The Russian army inherited by Alexander III after his father’s assassination 1881 was in dire need of reorganization. Although he was not much interested in military affairs (There were no Russian troops involved in conflicts during his reign) he was a reactionary monarch and did as much as he could to undo the liberal reforms of his father. As far as the army was concerned, he decided they should be dressed in a fashion that suited his Pan-Slavic ambitions and should be as far
removed from the European standard as possible. He did away with all the fine uniforms (except in the Guard cavalry) and replaced them with a ‘national peasant’ look. Ruhl shows these to good effect with the addition of a selection of plates with schematics at the end.
removed from the European standard as possible. He did away with all the fine uniforms (except in the Guard cavalry) and replaced them with a ‘national peasant’ look. Ruhl shows these to good effect with the addition of a selection of plates with schematics at the end.