Russia At The Time 50 Million example essay topic

As Tsar Nicholas II lay dying he passed on command of his country to his son Alexander, describing it as a 'country in a very poor state'. The Russia Alexander was about to empower, was one that had been abused by autocratic rule over the first half of the nineteenth century. The new Tsar acted instinctively on what was probably on a Russia that was probably in a worse situation than he had envisaged. His aims were firstly, to modernise the autocracy whilst at the same time maintaining its hold on power, without suggestion for an alternative.

Therefore, Alexander's reforms often appeared ambitious; they were often limited in practice. The most important reform in terms of the peasants was the abolition of serfdom (Emancipation). Of the 60 million people living within Russia at the time 50 million of them were Peasants. Of these 23 million of them were Serfs, who were basically enslaved by the landlords to whatever means they chose. The effects of emancipation were monumental. There was much good that arose from the emancipation act.

Firstly the Serfs were given freedom from noble power, which led them to finally have control over their own lives. There was an end to feudal dues and payments, with some peasants increasing land holding. Serfs were freed to from the fear of military service. The Mir's powers strengthened, thus representing the local autonomy. There was extended freedom to move between Russia and other countries e.g. Germany. Unfortunately not all good arose from the act, in fact it was argued by Sir Donald Mackenzie Wallace in 'Russia on the eve of War and revolution', that the peasants had a good many ill defined privileges before emancipation.

Firstly, there was an overall loss of land, land being the key commodity in Russia at this time. There was a need to rent additional land at higher prices. Ex-serfs often paid extortionate amounts for their land (134% market value). The Government failed to keep the promise that they would help to fund redemption payments, therefore there was an increase in debt.

Freedom appeared only superficial to the serfdom, as the Mir allocated the small parcels of land, organised the dues and had responsibility for the payment of tax and redemptions for a village. On top of this was a loss in security, vulnerability to famine and a continuation of discontent. Overall the result of emancipation, gave serfs freedom to live and work as they please, but with all the pains of living without the protection of the landowner, which involved incomes falling by up to 50%. However, as a direct consequence other reforms followed. Elected provincial assemblies were set up in rural areas (Zemstvo) and in 1870 Dumas were introduced for urban areas.

Judicial reforms also took place in the form of Nobles losing role as local law enforces and Independent Judges were appointed.