Impact Of Emancipation Flashcards
What was seen as the ‘Great Emancipation’ by some?
Alexander Il’s reform as wealthy peasants (kulaks) benefited from the ability to buy additional land and were able to export grain for profit
What opportunity did peasants who sold their land gain?
A travel passport to move to a town or city. This allowed them to earn more money and improve their standard of living
How did enterprising landlords utilize their government bonds?
They invested them in industry or paid off debts
How was the reform perceived by the majority of peasants?
As a ‘Great Disappointment’ as although they became technically free, living standards of the masses did not improve and in some cases worsened
What issue arose from landlords over-valuing their land?
Landlords would sometimes overvalue their land to increase profit, this meant not enough land was reserved for the freed serfs and resulted in small allotments for peasants.
What was the effect of mir distributions being equal?
In areas with high populations, allotments were smaller sizes. This hindered the adoption of new farming technology.
What did the mir reinforce in the peasant community?
The concept of traditional communes. It was highly restrictive and discouraged peasants from leaving the village.
By 1878, what percentage of villages were capable of producing a surplus?
50%
What made life harder in the countryside after the emancipation?
Travel restrictions and the loss of former benefits eg losing the ability to graze cattle on common land
What financial issues did many landlords face after the reform?
Debts and unmanageable estates. Some squandered profits on alcohol and gambling.
What was the consequence of landlords squandering their profits?
Their estates fell into disrepair
