In 1861 in Russia there was an event which was expected by many leading men of the time, and which forever changed the course of history.Emperor Alexander II issued a manifesto that made the peasants free men, did not depend on the landowners.What made the monarch to take this step?What were the reasons for the abolition of serfdom in Russia?
Background and reasons for the reform
the middle of the nineteenth century, the need for the elimination of serfdom became more and more apparent.Actively develop market relations more inhibited slavish condition of the peasants.In the 1840s, the country began the industrial revolution - the transition from manual labor to machines.The development of mills and factories require workers' hands, which are sorely lacking - the landlords do not really want to be without gratuitous labor.If they released a peasant to work, it puts a condition to give the master of the money earned.This, of course, increased labor costs and further hindered the development of the industry.
Saving serfdom beat and agriculture.The existence of forced peasant labor hindered the development of advanced technologies of cultivation, the introduction of agricultural machinery.The landlords were a simpler way - by cutting peasant holdings and increasing serfdom.This policy led farmers to more and impoverishment, and landlords - to bankruptcy.Nobles increasingly get into debt, mortgaging their estates.In the late 1850s, 65% of serfs were laid landlords banks, like any real estate.Therefore, the abolition of serfdom in Russia could happen a little bit the other way - the state would be enough to take away the landlords' estates for the debts.But it would cause another coup d'etat, and such a step, Alexander II, of course, did not go.
attempts to somehow change the status of the peasants and the government is doing before.Thus, in 1803 a royal decree was issued "On the free cultivators," under which farmers could free themselves from the bondage of the ransom.But to be free for the period from 1803 to 1825 could only 47 thousand people.The reason was the high ransom - 400 silver rubles per person, and the reluctance of landowners to part with gratuitous labor.In 1804-1805 gg.in Livonia and Estland peasants made lifelong users of their land, and were allowed to pass them by inheritance.Widening and their rights - in 1801 they were allowed to lease land, later allowed to trade and engage in a row.From 1844, the government embarked on a reform of the so-called inventory, according to which established the exact number of country duties which were entered in the lists - the so-called inventory.Their preparation has not finished because of the resistance of the landlords.For the ruling circles became more and more obvious that the cosmetic changes in this area do not - require the complete abolition of serfdom in Russia.
peasant discontent with their situation was growing every year.It has especially increased after an unsuccessful Crimean War, which worsened the financial situation of the country.During the period from 1856 to 1860 in Russia was 815 peasant uprisings (for comparison, in 1850-1855 gg. There were only 215).Defeat in the war and worked on the ruling circles: it became apparent that Russia lost, primarily because of its economic backwardness.Yes, and the growth of peasant revolts did not bode nothing good for the government.Thus, the circumstances in which there was the abolition of serfdom in Russia, can be briefly described as follows: the economic crisis and the danger of a peasant war.
Training Reform
March 30, 1856, Alexander II addressed the Moscow nobility with a speech in which he described the situation in the country and said that it is better to free the peasants by the government and landowners, while they did not do it yourself.So the emperor clearly hinted nobility that future changes are inevitable.
first projects emancipation of the peasants engaged in the Secret Committee on Peasant Affairs, but tangible results of its activities are not given, and then in 1858 to the preparation of the reform have attracted a wider range of people.Were organized provincial committees of nobles, is preparing a draft reform, which were sent to the Main Committee.These projects are considered drafting commission existed at committee.The peasant question was discussed in the press, making reform irreversible.As expected, the landlords abolition of serfdom in Russia, to put it mildly, not pleased.Most of the projects provided by the provincial committees and offered to liberate the peasants, or not giving them the land, leaving a meager allotments.Liberal leaders (K.D.Kavelin, A.M.Unkovsky) suggested that the peasants were released from the earth, but for a large sum.In the end, the liberal version of reform and was accepted the Drafting Committee.But later, many of its provisions made more profitable for landowners.
reform and its implications
Finally, February 19, 1861, the anniversary of his reign, Alexander II approved the manifesto and the Statute of the peasant reform.The landed peasants became "rural inhabitants" and endowed with the civil and economic rights.Now they do not depend on the landlord and can choose their own activity - trade, engage in crafts, self-perform any transaction, move to other estates, to defend their rights in court, to marry without anyone's permission.His land the peasants had to buy from the landlord.20-25% of the amount they paid themselves, and the rest paid by the state.Before paying its share of the landowner peasants considered the temporarily, that is, had to carry out all previous service.As the earth bathed in agreement with the landowner, you go to buy stretched long.If not long before the state of the landlords, forcing them to agree on the purchase of land by peasants, the abolition of serfdom in Russia would have lasted forever.For the peasants, the purchase of land turned years of bondage - the amount paid by the state, they returned for 49 years, so even with interest.
Yet, despite its shortcomings, the peasant reform had positive effects for the economy.Turning peasants into free proprietors gave them the opportunity to join the market economy.The industry was able to make up for labor shortages.And most importantly - the reform of the impetus for the new changes in the country - rural, judicial, financial, military and other reforms that changed the economic and political structure of the Russian Empire.
