Thematic Essay 1855 - 1914: A

Question 1

Was there change in farming methods?

Answer 1

No, there was a lack of any new farming techniques as it was mostly ignored by all Tsars.
Witte decided to ignore it completely to focus on industrialisation.
Stolypin however did start consolidating peasant land in 1905-1907, meaning it was easier for peasants to farm.

Question 2

A: Was there change in how peasants could buy land?

Answer 2

Yes,
Alexander III made the peasant land bank which allowed for peasants to borrow gov money cheaply to buy land.
Stolypin did 1905-1907 land reforms so that the most educated and able peasants could get farm land to act as role models.

Question 3

A: Was there change in the countries food security?

Answer 3

No,
The country was still at constant risk of a famine.
In Alexander II reign, many still starved to death despite putting zemstva in charge of emergency famine plans in place in 1864. Emancipation also meant that peasants lost 25% of Black Earth Region.
A famine occurred in 1891 due to Vyshnegradskii’s 1891 Mendeleev tariff. Half of Russia’s provinces went without food and 350000 died after cholera and typhus got involved.
Break out of WWI.

Question 4

Was there conflict within agriculture?

Answer 4

Yes
1864 Emancipation meant that peasants lost 25% Black Earth Region and land prices increased.
Vyshenegradskii had a 1891 Mendeleev tariff which raised tax on consumer goods which led to a massive famine in 1892. 350,000 dies and he lost his position.
1906 - 1907 Black Earth Region Revolts caused by higher food prices and rising need for food. Attacked landowners and destroyed public utilities. Even peasant vigilantism. Only Stolypin land reforms quelled this.