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Dromo's Den
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[Up] [Dromo's Den] Alexander III Biography ALEXANDER III, Alexandrovitch (1845-94). Emperor of Russia from 1881 to 1894. He was born March 10, 1845, and he succeeded his father, March 13, 1881, but was not crowned until May 27, 1883, after the panic caused by the assassination of Alexander II had somewhat subsided. Alexander at first expressed his intention of following out the constitutional reforms of Loris-Melikoff, but he fell under the influence of the leaders of the old Russian Nationalist party, Katkoff, Pobiedonostseff, and Ignatieff, and restored the autocratic system of Nicholas so far as internal affairs were concerned. He pursued a stern policy of repression with regard to the political agitation which had caused the violent death of his father. The Terrorists were practically suppressed, a rigid censorship was reëstablished, education was restricted, and dissenting religions were persecuted. As a result of the persecution, Jews in great numbers emigrated from the country, chiefly to the United States and South Africa. The policy of the Russification of the non-Russian provinces, begun by Nicholas I and discontinued for a time by Alexander II, was resumed with new vigor. The finances of the Empire were well managed. The revenue was largely increased, and a protective tariff was used as a part of the system to strengthen Russian nationality. In his foreign policy Alexander did not follow the example of Nicholas. His influence was directed toward the preservation of peace. Russia and France were drawn into closer and closer connection in opposition to the Triple Alliance of Germany, Austria, and Italy. Alexander continued the policy of interference in the affairs of the Balkan States, especially Bulgaria, bitterly resenting that spirit of nationalism which his father had regarded as ingratitude toward Russia. He endeavored, not very successfully, to counteract Austrian influence among the Balkan peoples. In Asia he continued to round out the frontier and strengthen Russia's hold on its provinces. Several attempts were made to assassinate him, but they lacked the completeness of preparation and the venomous persistence which had pursued his father. Alexander married Dagmar (re-baptized into the Greek church as Maria Feodorovna), daughter of Christian IX of Denmark, Nov. 9, 1863. He died Nov. 1, 1894; and was succeeded by his son, Nicholas II. The New International Encyclopaedia, Vol I (New York: Dodd, Mead & Co., 1920) 377. |