could change its methods but never its nature. Passage B (interpretation written for this paper in the style of a historian; not a real quotation): The reforms of the 1860s were the most ambitious in Russian history before 1917. New courts, elected zemstva and a modernised army began to create a civil society. That this society later turned against the regime does not diminish the scale of what Alexander attempted. Evaluate the interpretations in both of the passages and explain which you think is more convincing as an explanation of Alexander II's reforms.

Section B 'Lenin was the most significant ruler of Russia in the period 1855–1964.' How far do you agree?

Section B Assess the view that the condition of the peasantry changed very little in the period from 1855 to 1964.