Alexander II's reforms Part 2

The Emancipation of the Serfs 

• Alexander II established a commision of 38, led by Nicholas Milyutin to produce the final measure
• The emancipation was proclaimed in Alexander II's Edict of 1861
• This only applied to privatley owned serfs
• Stae serfs recieved their freedom in 1866
• It permitted some greater modernisation of the economy but its terms were not as liberating in practice as its supporters had anticipated

Terms of the edict 

- Serfs were declared 'free' and could marry who they choose, own property, set up businesses, travel and enjoy legal rights

- serfs were given their own cottage and an allotment of land

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