Serfdom Flashcards
What was serfdom?
A system of agricultural slavery of Russian peasants
How many serfs were there
40 million
How many peasant uprisings were there?
712 revolts from 1826-1854
What was the problem with serf agriculture techniques?
Sets used inefficient methods (eg. Wooden plough) so it was hard to produce enough grain to feed and sell
What could serfs do/have/need?
- be bought/sold
- need permission to marry
- subject to corporal punishments
- be conscripted (forced to join army)
Give an example of how serfs had a good relationship with there owner
Some gave them a basic education
Who supported and who opposed slavery?
SLAVOPHILES stressed the importance of slavery
WESTERNERS emphasised its restrictions on development
How did serfdom restrict development?
Focus on agriculture for economy meant it restricted industry developments
Eg. Only 20,000 people in the steel and iron industry
