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
Crime in Russia or four times a month, 30% three times a week or more, and 35% every day or almost every day. Homicide/murder rate in Russia has fallen dramatically in the last two decades. The homicide rate in Russia more than tripled between 1988 and 1994 and was among the highest in the world. However, by 2017, the murder rate in Russia was only slightly higher than in the US (6 versus 5.6) . Compared to Russia, murder rates in large American cities are vastly higher -- for example, it's 17 in Miami and 55 in Baltimore. In 1998, a total of