Serfdom in Russia lack of primogeniture, and the high turnover and mobility from estate to estate. The Tsar's aunt Grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna played a powerful role backstage in the years 1855 to 1861. Using her close relationship with her nephew Alexander II, she supported and guided his desire for emancipation, and helped mobilize the support of key advisors. In 1861 Alexander II freed all serfs in a major agrarian reform, stimulated in part by his view that "it is better to liberate the peasants from above" than to wait until they won their freedom by risings "from below". Serfdom was abolished in
1861 in Australian literature alphabetically by surname) of deaths in 1861 of Australian literary figures, authors of written works or literature-related individuals follows, including year of birth. 1861 in Australian literature This article presents a list of the historical events and publications of Australian literature during 1861. For an overview of world literature see 1861 in literature. "See also:" 1860 in Australian literature, 1861 in Australia, 1862 in Australian literature. A list, ordered by date of birth (and, if the date is either unspecified or repeated, ordered alphabetically by surname) of births in 1861 of Australian literary figures, authors of written works or literature-related