Throughout the 19th century, questions about the introduction of the constitution and the abolition of serfdom were the most relevant.Each emperor had his vision on them, but they all share a recognition that the peasant question is the most urgent.Decree on serfs - one of the many projects of its decision.
In the historical context
The accession to the throne of Nicholas I was marked by the revolt of the Decembrists.Their testimony during the investigation revealed that, along with a number of political demands of members of the movement are most called for the abolition of serfdom.This had given good arguments and economic and civil and spiritual sense of the reasons for the need to make the peasants free as soon as possible.Strictly speaking, this government has set itself the task of even Alexander the Great.However, due to internal political conflicts, an active foreign policy and discontent on the part of large landowners personal liberty peasants received only in the Baltics.Decree on serfs is one of many during the reign of Nicholas.Bring issues for public discussion, he did not, and acted by secret committees.For 30 years there were ten, but their decisions concerning private matters.
committees peasant question
Nicholas I spent a conservative policy, but, as we know, even the Conservatives are on the path of reform, when it is necessary to preserve the existing order.The first peasant secret committee was established already in 1826, it included such famous figures as the era of Alexander M. Speransky and VP Kochubey.6 years his work became the theoretical basis for future committees, but nothing has changed in the situation of serfdom.Next to the Committee in 1835 developed the project of emancipation, in fact, a full landlessness of the peasantry.In this state could not go, because the peasantry was a major taxpayer.The result of the committee following a decree became serfs (1842).Follow the secret agencies considered private matters of the yard, the possibility of acquiring land serfs and others.
Features decree
Firstly, it should be noted immediately that the decree of the serfs called for its implementation is not mandatory and recommendatory.That is, he made it possible, and how to act landowners - is at their discretion.As a result of ten million serfs transferred to owe, but free from twenty-five to twenty-seven thousand people.This is called in everyday everyday life "drop in the bucket."Second, the decree on the serfs tried to take into account the interests of all parties.Farmers received civil liberty, the state received normal taxpayers and landowners were owners of the land.Thirdly, this decision to a certain extent opposed the famous decree "On the free cultivators," which gives the liberated land to peasants for ransom.The land was to be fixed strictly as the property of landlords.
Content decree
Decree on serfs allowed landlords to let peasants to freedom by signing a pre-contract with them.It stated the amount of land that is leased by the farmer, as well as the number of days of serfdom and the amount of dues that should land the former owner of the land, that is the landlord for the use of.This Agreement shall be approved by the government and does not change later.Thus, the landlord can not demand from the farmers more for the lease of land.At the same time, the decree of the serfs of the nobles left the patrimonial right of the court and all the police functions.This means that the power in the villages, as well as before, belongs to the feudal lord.
consequences of the decree
Despite the expectations of the government, the publication of the decree on the serfs had a very minor impact.Although landlords and left behind the land to give the guilt for it, and retained power in the village, but they did not have now the possibility to increase or decrease the duties peasant holdings.Therefore, most of them are in no hurry to take advantage of the right to transfer to the status of serfs obliged.Life is obligated peasants did not change significantly, but the tyranny of the nobility became less means more chances for development.Small quantity released this decree speaks of its minimal impact on the existence of serfdom.Strictly speaking, Nicholas knew that this problem exists, but I think that it is very dangerous to touch, and we must act carefully.
solution to the problem of serfdom
adoption decree serfs was a minor concession to social influence and the urgent tasks of development of Russia.The Crimean War, which Russia lost, showed the need for reform.Down revolutionary situation affected the upper classes, which creaked, but finally agreed with the government that farmers need to do free.At the same time the foundation of the reform was the liberation of the peasants from the land necessarily, but for ransom.The size of plots and redemption amounts varied depending on regions of Russia, the peasants do not always get enough land, but still a step forward has been made.Special credit goes to Alexander II, who was able to bring it started to end in an atmosphere of widespread criticism from both the left and right-wing forces.In addition to the abolition of serfdom, he held other important reforms contributed to the development of capitalist relations.In the story, he came as "The Liberator."
