Military reform of 1874: background, stages, results

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Military reform of 1874: background, stages, results
Military reform of 1874: background, stages, results
Anonim

The difficult situation that arose in foreign policy towards the end of the 19th century forced Alexander II to urgently transform the military system. The military reform of 1874 was called upon to solve a number of important problems. As a result of a number of changes, the army was supposed to become more combat-ready, well-equipped with both equipment and highly qualified personnel.

military reform 1874
military reform 1874

Military-political prerequisites for the reform

Disclosing this topic, you can not be limited to only one year. The reform of 1874 legally fixed all the transformations in this area. The need for military reform was dictated even before the abolition of serfdom. The Russian army was poorly equipped in military-technical terms. This was the reason for Russia's defeat in the Crimean War. The foreign policy situation escalated: in 1870, France was defeated by Prussia. In Europe, the German Empire was formed, which claimed primacy in the world. In addition, the arms race continued and military equipment developed. But the military reform in Russia could not be carried out quickly. The rearmament of the army depended on the Russian economy, which at that time lagged far behind Europe. It was necessary to develop industry and transport. Therefore, the military reform was carried out in stages.

military reform of 1874
military reform of 1874

Military reform of 1861-1874. Stages

60-70s The 19th century is the time for a series of military reforms. At the first stage, the reorganization of the military infrastructure began. It included the military administration and military schools. The beginning of the reform is associated with the name of Minister of War D. A. Milyutin. In January 1862, he presented a military reform plan to Alexander II. For him:

  • reduced military forces in peacetime;
  • officers were retrained;
  • the introduction of a new army management system;
  • military service reduced to 15 years;
  • corporal punishment was abolished;
  • 15 military regions were under the Ministry of War.

This system made it possible to quickly command troops. Given the vast territory of Russia, this was strategically important. One of the main problems of the reform was the issue of training military personnel. In 1863, the cadet corps were reorganized into military gymnasiums. And the following year, military schools were established. Every year they let out 600 officers. Qualified military produced 16 cadet schools. Higher military education has changed. Military academies were formed for various specializations: artillery, engineering, military law. These changes greatly improved the training of the Russian army.

Military Reform of 1874

All these measures were ineffective without a radical reorganization of the army. To do this, it was necessary to introduce a new staffing of the army, to replace the recruiting system adopted under Peter I with universal military service. This made it possible to create a trained reserve in case of hostilities. In Europe, such a system was introduced a long time ago.

military reform of 1874
military reform of 1874

Army transformations

As far back as 1870, a draft law on the introduction of universal military service was prepared. Two years later, the Charter was ready. At the discussion in the State Council, many opposed. But despite the disagreements, the "Charter" was approved.

All military forces were divided into 4 parts:

  1. Army and Navy.
  2. Cossacks.
  3. Reserve troops.
  4. Militia.

The charter provided for universal military service for the entire male population over the age of 20, regardless of belonging to any class. In peacetime, the number of conscripts was 25-30%. They were exempted from service due to marital status and physical unfitness. The conscripts drew lots. The required number of conscripts was determined by lot. Those fit for service were enrolled in the militia, which was called up only in wartime. The terms of military service were reduced depending on the level of education. Such military men entered the service voluntarily, the service life was halved. They were called volunteers. During the service, the soldiers were taught to read and write. The military reform of 1874 contributed to the elimination of illiteracy among conscripts (80% were illiterate).

Re-equipment of the Russian army

From the mid-60s, the technical re-equipment of the Russian army began. Artillery guns were replaced with rifled ones. The construction of the steam fleet began. Since 1876, horses began to be used in the army, which were also subject to mobilization. The Berdan system rifle was adopted.

military reform 1861-1874
military reform 1861-1874

Historical value

The military reform of 1874 met the requirements of the times. She gave a chance to solve the problem of modernizing the Russian army. As a result of the military reform in Russia, a regular army was created with a trained reserve, and in case of war, the reserve and the militia constituted a mass army. The technical equipment of the army has changed, which required higher knowledge from regular officers. The entire male population was subjected to literacy training. All these measures were aimed at strengthening the Russian army as opposed to Western European ones. She has become more combat-ready.

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