The 17th century entered the history of Russia as a rebellious century. The country was torn apart by corruption scandals, the introduction of new taxes and duties while reducing the income of the population. At that time, Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov reigned. His entourage took advantage of the king's gentle nature and committed arbitrariness.
In 1646, with the assistance of the boyar Morozov, who was at that time the head of the government, many taxes were introduced. This led to an increase in food prices several times. The salt tax was hardest on the people. The import duty has more than doubled. Considering that salt was then the main preservative, the indignation of the people becomes understandable. As a result, in 1647 the duty on salt was abolished. But in order to patch up the “holes” in the budget, taxes on artisans and small traders were raised.
The discontent of the people grew. On June 1, 1648, a group of dissatisfied people with a petition approached the tsar, who was returning from a pilgrimage. But the guard dispersed the crowd and arrested 16 people. The next day, a new wave of dissatisfied people approached the walls of the temple, where Alexei Mikhailovich was present at the service.
People demanded the release of those arrested and the fulfillment of a number of other requirements:
But even on that day the paper did not reach the king. And they tried to suppress the excitement by force. A slaughter broke out. Streltsy, dissatisfied with the reduction in allowances introduced by the same boyars, joined the rebels. Moscow was engulfed in the flames of burning houses. The people smashed the mansions of Morozov, Pleshcheev and other close associates.
There were riots in other cities as well. Russian state. And in Moscow itself, riots broke out even before the end of the summer. As a result, some streets of the capital were completely burned out.
As a result, the tsar handed over all the persons indicated in the list to the massacre of the crowd, except for Morozov himself, who was the tutor of the tsar. Alexei Mikhailovich personally asked for him, assuring that Morozov would no longer hold public office and would leave Moscow forever. The king made concessions to the rebels. The perpetrators of the corrupt policy were handed over to the crowd for reprisal.
Later, the Zemsky Sobor was convened in 1649, at which a single procedure for legal proceedings was introduced. And most taxes have been abolished. The archers who participated in the rebellion were not punished. On the contrary, they left him in the service and increased his salary. The rebels were completely satisfied. All requirements were met. The salt riot was a successful attempt to fight corruption.
The salt riot or Moscow uprising of 1648 is one of the many urban uprisings in Russia in the mid-17th century. (riots also took place in Pskov, Novgorod, in Moscow in 1662 there was another riot).
Historians name several reasons for the rebellion, and each of them has great importance. First of all, the uprising occurred due to discontent in general, and its leader, boyar Boris Morozov, in particular (this boyar had great influence on Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, was his tutor and brother-in-law). In the 40s of the XVII century. ill-conceived economic and social policy, corruption led to the fact that the taxes that the state levied became too burdensome. Morozov's government, seeing the significant dissatisfaction of the people, decided to replace direct taxes (levied directly) with indirect ones (such taxes are included in the price of any product). And in order to compensate for the significant losses from the reduction of direct taxes, prices were significantly increased, primarily for goods actively used in everyday life, which were in great demand among the population. Thus, the price of salt was increased from five kopecks to two hryvnias (20 kopecks). Salt at that time was one of the most necessary products for life - it ensured the safety of products for a long time, and thus helped to save money and helped to overcome lean years. In connection with the rise in price of salt, peasants (as the poorest segment of the population) and merchants were placed in a particularly difficult situation (the cost of storing goods increased, the price of goods also increased - demand fell). Seeing even greater dissatisfaction than before the replacement of direct taxes with indirect ones, Morozov decided to abolish the salt tax in 1647. But instead of indirect taxes, the previously canceled direct taxes began to be levied.
On June 1, 1648, a group of Muscovites decided to give Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich a petition. The king was returning from the Trinity-Sergius Monastery, and was met by a crowd on Sretinka. In the filed petition there were calls for the convocation of the Zemsky Sobor, the expulsion of objectionable boyars, and a stop to general corruption. But the archers guarding the tsar were ordered to disperse the Muscovites (such an order was given by Morozov). The townspeople did not calm down, and on June 2 they came to the Kremlin and tried to re-pass the petition to Alexei Mikhailovich, but the boyars again did not allow this (the boyars tore the petition and threw it into the arriving crowd). This was the last straw in the cup of reasons that led to the salt riot. The patience of the crowd came to an end, and the city plunged into unrest - Kitai-Gorod and the White City were set on fire. People began to search for and kill the boyars, the tsar was sent a demand to extradite some of them who had taken refuge in the Kremlin (in particular, Morozov, the head of the zemstvo order Pleshcheev, the initiator of the salt tax Chisty, and Trakhaniotov, who was the brother-in-law of the okolnichi). On the same day (June 2) he was caught and killed by Pure.
On June 4, the frightened tsar decided to hand over Pleshcheev to the crowd, who was brought to Red Square and torn to pieces by people. Trakhaniotov decided to flee from Moscow, and rushed to the Trinity-Sergius Monastery, but the tsar gave the order to Prince Semyon Pozharsky to catch up and bring Trakhionov. On June 5, Trakhionov was taken to Moscow and executed. The main "culprit" of the rebellion, Morozov, was too influential a person, and the tsar could not and did not want to execute him. On June 11, Morozov was removed from power and sent to the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery.
The results of the salt riot marked a concession of power to the demands of the people. So, in July, the Zemsky Sobor was convened, which in 1649 adopted the Council Code - a document that noted an attempt to combat corruption in the state apparatus, and established a single procedure for legal proceedings. The archers, who went over to the side of power thanks to the treats and promises of the boyar Miloslavsky, received eight rubles each. And all debtors were granted a grace period and were released from being forced to pay by beating. After some weakening of the rebellion, the most active participants and instigators from among the serfs were executed. Nevertheless, the main people's "offender" Morozov returned to Moscow alive and unharmed, but he no longer played a big role in state affairs.
Causes of the Salt Riot
In fact, the main impetus for the rebellion was the changes in the Russian tax system. It was decided to fill the lack of funds in the treasury with the help of new direct taxes. After some time, due to the discontent of the population, they were partially canceled. Then there were indirect taxes on consumer goods (including salt, this was in 1646). The following year, the salt tax was abolished, and the government decided to collect arrears from the inhabitants of the black settlements (artisans and merchants who were personally independent, but paid taxes to the state). This prompted the people to revolt.
But there is another reason. The townspeople were dissatisfied with the arbitrariness of officials and the growing level of corruption. So, for example, people could not receive their salaries on time (and sometimes they did not receive them in full), monopolies were also introduced, which were presented as generous gifts to Boris Morozov and limited the right of other merchants to sell goods.
Participants of the Salt Riot
The following participated in the Salt Riot:
the population of the settlement (specifically, the inhabitants of the black settlements: artisans, small traders, people engaged in fishing)
peasants
archers
The course of events of the Salt Riot
On June 1, 1648, the crowd stopped the tsar's cart and filed a petition with requests for him (about the requirements below). Seeing this, Boris Morozov ordered the archers to disperse the people, but they only got more angry.
On June 2, the people repeated the petition to the tsar, but the paper with requests again did not reach the tsar, it was torn up by the boyars. This pissed people off even more. People began to kill the boyars they hated, smash their houses, set fire to the White City and Kitay-gorod (Moscow districts). On the same day, the clerk Chistoy (the initiator of the salt tax) was killed, and part of the archers joined the rebels.
Later, Peter Trakhaniotov was executed, whom the people considered responsible for the introduction of one of the duties.
The main culprit behind the changes in tax policy, Boris Morozov, escaped with exile.
Salt Riot Rebellion Demands
The people demanded, first of all, the convening of the Zemsky Sobor and the creation of new laws. People also wanted the boyars most hated by them, and in particular Boris Morozov (the tsar’s close associate who abused power), Pyotr Trakhaniotov (the culprit of establishing one of the duties), Leonty Pleshcheev (the head of police affairs in the city) and the clerk Chistoy (the initiator of the introduction of a tax on salt) were punished.
Results and results of the Salt Riot
Alexei Mikhailovich made concessions to the people, the main demands of the rebels were met. The Zemsky Sobor was convened (1649) and changes were made to the legislation. The boyars, whom the people blamed for raising taxes, were also punished. And as for the newly introduced taxes, which caused discontent among the population, they were canceled.
Main information. Briefly about the Salt Riot.
The salt riot (1648) was caused by a change in the tax policy of the state and the arbitrariness of officials. The uprising was attended by peasants, small merchants, artisans, later archers joined. The main demand of the people was the convening of the Zemsky Sobor and changes in legislation. Also, people wanted some representatives of the boyars to be punished. The king satisfied all these requirements. The main result of the Salt Riot was the adoption Zemsky Cathedral Cathedral Code (1649).
Reasons for the rebellion
Historians name several reasons at once, as a result of which the Salt Riot of 1648 began. Firstly, this is dissatisfaction with the policy pursued by the then government, which was directed mainly at the boyar Morozov, who has great influence on the tsar, besides being his tutor, and then his brother-in-law. The ill-conceived leadership of the state, the increasing corruption every day, as well as the difficult economic and social situation led to an unbearable increase in taxes. Morozov, feeling growing dissatisfaction, decided to replace direct fees, which were levied directly, with indirect ones, included in the price of goods. And to compensate for the losses from the reduction of the direct tax, prices were significantly increased for the goods most demanded by the population, for example, for salt, the price of which increased from five kopecks to twenty. Salt, because of which, in fact, the Salt Riot arose, in Rus' has long been considered one of the vital products. It was she who at that time ensured the preservation of food for a long time, thus helping to save money and overcome lean years. Due to the increase in the price of salt, the poorest stratum of the people - the peasants - found themselves in a very difficult condition, and along with them the interests of the merchants were infringed, since the costs and prices of goods rose, and demand fell. Trying to somehow alleviate popular discontent, Morozov, a year before the Salt Riot occurred, decided to abolish the tax on this particular food product, changing again the indirect tax to a direct one. Another reason was the restriction of trade for many establishments, as well as delayed salaries of officials.
Chronology of the riot
The salt riot began on June 1, 1648, after an unsuccessful delegation to the tsar to send him a petition. On that day, Alexei Mikhailovich was returning to the capital from Troitso-Sergiev and was met by a crowd of Muscovites on Sretenka. However, Morozov ordered the archers to disperse the people. But the townspeople no longer calmed down: the next day they repeated the attempt to transfer the petition already in the Kremlin, but the boyars tore up the document and threw it into the crowd. The cup of patience overflowed, and the Salt Riot began, the causes of which were in the growth of tax oppression. Riots broke out in the city: China and the White City were on fire, angry citizens ran through the streets looking for Morozov, as well as the initiator of the “salt collection” Chisty and the head of the zemstvo order, who were hiding in the Kremlin. The crowd smashed everything around, killing the "traitors". On the same day, a significant part of the archers also went over to the side of the strikers. The rebels broke into the Kremlin, demanding that the perpetrators of the "salt tax" be handed over to them. Pure was killed, and the head of the zemstvo order was handed over by the tsar to the crowd, which tore him to pieces. The sovereign removed Boyar Morozov from power and sent him into exile in a monastery ten days later. Representatives of the nobility who did not take part in the uprising, taking advantage of the movement that the Salt Riot created among the people, demanded the convening of the Zemsky Sobor. The unrest spread to Kursk, Kozlov, Solvychegodsk, etc. They continued until February of the following year.
Results
The king had to make concessions. The salt riot was not in vain. The exorbitant collection of arrears was canceled, in addition, a Council was convened to adopt a new Code. For the first time in many years, Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich had to solve political problems himself. The decree on the postponement of arrears brought calm to the ranks of the rebels. Archers were given double salaries and bread rations. Thus, the king introduced a certain split into the ranks of the rebels. Subsequently, the most active participants and those who led the Salt Riot were repressed and executed.
The seventeenth century is called the "age of revolt". And this is no accident. In Russia, in the period from 1601 to 1700, the people rebelled more often than in other centuries. The most famous unrest of that time are the Troubles, the Copper and Salt riots, the movement led by Stepan Razin and the uprising of the archers in 1682. And this is not the whole list. In the same article, we will consider in detail the Salt Riot in Moscow in 1648.
Causes of the Salt Riot
In fact, the main impetus for the rebellion was the changes in the Russian tax system. It was decided to fill the lack of funds in the treasury with the help of new direct taxes. After some time, due to the discontent of the population, they were partially canceled. Then there were indirect taxes on consumer goods (including salt, this was in 1646). The following year, the salt tax was abolished, and the government decided to collect arrears from the inhabitants of the black settlements (artisans and merchants who were personally independent, but paid taxes to the state). This prompted the people to revolt.
But there is another reason. The townspeople were dissatisfied with the arbitrariness of officials and the growing level of corruption. So, for example, people could not receive their salaries on time (and sometimes they did not receive them in full), monopolies were also introduced, which were presented as generous gifts to Boris Morozov and limited the right of other merchants to sell goods.
Participants of the Salt Riot
The following participated in the Salt Riot:
The course of events of the Salt Riot
On June 1, 1648, the crowd stopped the tsar's cart and filed a petition with requests for him (about the requirements below). Seeing this, Boris Morozov ordered the archers to disperse the people, but they only got more angry.
On June 2, the people repeated the petition to the tsar, but the paper with requests again did not reach the tsar, it was torn up by the boyars. This pissed people off even more. People began to kill the boyars they hated, smash their houses, set fire to the White City and Kitay-gorod (Moscow districts). On the same day, the clerk Chistoy (the initiator of the salt tax) was killed, and part of the archers joined the rebels.
On June 4, Pleshcheev (head of police affairs in Moscow) was extradited for reprisal.
Later, Peter Trakhaniotov was executed, whom the people considered responsible for the introduction of one of the duties.
The main culprit behind the changes in tax policy, Boris Morozov, escaped with exile.
Salt Riot Rebellion Demands
The people demanded, first of all, the convening of the Zemsky Sobor and the creation of new laws. Also, people wanted the most hated by them boyars , and in particular Boris Morozov (the king’s close associate who abused power), Petr Trakhaniotov (the culprit of establishing one of the duties), Leonty Pleshcheev (the head of police affairs in the city) and the clerk Chistoy (the initiator of the salt tax) were punished.
Results and results of the Salt Riot
Alexei Mikhailovich made concessions to the people, the main demands of the rebels were met. The Zemsky Sobor was convened (1649) and changes were made to the legislation. The boyars, whom the people blamed for raising taxes, were also punished. And as for the newly introduced taxes, which caused discontent among the population, they were canceled.
Main information. Briefly about the Salt Riot.
The salt riot (1648) was caused by a change in the tax policy of the state and the arbitrariness of officials. The uprising was attended by peasants, small merchants, artisans, later archers joined. The main demand of the people was the convening of the Zemsky Sobor and changes in legislation. Also, people wanted some representatives of the boyars to be punished. The king satisfied all these requirements. The main result of the Salt Riot was the adoption by the Zemsky Sobor of the Cathedral Code (1649).
