The abolition of serfdom has become one of the key events in the history of Russia. Its consequences were different for the social strata of society. The life of the peasants after 1861 changed radically.
Instruction manual
1
Personal freedom
The life of the peasants after 1861 became different. They were no longer considered serfs. Their status of “temporarily liable” meant only dependence on the payment of special duties. The peasant received civil liberties.
2
Own
If earlier the property of the peasants belonged to the landlords, now it was recognized as personal for the former serfs. This applies to homes and any movable property.
3
Self management
Peasants received the right to govern in the villages. The primary unit was rural society, and the volost was at the highest level. All posts were elective.
4
Plots of land
After the abolition of serfdom, peasants still could not have their own land. It belonged to the landowner. But he gave out a land plot for the use of the peasant. He was called "homesteading." In addition, a field allotment appeared for the needs of the entire community.
5
Allotment sizes
According to the new reform, the state established the maximum and minimum size of land allotment. To create the optimal plot, a system of "cuts" and "cuts" appeared, respectively reducing or increasing the land. The average size of the allotment was 3.3 tithing, which meant minimization in comparison with the pre-reform period.
In addition, there was a practice of resettlement of peasants in badlands.
6
Duties
It was impossible to refuse land allotment for 49 years. For using it, the peasant had to incur duties: corvee, which meant the system of mining, and quitrent in monetary terms.
The landowner himself drafted the charter, which stipulated the size of the allotment and duties. This document was certified by world intermediaries.
7
Debt Termination
After the reform of 1861, the peasants had several options for getting rid of duties.
Firstly, it was possible to redeem the allotment. This was the longest way out of the situation. After the ransom, the peasant became the rightful owner.
Secondly, it was possible to refuse the put allotment. Then the landowner donated a quarter of it.
Thirdly, rural society could buy a common allotment, saving peasants from conscription.
note
In general, the reform was of a pro-military nature, since the peasants became free only on paper. They continued to depend on the landowners, to whom the state not only guaranteed payment, but also allowed themselves to regulate its size.
Nevertheless, peasant reform was the beginning of a change in the state system. Despite all the dangers and contradictions, Alexander II decided on this important step.
