Constitution draft by M.T. Loris-Melikov: was it a possibility of implementation after Alexander III came to power?

The paper considers events associated with accession to the throne of Alexander III after assassination of his father Alexander II by the Narodnaya Volya (March–April 1881). It focuses on the fate of the Constitution draft by M.T. Loris-Melikov, which implementation could change the entire course of the Russia’s further development. The paper analyzes the content of the draft by M.T. Loris-Melikov, situation at the Court developed after assassination of Alexander II by the Narodnaya Volya on March 1, 1881, balance of power during this project discussion in March–April 1881, and the reasons for refusing its implementation. A conclusion is made that initial predetermination to ruin this project was missing. Objective and subjective factors influencing decision to reject implement of the project are being analyzed.

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