Expanded serfdom, oppressed peasants from "summary" of Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman by Robert K. Massie
In the 18th century Russia, serfdom became a widely accepted form of oppression of peasants, severely limiting their right to own land and move freely. This form of servitude allowed wealthy landowners to exploit peasants for their own profit, reducing them to a state of near-slavery.- In the 17th century, serfdom greatly increased, leaving countless peasants feeling oppressed and no longer owning their own land or enjoying personal freedom.
- It became increasingly difficult for serfs and peasants to live a satisfactory life as oppressive laws further restricted opportunities such as travel and education.
- The power of Russian nobility began to seem unstoppable as they began implementing strict rules and regulations governing peasant life and labor.
- These peasants faced an uncertain fate with limited possibility of improving their current state in life or finding a way out of their situation.
- Peasants had little recourse but to accept their newly expanded form of servitude without knowing how long this would last or if anything could be done to free them from its cruelty.
- Further restrictions also targeted services such as medical aid, finances, property rights and court proceedings that used to be available to the commoners earlier.
- This displacement of peasantry was further accelerated by the seizure of land by meters, creating further unrest and discontent.
- Taxes were imposed on those living in rural areas eliminating their financial ability to sustain themselves furthering hardship and struggle.
- Often these poor souls resorted to bargaining and deals but were scarcely successful due to loopholes provided by the lords.
- As a result many felt trapped in the web of oppressive powers unable to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
