Alexander III was Tsar of Russia from 1881 to 1894.
An early symbol of the new regime was the design of the new army uniform.
Previously the Russian army uniform design had been influenced from the Prussian army uniform.
Alexander III took a close interest in the new design which had three Russian elements alongside the European: a caftan, loose black pants worn inside the boots, and a round cap.
^ The Prussian army was considered the most efficient in Europe at that time following stunning victories against the Austrians in the 1860's and the French in the Franco-Prussian war of 1871. It was very influential. I believe the Japanese army modelled itself on the Prussians (just as the Japanese navy was copied from the British.) The famous British bobbies' helmets were based on the shape of Prussian army helmets. Before that top hats were worn.
Double post auto-merged: November 30, 2015, 11:53:00 PM
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Russian army uniform of 1890s
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