Following the assassination of Alexander II in 1881

The movement toward liberalization floundered; the new tsars reverted to the autocratic, tight political control.

The succeeding tsars continued the drive for modernization, realizing that it was the only way for Russia to maintain true sovereignty in the industrializing Western European world.

The depression of 1873-1896 destroyed any chance of industrialization for at least 25 years.

Alexander was desperate for ideas and inspiration, welcoming diverse opinions from investors, bankers, and the intelligentsia.