Final answer:
The answer is option A. The Tsar received support primarily from the Russian nobility, the Orthodox Church, and the army, with each of these groups benefiting from or closely tied to the Tsar's regime.
Step-by-step explanation:
Supporters of the Tsar in Russian History
The Tsar enjoyed the support of various social groups and institutions. The Russian nobility, also known as the aristocracy or gentry, had traditionally been a pillar of support for the Tsar, especially since they benefited from the Tsarist policies and held positions of power. The Russian Orthodox Church was closely tied to the state and advocated for obedience to the Tsar, reinforcing his authority. Additionally, the Russian army was loyal to the Tsarist regime, serving as an instrument of power and order. However, this support did not extend to all social strata, with varying attitudes from other groups such as the peasantry, the bourgeoisie, and the merchant class.
Given the context of nineteenth-century Russia, it's important to recognize that the majority of the population, comprising the serfs, were among the most oppressed in Europe, with little to no interest in political change due to their poor, uneducated status. The bourgeoisie and the merchant class, on the other hand, were commonly seen as desiring political reform or at least the expansion of voting rights, aligning them with a more progressive stance. Nonetheless, the bourgeoisie class often had its own struggles for recognition and rights within the autocratic system. Despite the instability and changes throughout the period, the gentry and other established elites generally retained their alignment with Tsarist authority until the revolutionary changes of the early twentieth century.