Alexander II

Peasants: Positives 

• Serfs could continue to work in agriculture - for most their only known field. 
• In theory, were given a democratic voice in elections. 
• State peasants recieved better treatment. 
• Are officialy legally free. 

Peasants: Negatives 

• On average peasant families now farmed 20% less land than before. 
• Peasants had to pay back state redemption taxes for 49 years, 6% interest rate - only when this money is paid back is the land officially theres - many had to pass the tax down to their offspring. 
• Serfs now realised that they had owned their own land. 
• Labour services limited to 40 days continued for 2 years. 
• Separation of a peasant and his land could only be granted by the mir, until the redemption tax is paid.
• State serfs had to wait until 1866 for freedom.
• Household Serfs recieved no land.
• Confusion - many of the Serfs were uneducated and didn't understand the terms of the emancipation. 
• 647 riots - 449/647 troops got involved.
• Land shortages 
• Land was valued at a higher rate than it was worth.

Gentry: Positives

• Were compensated by the state - on a very high valuation of the land.
• Retained 2/3 of their land - the best parts. 

Gentry: Negatives

• Estates unprofitable and slavery sold off the land. 
• Financially lead to social ruin. 
• Did not like the idea of the social gap closing. 
• In 1905 the gentry owned 40% less land - mainly because it was unprofitable and sold.