Emancipation Of The Serfs

Question 1

Why did Alexander II emancipate the serfs?

Answer 1

• defeat in the Crimean war showed how weak Russia was
• it acted against innovation, making Russia fall further behind Western Europe
• didn’t provide e nobility with the income needed for their lifestyle
• he believed he had a God given mission to make Russia great again

Question 2

How did serfdom work?

Answer 2

Serfs were either owned by the land owner or were legally a part of the land.
Had rights to work on the land they were tied to.
Could have their own property, but had to tend to the landlords first.
Could buy their freedom.