In 1861, the peasants were removed from their duties and were provided the benefit to become the owner of their own land. Another change was made later, where a governing body was made to levy taxes on land. Last, was the reform that Soviet Union established between 1928 to 1940, which was named as Collectivisation.

The Situation of Farmers in Russia between 1861 and 1940:

Introduction:
During the period from 1861 to 1940, significant changes occurred in the situation of farmers in Russia. These changes were primarily influenced by the abolition of serfdom, industrialization, collectivization, and the impact of political events such as the Russian Revolution and World War I.

1. Abolition of Serfdom:
- In 1861, Tsar Alexander II abolished serfdom, granting peasants some legal rights and the opportunity to own land.
- Peasants were given the freedom to leave the estates they worked on and establish their own farms.

2. Agrarian Reforms:
- The state allocated land to the peasants, but it was often of poor quality and insufficient in quantity.
- The peasants had to pay redemption payments to the government for the land they received, which put them in debt and limited their ability to improve their living conditions.

3. Industrialization:
- Industrialization in Russia led to an increasing demand for agricultural products, which benefited the farmers.
- Improved transportation, such as railways, facilitated the transportation of agricultural goods to the cities.
- However, industrialization also caused problems as more peasants migrated to urban areas, leaving behind smaller farming communities.

4. World War I and Russian Revolution:
- World War I resulted in a shortage of food and resources, leading to a decline in agricultural productivity.
- The Russian Revolution in 1917 brought about radical changes, including the overthrow of the Tsarist regime and the establishment of a communist government.
- The Bolsheviks implemented policies such as land redistribution, which aimed to give land to the peasants, but it often led to confusion, violence, and inefficiency.

5. Collectivization:
- In the 1930s, under Stalin's regime, collectivization was introduced, where individual farms were merged into large collective farms.
- Peasants were forced to give up their private land, livestock, and tools to join collective farms.
- Collectivization aimed to increase agricultural productivity through mechanization and central planning but resulted in resistance, famine, and the loss of individual peasant identity.

Conclusion:
The situation of farmers in Russia between 1861 and 1940 was marked by complex and often contradictory changes. While the abolition of serfdom and industrialization brought some benefits, the impact of political events such as World War I, the Russian Revolution, and collectivization had a profound effect on the lives of Russian farmers. These changes resulted in both positive and negative consequences, shaping the agricultural landscape of Russia during this period.

How did Russia mobilise the capital needed for industrialization?