1) The zemstvo reform of 1890 increased noble domination of the local assemblies.

2) Repeated commissions and zemstvo investigations drew a grim picture of peasant destitution and growing frustration.

3) But the zemstvos in particular rapidly expanded their activities during the ensuing decades.

4) Elections to the zemstvos, too, demonstrated the intense hostility of the peasantry towards the landed nobility.

5) The number of committed liberals among the middle-ranking landowners who dominated the zemstvos was not large.

6) However, many remained sceptical, remembering the Tsars pledge in 1895 in a speech to Zemstvo representative to maintain autocracy.

7) They became increasingly outspoken in denouncing noble domination of local government institutions, and the zemstvo taxes they had to pay.