In 1864
Alexander II announced that he was
allowing each district to set up Zemstvos. These were local councils
with powers to provide roads, schools and medical services. However,
the right to elect members was restricted to the wealthy.
The main
function of these bodies was the education of the peasants. However,
during the First World War they gradually
took over the feeding and clothing of the Russian
Army.
After the February Revolution the Zemstvos
were democratized by the Provisional
Government with the intention of making them the organ of local
government in rural districts. Following the October
Revolution the Zemstvos were closed down.
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