Changes in Labor System Between 1750-1914 in Russia
This period of time ensured many changes, positive and negative regarding the labor system. It is evident that serfdom congealed from about 1750 onwards, meaning that the peasants were required to provide free labor for a particular number of days a year or a specific amount of money to their lords. The time of labor depended on when it was needed. For example, during harvesting or sowing. The job had to be done, regardless, the peasants own farming responsibilities. Subsequent to the emancipation of serfs in 19th century, they had to buy their own freedom, as they were granted land they also had to pay for working on it. Eventually, such strict limitations caused farmers and peasants to leave their farming business and seek more opportunities in large urban areas. That lead to Russia’s rapid industrialization during the 18th. However, prior to Russia's industrialization workers set up guilds to protect their interests. Such guilds were often set up in areas where workers migrated to work - such as logging camps, and were often communal. Although, as the industrialization finally occurred in 19th century, people traveled to cities seeking more opportunities, causing the population to extremely swell. Such overpopulation ensued in dangerous working conditions, very poor sanitation and exploitation of the workers. Such circumstances were very hard to fight off as Russia didn’t have a very strong reformist movement to address such problematic aspects of the society. Unsuccessful attempts to reform the working class troubles, resulted in growing unrest and discontent among all. Eventually, public announcement of opinions was strictly forbidden and punished by a trip to Siberia, which was later widely expanded by the