What were zemstvos?

Answer 1

Zemstvos were local self-government institutions in Imperial Russia, established in 1864 as part of liberal reforms initiated by Tsar Alexander II. They were designed to improve local administration and provide services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure in rural areas. Zemstvos were elected bodies, allowing local landowners and peasants to participate in governance, though their powers were limited and often constrained by central authority. They played a crucial role in modernizing Russian society and fostering civic engagement before the Russian Revolution.