Key Debate 2 - To what extent did reforms made by Alexander II improve the status of Russian peasants Flashcards
1
Q
To what extent did reforms made by Alexander II improve the status of Russian peasants
A
Emancipation Edict 1861 - Peasants were now free from their landowner, but had to pay redemption payments at 6% interest over 49 years, the Mir took over admin of these payments. However, not as good for peasants as appears. Redemption payments were crippling, and instead of being indebted to the landowner they were indebted to the mir. Peasants received poor quality land which they overpaid for as Alexander feared upsetting the landowners.
Miliuitin’s military reforms in theory improved peasants quality of life. Service time was reduced to 15 years from 25.
