The Rise of Radicalism

Abstract

Peter I (the Great) set about the reform of the state and to extend the power of the tsars built up in previous reigns. The boyar class was abolished and the church came under the control of the tsar. The absolutism of the monarchy changed under Catherine I and Peter II, with actual power being exercised by the Supreme Privy Council. With the abolition of the Council in 1730 Anne restored autocracy. In the latter part of the eighteenth century Catherine II (the Great) did attempt certain liberalisation of the absolute monarchy. Catherine believed that absolute monarchy was the only form of government suited to Russia, but that it must be based on strict observance of the law, of which the Crown was the sole source. This concept of ‘legal paternalism’ was continued by Paul. Alexander I, however, brought a vacillating liberalism to the throne in 1801. The reign began with liberal experiments and there were plans for constitutional reform. Later in the reign Alexander I became more conservative and liberal ideas and plans were abandoned.