Autocracy and the Tsar’s Court Flashcards

What does 'autocracy' mean in Tsarist Russia?

The Tsar had total power and ruled alone.

Who was the Tsar in 1894 and what did he believe about his right to rule?

Nicholas II. He believed God chose him to rule, called the divine right.

How were laws made before 1905?

The Tsar issued ukases (decrees). There was no elected parliament.

What was the Tsar's Court?

The nobles and officials around the Tsar at the Winter Palace. They advised him and controlled access to him.

What did the Council of Ministers do?

It ran government departments. Ministers were picked by the Tsar and answered only to him.

What was the Holy Synod?

The body that ran the Russian Orthodox Church. It was controlled by the Tsar.

Who was Pobedonostsev?

The Tsar's adviser and Chief Procurator of the Holy Synod. He pushed for strict autocracy and Russification.

What was the Okhrana?

The Tsar's secret police. They spied on, arrested and broke up opposition.

What were zemstvos?

Local councils led by nobles. They ran roads, schools and health, but had limited power.

What was Russification?

A policy to spread Russian language and culture. It aimed to weaken minority groups and strengthen the Tsar.

What powers did provincial governors have?

They could ban meetings, censor papers and arrest people to keep order.

Were political parties legal before 1905?

No. Most parties were banned and could not operate in public.

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