Pugachev issued manifestos (decrees) freeing serfs, granting land, and urging the elimination of landlords.
It was characterized by extreme violence against landlords, officials, and priests who opposed them, reflecting the deep desperation of the peasants. harakteristika pugachevshhiny
The Old Believers, a religious sect opposing the official Orthodox Church, supported the uprising, seeing Catherine II as an illegitimate ruler. 3. Structure and Methods Pugachev issued manifestos (decrees) freeing serfs
Abolition of serfdom, ending the exploitation of Cossacks, and the dismantling of the gentry class. 2. Ideology: Naive Monarchism and priests who opposed them
The imperial army was disciplined, modern, and well-armed, whereas the rebels were largely ill-equipped peasants.
The rebellion was driven by "naive monarchism"—the belief that the Tsar was good and wanted to help the people, but was surrounded by evil nobles.