Alexander II reforms 1855 - 1881

Alexander II reforms 1855 - 1881

1. Emancipation of the serfs - 1861

   • Approx. 80% of the population were serfs.
   • Serfdom recognised as a major obstacle for the the modernisation of Russian society.
     • Subsistence agriculture - serfs produced only enough food to feed themselves.
       • Little produce available for export and in times of poor harvest there was widespread famine.
     • By 1855 Russia was the only major power which still kept serfdom.
   • 1861 - Alexander II issed imperial decree which abolished serfdom.
     • Owners of the land had to be compensated by the state.
       • Serfs had to pay redemption payments (taxes) to the Russian Government - for 49 years.
     • Serfs forced to live in 'mirs' (communes) where land was held collectively.
       • Administered by the elders of the community.
         • Elders redistribute the land according to need - major obstacle to agricultural improvement.
         • When wanting to leave the mir, he or she would have to get the elders permission.
       • Stopped movement of people into towns, impeding industry development.
         • 1891 Famine - Historians regarded the famine as a major landmark in the crisis which engulfed the Tsarist autocracy.

2. Political

   • 1864 - Alexander II introduced the first form of elective government in Russian history.
     • Limited to the educated and wealthy.
   • Zemstva - local government units in rural areas.
     • Limited to elementary education and road buliding. 1870 - elected local gov. extended to towns and cities.

3. Judical

   • 1870 - introduced trial by jury.
   • Ordinary Russians participated in the dispensation of justice.
     • Before 1870 - justice preserve of Tsar's officals.