Czar Paul I's Liberal Legislation

Paul I, in an effort to strengthen the autocracy, reversed many of Catherine's policies - he reestablished centralized administrative agencies she had abolished in 1775, increased bureaucratic control in local government, and sought to impose limits on the authority of the nobles. While Catherine caused many ordinary Russians to be enslaved through serfdom, Paul was the first Russian czar to limit the work required of these unfortunate people. At Gatchina, Paul educated their children, lent them money, instituted a system of free medical care, gave them more land for their use, and upgraded agricultural technology. In short, he was a model landlord. When it came to Russia's most humble people, as both czar and grand duke, he sought to end their suffering and improve their lives. In this, he put into action the Enlightenment ideas parroted, but never followed unless it suited her, by his mother.