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

the landowners nor the serfs. Landowners, even though com- pensated by the government, did not like the interference with their pocketbooks. The serfs, after a disappointing denial of free land, first flocked to the cities, then due to the lack of suitable accommoda- tions, many returned to the estates they had been working as paid laborers. In spite of this discontent, Alexander desired to try his hand at other reforms.’ The emancipation of the serfs inaugurated a new era in Russia. Censorship of the press and universities, a stifling tool of the govern- ment, was lessened and both were allowed a free hand in their own administration. Russians were once again allowed to travel outside imperial Russia and Western influence in the form of books and guest speakers were allowed to come into the country. Not all of the czars subjects were pleased by these new re- forms, and a series of attempts to assassinate Alexander created the 44 The Great Trek of the Russian Mennonites impression that he had allowed too much of an atmosphere of freedom of thought and expression.” Mennonites were not involved in these violent expressions of contempt for the czar’s reforms. On the con- trary, they had more reason for satisfaction than any other element of Russian society, because from the time of their settlement in Rus- sia they had enjoyed extensive privileges. These privileges helped Mennonites to maintain social characteristics that were unique in Russia. The Dutch-German character of their communities was under- mined by the incursion of Russian influences after 1866. It was in this year that an imperial edict disturbed their way of life by decree- ing mandatory use of the Russian language in all schools. Thereafter, the special privileges of local autonomy began to dissolve. By 1881], the Mennonite Board of Education had lost control of its schools completely; all education had been placed under the control of the government Department of Public Instruction in its intense effort to Russianize all national minorities. Eventually all school subjects ex- cept religion, German, and church music were taught in Russian.’ Despite this attempt at russification, a census in 1897 found that less than one percent of all Mennonites in Russia used Russian as their mother tongue.‘ They remained steadfast in their cultural heritage and insistent upon their special privileges. Reform Movement in Russia In 1870, an imperial decree signed by Alexander as a reform measure put an end to the most important concession of all — exemption from military service. Henceforth, all colonists were to be placed under imperial administration, semi-autonomous local govern- ments were curtailed, and military exemption was to be abolished. Within ten years they were to comply with the new law, after which the Mennonites would become “‘full-fledged Russian citizens with no special favors.”"> The new law was printed in June 1871, and pub