Alexander II - The Emancipation of the Serfs Flashcards
When was the Emancipation of the Serfs?
1861
Why did the Crimean war contribute to the Emancipation of the Serfs ?
- The humiliations of the war acted as a catalyst
-Needed the Amy to modernise - Only ‘free’ population would provide the labour needed
-Caused financial ruin
What are the Economic reasons for the Emancipation of the Serfs ?
-Would strengthen economic development without weakening the autocratic structure
-Economically Russia was behind western countries and the Tsar wanted to improve this
-Feudalistic society was a barrier to modernisation of the economy.
-Due to Serfs not being paid they were not able to generate an income so did not contribute economically
Why did the risk of revolt contribute to the emancipation of the Serfs ?
-Would strengthen social and political stability
- there was an increase in peasant uprisings since the 1840’s
- Peasants were protesting against military conscription in order to ensure serfs would be emancipated at the end of the war
What was the moral case for the Emancipation of the Serfs ?
- 1858-1859 Alexander set out on emancipation speeches to try win noble support
-Party of St Peters progress - all committed to the abolition of Serfdom for some time
What was the Emancipation act of 1861 ?
- Gave the serfs their freedom and made provision for them to be able to buy their land repaying government assistance of up to 80% of the total value over 49years
Were all serfs freed straight away ?
No
-Privately owned serfs had to wait 2 years
-State serfs had to wait for 5 years
What were the problems for peasants due to the emancipation act ?
- Economically serfs were worse off
-Peasants incomes fell by up to 50% because redemption payments tended to be higher than market price
-Landowners had opted to retain the best land
Who became better off due to the emancipation act ?
-The Kulaks
-Peasants leaving the mir
Who were the Kulaks?
- wealthy or prosperous peasants, generally characterized as one who owned a relatively large farm and several head of cattle and horses and who was financially capable of employing hired labour and leasing land.
Were the Landowners happy about Emancipation ?
No as they had to give up some of their land to the peasants
Were the serfs happy about Emancipation?
No as they have to pay for their new land, but they are happy they have freedom.
Was the nobility happy about Emancipation ?
-No as they have lost their serfs and no longer have labourers to work their land for nothing
-They were overpaid for land so thought it was a good deal
-No longer exempt from conscription
what was the Tsars opinion of Emancipation ?
-That it was needed for economic growth
-Not based on liberalism as it was used to save autocracy as economy would grow and opposition would reduce
How long were redemption payments ?
49 years
