The abolition of serfdom became 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 changed radically after 1861.
Instructions
Step 1
Personal freedom
The life of the peasants after 1861 changed. 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.
Step 2
Own
If earlier the property of the peasants belonged to the landowners, now it was recognized as personal for the former serfs. This applied to houses and any movable property.
Step 3
Self management
The peasants received the right to rule in the villages. The rural society became the primary unit, and the volost was listed at the highest level. All positions were elective.
Step 4
Plots of land
After the abolition of serfdom, the peasants still could not have their own land. It belonged to a landowner. But he gave out for the use of the peasant a house plot. It was called "estate settlement". In addition, a field allotment appeared for the needs of the entire community.
Step 5
Allotment sizes
According to the new reform, the state has established the maximum and minimum size of the allotment of land. To create an optimal site, a system of "sections" and "cutting" appeared, respectively, reducing or increasing the land. The average size of the allotment was 3.3 tithes, which meant minimization in comparison with the pre-reform period.
In addition, there was a practice of relocating peasants to areas of bad land.
Step 6
Obligations
It was impossible to give up the allotment of land for 49 years. For using it, the peasant had to bear duties: corvee, which meant the system of labor, and quitrent in monetary terms.
The landowner himself drew up a charter, which stipulated the size of the allotment and duties. This document was assured by world mediators.
Step 7
Termination of debt obligations
After the reform of 1861, the peasants had several options for getting rid of their duties.
First, it was possible to redeem the allotment. This was the longest way out of the situation. After the redemption, the peasant became a full-fledged owner.
Secondly, it was possible to refuse the allotted allotment. Then the landowner allocated a quarter of it as a gift.
Thirdly, the rural society could buy a common allotment, relieving the peasants of the obligation.
