Peasants Flashcards
How were peasants divided under Alexander III?
They were divided into Kulaks (wealthier peasants) and poorer peasants who struggled to survive.
Who were the Kulaks?
Wealthier peasants who bought land, employed labor, and acted as pawn brokers to poorer peasants.
How did Kulaks exploit poorer peasants?
They would buy grain cheaply in winter and sell it back at inflated prices in spring. If peasants couldn’t pay, they sometimes took land as repayment.
What support did Kulaks receive from the government?
They could receive loans from the Peasants’ Land Bank to expand their landholdings.
What happened to the poorest peasants under Alexander III?
Many became landless laborers, struggling to survive and dependent on others.
According to a Zemstvo survey in the 1880s, what percentage of former serfs in the Tambov region struggled to feed their households?
Two-thirds (⅔) of former serfs fell into debt trying to feed their families.
How did living standards vary across Russia?
Former state peasants were generally better off than privately owned serfs, as they received more land.
What role did the Zemstva play in improving living conditions?
They helped provide better healthcare in some areas.
How did Russian mortality rates compare to the rest of Europe?
Russia had higher mortality rates than any other European country.
What was the average life expectancy for Russian peasants?
27 years for men, 29 years for women (compared to 45 years in England).
Did economic changes improve life for peasants?
No—economic change failed to improve peasant life and may have made it worse.
