Pyotr Stolypin

Statesman.

A very contradictory Russian Prime Minister. His capitalist agrarian reforms perhaps might have taken Russia to a more liberal, democratic path. On the other hand, his military courts oppressed and killed opponents.

Background
Lived: 1862-1911.
He was born in Saxony and had a promising career as a scientist. As a governor of Saratov he was known for his diplomatic skill and determination.

Prime Minister
After the Revolution of 1905, the country was still in anarchy. He promised to restore law and order and was appointed Minister of the Interior. In 1906, he became the youngest ever Prime Minister of Russia. Shortly after becoming the Premiere his own family came under a terrorist attack.

Repressions
During 1906-07, hundreds of revolutionaries, socialists and anarchists were killed. Special courts-martials were instituted for quick administration of justice. The noose was nicknamed “Stolypin’s Necktie”.

Coup of June 1907
When collaboration with the Duma did not work out, Stolypin simply had it dissolved and changed the election law. As a result, the Third Duma was conservative enough for him to launch his capitalist agrarian reform plan.

Stolypin’s Reforms
He improved the living standards of the peasantry. He abolished peasant communes and gave farmers the opportunity to prosper. His aim was to create a loyal conservative class of landowning farmers. The economy was boosting in the next couple of years.

Assassination
Stolypin was shot at the Kiev Theatre in 1911 by a Jewish radical Dmitri Bogrov. Nicholas II was also nearby.