Russian Peasantry

Russian peasantry refers to the rural population in Russia, primarily engaged in agriculture. Traditionally, peasants worked the land, often in small communes called "mir," where they shared resources and responsibilities. Russian peasants faced significant hardships, including serfdom, which bound them to landowners until it was abolished in 1861. Their lives were characterized by poverty, limited social mobility, and harsh living conditions. The peasant class played a crucial role in Russia's economy and culture, shaping its history, especially during times of social upheaval, such as the Russian Revolution of 1917, which aimed to address their grievances.