Wallach reform

Wallach reform ( _lt. Valakų reforma) was a land reform in parts of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (Lithuania propria, Eldership of Samogitia and partially in White Ruthenia lands). Main goal of the reform was to increase revenue to the state treasury, and to distribute feodal services to the peasants. Grand Duchess Bona Sforza was the first to implement the reform in her possessions. [ [http://www.lithill.lt/vic-italy/article0.asp Audronė Kasperavičienė, Italy – Lithuania: Interaction of Cultures] ]

History

Wallach reform started 1547 in the Grand Duke's lands, it was made a law in 1557 and the reform lasted until the eight decade of 16th century. During the reform all land belonging to folwarks and villages was measured up, some villages were moved. The land of peasants was divided into three fields, and every peasant got one strip of land in every one of them. Three of them comprised one wallach (about 21.38 ha.). The three different lands were used for crop rotation.

Wallach reform increased effectiveness of agriculture and fully established serfdom in Lithuania. Peasants services to the landowner was established from the wallach - peasant owning one wallach had to perform corvée 2 days in a week, pay 4 to 24 grosz feudal land rent, and pay tribute by oath and hay. In 17th century corvee increased to 6 days a week.

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