The Great Trek of the Russian Mennonites to Central Asia, 1880-1884, Fred Richard Belk, 1976

a number of other provisions dictated by the govern- ment which were destined to influence the future of the Mennonites in Russia. The original family allotment was to be a perpetually hereditary possession, not personally for any one colonist, but to the colony as a whole, with each family enjoying the use of its allotted portion in perpetuity. The colonists were not allowed to divide, mortgage, or sell even the smallest part of their allotment. This re- striction, however, applied only to the original allotment. Any land a farmer might subsequently buy or rent did not fall under the pro- visions of this decree. Lakes, rivers, and wastelands belonged to the whole village. Only the youngest son was allowed by law to inherit the land, thus encouraging the older sons to take up other farms or learn a trade.*' This particular restriction was never rigidly enforced, however, and the Mennonites were generally permitted to follow their accustomed ways in matters of land inheritance. Under these circumstances the Mennonites prospered in their new- found home. Their earliest efforts were mostly in cattle and sheep raising. Later this shifted to grain and other crops as the large pasture and grazing lands needed for cattle and sheep were gradually occupied by more immigrants. Industry and mercantile businesses began to play a significant role among the Mennonites by 1850, and steam- operated mills were introduced for grinding wheat and corn into flour and the manufacturing of tools and machinery. Spiritual enlightenment was as important as these material gains if not more so. The church was the central institution of the Ukrainian Mennonites, since freedom of worship was the primary reason for their colonization. To become a member of the church and to receive full membership rights, one had to profess his faith in Christ as Savior and Lord and be baptized before the congregation. A church assembly, the Bruderschaft, held complete authority over all baptized church members. Duties of members were to live a simple Christlike life, shun the evils of the “world.” and suffer persecution at the hands of the state rather than submit to armed service.” With these Christian ideals firmly in mind the Mennonites flourished undisturbed into the late nineteenth century. Material and spiritual growth continued at such a rapid tempo that they became one of the leading minorities of imperial Russia. 3 COMPROMISE OR CONVICTION: AMERICA OR ASIA? Prior to Reform The undisturbed life of Russian Mennonites was brought into question by political developments in the imperial government. Iron- ically, the reforms of Czar Alexander II (1855-1881) proved a serious threat to the Mennonites because the effect of the reforms tended to extinguish the privileges of certain groups within Russia. This abrogation of the privileges of the few began in 1861 with the liberation of some 22 million serfs, an act which pleased neither