Emancipation of the Peasantry

The Emancipation of the Peasantry refers to the process where peasants, who were historically bound to the land and under the control of landowners, gained legal independence and rights. This movement aimed to end serfdom or similar feudal restrictions, allowing peasants to own land, make independent economic decisions, and escape forced labor or dues. It often marked a significant step toward modernization and social reform, promoting greater equality and mobility for rural populations. This process varied by country, but generally represented a shift from feudal dependency to personal and economic freedom for peasant communities.