Alexander II and reform, 1855–81

Which war exposed Russia's military and economic backwardness and helped push Alexander II towards reform?

To whom did Alexander II say in March 1856 that it was better to abolish serfdom from above than to wait for it to abolish itself from below?

On what date (Old Style) did Alexander II sign the emancipation edict?

Over how many years were former serfs to repay the state for their land under the emancipation settlement?

After 1861, which body held most peasants' land, shared out the strips and was responsible for collecting redemption payments and taxes?