Other major reforms take place in Russia's educational and cultural spheres.

Censorship, which had stifled opinion under Nicholas, had been greatly relaxed, and public opinion has found a voice.

This greatly facilitates the government's effort to eradicate corruption, red tape and inefficiency.

Universities have gained autonomy.

The Government encourages education: it is during Alexander's reign that the education of the peasant masses starts on a vast scale.

The central government attempts to act through the zemstva to establish uniform curricula for elementary schools.