People and farming
The population of the empire rose from about 19 million (1762) to about 36 million (1796). Part of this growth was new lands, part was more births. More than nine in ten people lived in villages and farmed. Farming moved south into the rich black-earth lands and the new steppe lands, where the soil gave more grain.
Serfdom: work days and money
Most peasants were serfs: they belonged to a landowner. They paid in two ways. Barshchina (work service) meant working on the landowner's fields for several days a week, often about three or four and sometimes more. Obrok meant paying money or goods, usual in places where the soil was poor and serfs earned from crafts or trade.
The law gave landowners more power. In 1760 they could send serfs to Siberia, and in 1767 serfs were forbidden to complain about their owners. Serfs could be sold and moved to far-away estates.
Grain, industry and the Urals
After wars with the Ottoman Empire, Russia gained the Black Sea shore, and ports there sent grain to other countries. The Urals became the heart of iron-making: many manufactories (early factories with hand tools and many workers), some with serfs bought or assigned to work there, produced iron and sold much of it abroad. In 1775 a decree let people open workshops and factories freely, without asking permission, and the number of factories kept growing. Textile and other works also spread.
Trade and money
The inner customs duties that were taken at the borders of regions were ended in 1753, so goods could move more freely. Big fairs brought together traders from many places. A tariff in 1766 protected home makers. The state needed money for its wars, and coins were not enough, so in 1769 it issued assignats, the first paper money. Later too much was printed and prices rose.
Key formulas and definitions
- 1762: about 19 million people; 1796: about 36 million
- 1760: landowners may send serfs to Siberia; 1767: serfs may not complain
- Barshchina = work days; obrok = money or goods
- 1753: inner customs ended; 1769: first paper money (assignats); 1775: free to open factories
Worked examples
1. A serf works 4 days a week for the landowner. How many days are left for his own field?
7 - 4 = 3 days.
2. What is the difference between barshchina and obrok?
Barshchina is work for the landowner on his land. Obrok is a payment in money or goods instead of work.
3. Why did Russia print paper money in 1769?
The state needed more money, especially for war, and coins alone were not enough.
Common mistakes
- Thinking factories were like today's machine factories. Manufactories used mostly hand tools and many workers.
- Saying serfs were free to move. They belonged to landowners and could not leave or complain.
- Mixing barshchina and obrok. Remember: B for "body work", O for "money".
- Forgetting that paper money was a state tool for war costs, not a sign of a rich country.