Opposition: ideas and ideologies; individuals; liberals and radical groups and the Tsarist reaction
From the 1860s onwards, organised groups challenged Tsarist rule with competing political ideas. Liberals wanted gradual reform; radicals wanted to destroy the system entirely.
Real World
The People's Will group assassinated Alexander II in March 1881 using a bomb thrown at his carriage in St Petersburg — an act of political violence that directly triggered Alexander III's brutal crackdown on all opposition.
Exam Focus
Distinguish clearly between liberal and radical opposition: examiners reward answers that show they had different methods and aims, not just different levels of intensity.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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