Pyotr Stolypin Russian statesman, initiator of agrarian reform Date of Birth: 15.04.1862 Country: Russia

1. Early Life and Education
2. Entry into Government Service
3. Governor of Saratov
4. Minister of Internal Affairs
5. Prime Minister
6. Failed Negotiations with Liberal Leaders
7. Assassination Attempt
8. Dissolving the Duma and Subsequent Policies

Early Life and Education

Pyotr Arkadyevich Stolypin, a prominent Russian statesman and initiator of the Stolypin Agrarian Reform, was born in 1862. He attended gymnasiums in Vilnius and Oryol, and in 1885, graduated from the Physics and Mathematics Faculty of St. Petersburg University.

Entry into Government Service

After graduating, Stolypin joined the Ministry of Agriculture and was soon appointed as the Kovno Uyezd Marshal of Nobility. He later served as a provincial governor in Grodno (1901) and Saratov (1903).

Governor of Saratov

Stolypin's actions as Governor of Saratov were subject to an inquiry in the First State Duma. Despite the inquiry and another request regarding the persecution of a peasant union, Stolypin was appointed Minister of Internal Affairs in the Goremykin Cabinet shortly before the First State Duma convened.

Minister of Internal Affairs

As Minister of Internal Affairs, Stolypin made various statements on behalf of the government. In 1906, a Jewish pogrom occurred in Bialystok. An investigation revealed that local authorities had organized the pogrom, with the military remaining inactive. Stolypin defended the "central authority" from accusations of organizing the pogrom.

Prime Minister

In July 1906, Stolypin became Prime Minister after the dissolution of the First State Duma and the declaration of martial law in St. Petersburg. He retained the portfolio of Minister of Internal Affairs. Initially, he claimed he would implement liberal reforms and saw repression as a temporary measure.

Failed Negotiations with Liberal Leaders

Stolypin attempted to form a moderate-liberal cabinet but failed to attract key figures like Prince G.E. Lvov, Count Heyden, and Prince E. Trubetskoy. According to Stolypin, they made unrealistic demands, while the public figures claimed they would have no real power in the cabinet.

Assassination Attempt

On August 12, 1906, maximists attempted to assassinate Stolypin with bombs at his dacha in St. Petersburg. Over 20 people were killed, and over 30 injured, including Stolypin's son and daughter. Stolypin himself survived the attack.

Dissolving the Duma and Subsequent Policies

On August 24, the government explained the reasons for dissolving the First Duma and outlined Stolypin's political agenda. Laws were enacted establishing military field courts and stripping many workers and peasants of their voting rights. Repressions continued ahead of elections for the Second State Duma, and left-wing parties were declared illegal. The Second State Duma also had a left-wing majority.