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# Crisis and End of Tsarist Rule ## Section 31: Examining the Reform Edict Concerning Peasant Liberation **Instructions for the Operator** * **Review the information:** Carefully analyze the relevant content, arguments, and assumptions based on the provided material. * **Assess accuracy:** Evalua...

# Crisis and End of Tsarist Rule ## Section 31: Examining the Reform Edict Concerning Peasant Liberation **Instructions for the Operator** * **Review the information:** Carefully analyze the relevant content, arguments, and assumptions based on the provided material. * **Assess accuracy:** Evaluate the factual correctness and internal logic of the information. * **Position yourself:** Put the study subject into the historical context. Evaluate the material in terms of its historical context. * **Analyze:** Critically examine the material provided for its historical accuracy. * **Document:** Organize your work, avoiding digressions and maintaining focus. * **Summarize:** Conclude with reasoned observations. ## Section M3: Reform Approaches in the Tsarist Era **Background** The Crimean War (1853-1856) highlighted the Tsarist Russia's substantial weaknesses and backwardness compared to other European powers in the 19th century. A significant failure for the Tsarist government involved its incapacities in supplying a properly equipped army and a strong navy. The deficiencies in these areas proved to be crucial factors in the war's outcome, ultimately resulting in a humiliating defeat for the Tsarist Russia **Breakdown of the Major Reform** * **Peasant Emancipation (1861):** Aimed to prevent the emergence of a landless proletariat and also to preserve the economic base of the nobility. Peasants were freed from serfdom but were required to compensate landowners for the land they acquired and obligated to pay taxes on that land, which led to significant debt among the peasants. * **Economic Factors:** Notably, the peasant population experienced a drastic expansion from 1861 to 1905, although the amount of farmland increased by only about 10%, causing an enormous tension between the expansion of the peasant population and their access to land. The economic hardships endured by peasants prompted a significant increase in rural distress and poverty. * **Military Impact:** The government was also forced to implement obligatory military service for peasants, which had the effect of disrupting rural operations. * **Establishment of Zemstvos (1864):** Local self-governments were introduced to ameliorate administrative tasks. Zemstvos took on the roles such as healthcare, education, and public works, but their powers were frequently limited and opposed by the powerful landowners. * **Rise of Cities:** The foundation for urban growth and industrialization also laid during this time, despite the Tsarist regime's resistance to reforms. **Additional Reforms and their Outcomes (Based on M3):** Note: The text only presents a brief overview. To fully assess the success and details of these measures, further information from M4 and M5 is required. **Conclusion** The reforms aimed to modernize the Tsarist Russia; however their impact and success was a complex issue with both positive and negative consequences for different groups in society. Additional contextual factors, such as economic realities and internal political struggles, shaped the long-term effects of these reform measures.