Pugachev's Rebellion

Pugachev's Rebellion (1773-1775) was a large peasant uprising in Russia led by Yemelyan Pugachev, who claimed to be the true Tsar. It arose from widespread dissatisfaction among peasants and serfs due to harsh treatment, high taxes, and social inequality under Catherine the Great’s rule. The rebels sought to overthrow the existing aristocratic system and grant freedom to peasants. Although initially successful, the rebellion was eventually suppressed by government forces. It highlighted deep social tensions and contributed to reforms aimed at reducing serfdom’s abuses, but it primarily demonstrated the unrest among the lower classes in 18th-century Russia.