The development of the peasant commune in Russia

Abstract

The subject of the origin and development of the peasant commune and of the practice of making a periodic redistribution of land is perhaps the most obscure and controversial question in the whole range of Russian history. This subject, however, gave origin to numerous theories and polemics in the minds of Russian intellectuals. The first aim of this thesis is not to present a complete history of the village commune in Russia. That task would demand too much research and, at the present time, there is not enough material available. Instead, the aim is more limited. This thesis undertakes only to bring forward some essential historical data to illuminate this important question.