File Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

File - Essay Example The civil society of that time participated actively in bringing about the social change that was unavoidable at that time. The serfs who were considered to possess no civil or human rights were emancipated2. Although this was considered a move against the interests of the land owners; the land owners had to accept it as there was no way out. The elite class of the society was well aware of the public sentiment and despite their unwillingness to allow such reforms to take place; they had to act to shape the face of the society according to their own will as far as possible. The effects of reforms were more visible in judicial, military, governmental and educational sectors. Generally considered a turning point in the history of Russia, the reforms were not welcomed by all sects of the population and there were many who actually rejected the notion of reforms3. â€Å"The period of reforms is considered to be a period of satisfaction and hope for the Russian civil society of that time†. Keeping in view the fact that Russia remained under autocratic control for a considerably lengthy period of its history4, the notion of reforms was warmly welcomed by the oppressed classes of the society. This was primarily due to the reason that the prospect of independence and equal opportunities of growth were a dream come true for the laborer class. Although the reforms were implemented with the idea of bringing improvement in the lives of the poor class; efforts were made to ensure the safety of the interests of the higher classes of the society. Following the abolition of serfdom, a swift change in the pattern of ownership of lands was expected. For the upper class this was considered an act against their interests, whereas the serfs were delighted to see this happening. A peasant reform program was adopted by the government that allowed the peasants get hold of pieces of land. This resulted in a class of property owners who were