Alexander II: Emancipation of the Serfs

Alexander II was one of the most important figures in Russian history. He made several changes that started Russia on the path towards a more modern government that they now enjoy today. Alexander’s Great Reforms, highlighted by his freeing of the serfs, began in the year 1855 at the beginning of his regime. By looking in from the outside of Alexander’s Great Reforms, historians find it very difficult to understand what motivations began this process of change. Did he truly want reform and modernization that the previous Tsar, his father, did not deal with, or merely did he want to give the peasants something so a major revolt would not occur? Regardless of his motives, Alexander did start Russia on the path towards a more parliamentary government. The Great Reforms remain very controversial in terms of motivation and intent.
Alexander II, the eldest son of Nicholas I, was born on April 2, 1818. His early life gave little indication of his actions as the Tsar of Russia. No o...