Alexander II of Russia
Emperor of Russia who abolished serfdom and pursued liberal reforms.
- field
- Monarch
- nationality
- Russian
Lore & Background
Alexander Nikolayevich was the eldest son of Nicholas I of Russia and Charlotte of Prussia. As heir apparent, he was educated under the liberal poet Vasily Zhukovsky, toured Russia and Siberia, and was influenced by the writings of the exiled poet Alexander Herzen, though he did not befriend him personally.
Reader's Guide
He also improved the judicial system, relaxed censorship, eliminated some restrictions on Jews, abolished corporal punishment, promoted local self-government, and modernized the military and education.
Did You Know?
- He sent Russian warships to New York Harbor and San Francisco Bay during the American Civil War to deter Confederate attacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Alexander II of Russia's reforms after his death?
Many of the liberal changes he introduced were gradually rolled back by his successors, who moved toward a more authoritarian approach. The conservative turn under his son Alexander III marked a clear reversal of the reformist legacy Alexander II had built.
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