March 4, 1803
Alexander I issued a decree on "free farmers," which became the starting point for the abolition of serfdom in Russia.
By the early 19th century, peasants were completely dependent on their landowners and worked for them most of the time. After paying taxes and dues, they were left with just enough to survive.
The first to become interested in the peasant problem was the diplomat, senator and privy councilor of the emperor, Count Sergey Rumyantsev. In November 1802, he asked Alexander I for permission to free some of his serfs.
The Emperor, approving of the initiative, decided to expand it. He was a supporter of the abolition of serfdom—as early as 1801, he had allowed state and appanage peasants to purchase land outside the cities.
We consider it fair and beneficial, both for him, Count Rumyantsev, and for all the landowners who wish to follow his example, to allow such an order (from the Emperor's decree of 1803)
For the first time in history, landowners' peasants received the right to be freed from their land.
Peasants can remain on their own lands as farmers and in themselves constitute a special status of free farmers.
They paid a ransom for their freedom. The amount was determined by the landowner, but nothing prevented him from releasing the peasant free of charge—everything was determined by the contract, which was personally approved by the emperor.
The freed peasants were granted the right to buy and sell land, to inherit it, and to move from province to province. However, having gained their freedom, they paid a poll tax and fulfilled state duties, including conscription, exempting themselves only from the monetary quitrent.
The status of "free farmers" could also be obtained by servants and peasants who were set free by their landowners, but only if they bought land.
Alexander I placed great hope in the decree. He requested annual data collection on the number of peasants who had been freed—he wanted to know to what extent the nobility was willing to sacrifice their privileges.
But during the 25 years of his reign, freedom was gained 47,153 peasants — less than 0,5% of the total number of serfs (as evidenced by 161 signed contracts). Most landowners were in no hurry to part with their peasants.
By 1861, they had already been released over 150 thousand people. But their share of the total number of serfs still remained negligible - no more than 1,5%.
Ultimately, the decree had virtually no impact on the majority of peasants. There were several reasons.
Sometimes landowners set a ransom amount that the peasants could not pay, offered barren land, or denied freedom without explanation.
Many male serfs did not seek freedom because of conscription, although from 1822 they could obtain release from it for money.
According to historians, although the decree did not produce significant results, it paved the way for the abolition of serfdom in Russia.
