"The greatest single liberating measure in history" (M.S. Anderson)
23 million serfs given freedom
Gained freedom of travel, could marry and have legal status
Allowed to own land, however small plots
Had to pay redemption tax - over 49 years (over average life expectency!)
Peasants still discontent: 647 riots reported in first four months of 1861
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Judiciary Reforms
Aimed to catch up with the West and modernize the legal system
1864: Juries introduced in criminal cases
A hierarchy of courts was set up for varying degrees of crimes
However, later in his reign there were counter reforms: introduction of show trials (Trial of the 50 in 1877) and political cases were removed from courts
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Military Reforms
1856: Recruitment was suspended
Length of service reduced
By 1870, the military reserve increased from 210 000 to 553 000
Military colonies were abolished
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Political Reforms
1864: Zemstva (local government bodies) formed
1867: Power of Zemstva restricted
1870: Dumas formed
Estimated 150 000 political prisoners exiled to Siberia
Poor peasant representation in politics
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Education Reforms
Schools declared open to all classes
1863: Introduction of private schools
1864: Women allowed education
1863: Universities given greater independence, study abroad etc.
University numbers grew from 3 600 to 10 000 (as did revolutionary activity!)
1870's re-introduction of state supervision for universities
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Censorship
1862: Censorship moved to the Ministry of the Interior
1863: Prepublication codes reduced
1865: Press allowed to discuss government policy
Approved foreign publications allowed into the country
However counter-reforms in the 1870's with growth of revolutionary activity
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