Question

Describe family life for both Eastern and Western European peasants.  What were the differences if any?

Answer 1

During the beginning of the 18th century, the number of people in Europe who lived in towns was approximately 15%. However, Western countries had a greater percentage of the population who lived in these settlements. For instance, 40% of people lived in towns in Great Britain in comparison to only the only 4% who live in towns in Russia.

This was due to the fact that western countries had a greater population density. Regarding peasantry, Russian peasants had much greater mobility than western European peasants. Due to the great extensions of land in Russia, they were often relocated to farm new lands and had far fewer benefits and freedoms in comparison to their Western European counterparts.

Western European peasants were treated as part of the estate and had to be sold together with it. Regarding this matter, Russian peasants were similar to slaves, as they could be sold separately from their estate.