1825-1855
Russia was turned into a bureaucratic police state where all aspects of life were regulated and punishments imposed. In the era of national revolutions, Russia was the “Gendarme of Europe”.
“Nicholas I Overlooking A Construction Site With Engineers and Architects” by an unknown author (about 1853)
Background
Nicholas I was the younger brother of Alexander I. He had no interest in a constitution or liberalism.
The Decembrist Revolt at the start of his reign made him constantly fear the threat of revolution.
Police state
Nicholas I’s motto was “Autocracy, Orthodoxy and Nationalism”, which was formulated by his Minister Sergey Uvarov.
A new organization of secret police called the “Third Department” was formed. People were monitored, books and newspapers censored, spies were everywhere, and suspects were imprisoned or exiled. It was unthinkable to talk about politics or discuss liberal ideas.
Heavy punishments were imposed for ideas that spread doubt about the authority of the tsar. Nicholas I himself was very punctual and loved order in all aspects of life.
Gendarme of Europe
In 1848 a wave of revolutions to depose old monarchies moved over Europe from Paris to Prague. Nicholas I helped other rulers protect their monarchies. In 1849 he helped Austria suppress its Hungarian uprising.
Crimean War
The Crimean War ended with a shameful defeat and Russia had to withdraw its fleet from the Black Sea.
Russia Under Nicholas I
1825-1855
Russia was turned into a bureaucratic police state where all aspects of life were regulated and punishments imposed. In the era of national revolutions, Russia was the “Gendarme of Europe”.
“Nicholas I Overlooking A Construction Site With Engineers and Architects” by an unknown author (about 1853)
Background
Nicholas I was the younger brother of Alexander I. He had no interest in a constitution or liberalism.
The Decembrist Revolt at the start of his reign made him constantly fear the threat of revolution.
Police state
Nicholas I’s motto was “Autocracy, Orthodoxy and Nationalism”, which was formulated by his Minister Sergey Uvarov.
A new organization of secret police called the “Third Department” was formed. People were monitored, books and newspapers censored, spies were everywhere, and suspects were imprisoned or exiled. It was unthinkable to talk about politics or discuss liberal ideas.
Heavy punishments were imposed for ideas that spread doubt about the authority of the tsar. Nicholas I himself was very punctual and loved order in all aspects of life.
Gendarme of Europe
In 1848 a wave of revolutions to depose old monarchies moved over Europe from Paris to Prague. Nicholas I helped other rulers protect their monarchies. In 1849 he helped Austria suppress its Hungarian uprising.
Crimean War
The Crimean War ended with a shameful defeat and Russia had to withdraw its fleet from the Black Sea.
Nicholas I