Question

Укажите черты сходства и различия в положении первого сословия в России и в Западной Европе в 17 веке.

Answer 1

17 век был очень бурным в Европе и России. Первое сословие и там и здесь - это вельможные паны, магнаты, ближние бояре. Везде всевластие и спесь, остатки наследия вотчинного феодализма в централизованных государствах Однако в Западной Европе уже почти везде не существовало крепостного права, тогда как в России и Речи Посполитой еще холопство было на положении полных рабов.

Answer 2

Similarities between the position of the first estate in Russia and Western Europe in the 17th century

The first estate, or clergy, enjoyed significant social, economic, and political privileges in both Russia and Western Europe during this time period. In most countries, the clergy was exempt from paying taxes and held large land estates. The clergy also played an important role in politics and governance. Bishops and higher clergy often held seats in national legislatures and advised monarchs.

Differences between the position of the first estate in Russia and Western Europe in the 17th century

However, there were also some key differences. In Western Europe like France and England, the clergy was a more independent estate and the Church had more autonomy from the state. The Russian Orthodox Church, on the other hand, was under the control of the tsar. Bishops were appointed directly by the tsar rather than elected locally. As a result, the Russian clergy had less independence than their Western counterparts and acted more as an administrative arm of the autocratic tsarist state. Land ownership was also more concentrated among the higher clergy in Russia rather than being distributed more widely as in parts of Western Europe.