Autocratic rule, serfdom and defeat in the Crimean War circumstances were a major cause of Russian weakness in the mid-1800s.
Answer: Option A, D and F
Explanation:
Russia and most of Europe were in a state of animosity when Alexander I took the throne in March 1801. Russia appeared as the largest land force in Europe, and the first of the European victors over Napoleon. In such initiatives the enormous prestige gained was retained until the mid-century.
However, the Crimean War between 1853–56 showed this giant had clay feet. Under very mediocre rule, the massive empire was unable to raise, arm and bring enough troops to overpower the medium-sized French and English powers. Nicholas suffered in the bitter awareness of failure at large.
