about such a reform, as the secularization of land belonging to the church, it was at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries.But only in the 18th century finally took shape solution to this issue.It is in this century, the state was able to solve the problem posed even during the reign of Ivan III.
secularization - is the elimination of large landholdings church.And that this process has been completed long struggle of Russian rulers and churches for the lands.And the fact that it happened just as the 18th century, is not accidental.
By that time, commercial capitalism had made great strides, and existed with respect to the rights of church lands that form prevented.The main trend is that the land - a commodity from which to profit.This reform is quite satisfied the first half of the 18th century, available land ownership by the sovereign dependency.Meanwhile, church lands by virtue of the special nature of their use were not alienated.The clergy could only acquire them, but may not in any way alienate.
This was a common cause of the phenomenon called "the secularization of church lands."There were other reasons, let's say, a more private nature.The fact that the entire policy towards the Russian land is very dependent on the interests of the nobility.This stronghold of the monarchy all the forces sought to expand their holdings, while available land resources are a central part of the state has been virtually exhausted.But the land on the outskirts of little interest.The nobility decided that the secularization of church estates and peasants would create a good foundation, which would enable them to expand further.
ruling person for a long time could not decide on a violation of the union, which was formed out of friendship of church and state.Only in the second half of the 18th century, the objective force prevailed.After a series of oscillations of Peter III in 1762 issued a document, which was the reason for the creation of a special College savings that would be governed by all church estates.At the same time it ordered to be removed from management of all persons who were clergy.Peasants same who worked on the church estates, ordered instead of the previous obligations to pay dues on top of a ruble per capita salary.For example, in the peasant use of land remained, they plowed for patrimonial church, but the land that had never been used by them (mills, etc.), Should give willing to rents.And all amounts received goes to the College established.Thus, the labor force has not proved to be overly burdened, but all levies taken stewards immediately returned to the peasants.
However, this decree has acted for a short time.Even Catherine the Great in force exclusive setting in the state had to "trick."The secularization of church lands was recognized by her ill-considered measure, a decree canceled and returned to the church grounds, includingand peasants.Empress reopened sealed when Peter III was the home church and do everything to facilitate the revival of the influence of the clergy on issues of censorship, etc.
Canceled secularization of church land provoked unrest among the peasants of the monastery.And the nobility was, to put it mildly, unhappy.As a result, Catherine the Great took a new decision: suspend the abolition of secularism and to create a commission to comprehensively study the issue.By the time the Empress had already made sure that the clergy as a political force is very weak.For its disposal, though it caused resentment among the bishops and powerful murmur, but openly no one dared.Thus, according to the decree of 1764 all the bishops, the Synod, the church and monastery patrimony definitively transferred to the jurisdiction of the College.But instead of selected lands clergy now believe the content of the staff, and later, during a general surveying, and it received small plots of land.
One can not answer what has brought greater secularization of church lands, good or bad, but the fact that this measure was truly outstanding in his century, that's for sure.
