The abolition of serfdom, which will be briefly described below about the causes, prerequisites and consequences, became a feature that divided the life of the people and the history of our country into two parts: before and after. Despite such a liberal and substantial transformation, Alexander the Liberator was unable to ensure the safety of his life. But still, what prompted him to take such a step?
Abolition of serfdom: briefly on the reasons and prerequisites
So, as you know, Emperor Alexander II ascended the throne during one of the wars, which showed that the country needs fundamental changes. This is the first reason - the Crimean War, or rather its outcome. By the way, the realization that Russia needs modern reforms is becoming one of the results of this time. Secondly, we can note the crisis of the feudal system in society in conjunction with further economic exhaustion. Thirdly, social tension reigned in the state at that time , which could not but become the basis for further transformation. Thus, the reasons for the abolition of serfdom (briefly listed) lay on the surface and could not go unnoticed. This suggests that reforms have been brewing for a long time. As for additional factors, these include technical backwardness and underdevelopment of industry, more heavily industry, as well as too low labor productivity.
Abolition of serfdom: briefly on the progress of the reform
To carry out such a radical change in the structure of society was difficult, but Alexander the Second decides to take this step. To this end, in 1858, he orders the creation of Committees (the main and local in the provinces), which will consider all possible options for the development of this idea. After all the problems have been analyzed, a year later a Special Commission is founded, which edits the provisions again and calculates the risks. Further, on the eve of the reform, the State Council on this transformation is founded, which gives its consent to the implementation. And, as you know, on February 19 of the same year, the famous manifesto appeared, proclaiming the people of Russia from now on free.
Abolition of serfdom: briefly on the meaning
The significance of this liberal act of Alexander the Second was in the following provisions:
- Formation of a large labor market .
- A big step has been taken towards the creation of a civil society in the future.
- Economic underdevelopment and backwardness were partially eliminated.
- The overcoming of class inequality began.
On top of that, there were negative items on this list. For example, peasant land shortages, as a result of which there are high taxes, an increase in social tension due to the discontent of the landlords, and the psychological unpreparedness of the peasants for freedom.
Thus, the abolition of serfdom in 1861, which was briefly described above, became the first step in the great and long staircase of the great reforms of Alexander the Liberator, because it was she who gave people freedom and rights.