Beginning of Essay
Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novel, “Crime and Punishment, is a reflection of life in St. Petersburg, Russia, during the rule of Czars Nicholas I and Alexander III.” Though this topic only accounts for the reigns of Tsars Nicholas I and Alexander III, t ....

Middle of Essay
.... indispensable foundation of the Russian state. His impulse was always to strike and keep striking until the object of his wrath was destroyed. Aggressiveness, however, was not the Emperor's only method of coping with the problems of life. He also used regimentation, orderliness, neatness, and precision, an enormous effort to have everything at all times in its proper place. His regime became preeminently one of militarism and bureaucracy Corruption and confusion, however, lay immediately behind this facade of discipline and smooth functioning. Nicholas disliked serfdom (poverty), but there were political hazards in eliminating it. He was determine ....