His reforms were all extraordinary because they show that Alexander willingly allowed the formation of a new intelligentsia. Alexander was fully aware of this possibility, but he nevertheless persisted and implemented all these reforms. Educational reforms show that Alexander is opening himself to criticism from a new class of educated Russians. If Alexander had wanted to strengthen his grip on power to this extent, he would not have undertaken such revolutionary reforms which would have opened the way for new groups of the intelligentsia who would criticize the Tsar's regime. Say no to plagiarism. Get Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get Original EssayCensorship was also reformed by Alexander; between 1855 and 1863, the strict censorship of Nicholas I's reign was relaxed. There was definitely a climate of cooperation rather than repression, the latter being the case of Nicolas's censorship policy. However, some publications remained banned, the radical journal The Contemporary was banned, but this was considered reasonable by the public. The economy also needed reform and Alexander II decided to do so. Extensive reforms have been carried out in financial control and taxation and new sources of revenue have been exploited. Annual budgets were also released and the economy was definitely starting to get back on its feet. Alexander II had little to gain in terms of strengthening his power over Russia; it was clear that Alexander needed to reform the economy for the many other reforms to fully work. Despite the reform of the economy, inflation worsened and the national debt increased due to the Russo-Turkish War. In conclusion, Alexander II was undoubtedly a great reformer. His extensive reforms, which I have discussed, moved Russia out of a previously archaic system. Alexander II also took enormous risks with these reforms. Since his educational reforms were very liberal, he risked being criticized by the new generation of students created by his reforms. The same was true for the new generation of lawyers created by legal reforms. This endangered Alexander's absolute power, but he nonetheless had the courage to push through reforms to benefit Russia. Alexander II gave the serfs brutal treatment in many of his reforms, but he took the first crucial step toward their complete liberation and thus left his mark on Russian society. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a custom article now from our expert writers. Get a custom essay Like any monarch, Alexander II was not perfect, but his reforms completely changed the face of Russia and its society, mostly for the better..