Emancipation of the Serfs and Local Government Reforms
Alexander II enacted major reforms to modernize Russia in the mid-19th century, focusing on emancipating serfs and reforming local government.
The emancipation edict of 1861 freed serfs from bondage to landowners, granting them personal freedoms like the right to marry freely. However, former serfs still faced challenges:
Highlight: While freed from lords, serfs had to pay 49 years of redemption payments at 6% interest.
Definition: Serfdom was a system where peasants were bound to the land they worked on, with very limited personal freedoms.
Local government reforms in 1864 created elected zemstva councils to manage local affairs like education and infrastructure. In 1870, town councils called dumas were established.
Example: Zemstva were responsible for roads, schools, and economic development, but had no control over taxes or police.
Alexander II viewed these reforms as necessary to prevent peasant revolts and restore Russia's great power status after defeat in the Crimean War. However, nobles still dominated local government, limiting real change for peasants.
Education and Legal Reforms
Alexander II enacted significant education and legal reforms to modernize Russia:
Education reforms under Minister Golovin expanded access and autonomy:
- New curricula and teaching methods introduced
- 1863 University Regulations granted academic freedom and autonomy
- Increased lower-class attendance at primary and secondary schools
- Creation of technical schools realschule
Quote: "Russia was far behind the west in terms of intellectual capabilities"
Legal reforms aimed to address corruption and inefficiency:
- Public trials and trial by jury introduced
- Justices of the Peace elected by zemstva
- Independent bar association created
- Oral evidence allowed and cross-examined
Vocabulary: Zemstva were local government councils established by Alexander II's reforms.
These reforms were seen as crucial for industrialization and catching up to Western powers. However, later "special courts" introduced in 1878 were more repressive.
