Ivan Goremykin lesson

Ivan Goremykin was born in Russia in 1839. A Russian lawyer with extreme conservative political views, Goremykin was a loyal supporter of Nicholas II and the autocracy. He served as interior minister (1895-99) before succeeding Sergi Witte as premier in 1906. However, as a strong opponent of political reform, he was in conflict with the First Duma and was soon forced to resign in July, 1906, and was replaced by Peter Stolypin.

Nicholas II appointed Goremykin as his prime minister in early 1914. As Goremykin was considered to be both reactionary and incompetent, this decision undermined the Tsar's authority. Goremykin was also seen as a close ally of Gregory Rasputin and this made him extremely unpopular with Russia's leading politicians.

Ivan Goremykin

1. Was a strong supporter of Nicholas II and the autocracy.

2. Did not believe in universal suffrage.

3. Wanted the Russian government to deal harshly with those people demanding political reforms.

4. Thought Russia should support Serbia against the Triple Alliance.

5. Thought Russia should honour its obligations and support the Triple Entente against the Triple Alliance.

6. As the Russian Army was the largest army in the world he was convinced that Russia would defeat Austria-Hungary and Germany in a war.