The Peasant Prince: Thaddeus Kosciuszko and the Age of Revolution

by Alex Storozynski

The status of serfs changed only marginally. “This agricultural class of people, the most numerous in the nation consequently forming the most considerable part of its force, from whose hands flows the source of our riches, we receive under the protection of national law and government.”63 Serfs won their rights “after having fulfilled the obligations [they] may have voluntarily entered into.” While it was a tall order for indentured servants to pay off their debts and become free, it was possible. Kosciuszko’s hopes for ending serfdom were dashed. However, peasants who fled other countries were offered sanctuary. “Any person coming into Poland, from whatever part of the world,” the constitution read, “as soon as he sets his foot on the territory of the Republic, becomes free and at liberty to exercise his industry, wherever and in whatever manner he pleases.” Poland’s neighbors worried that this would create an escape route for runaway serfs.

Constitution's treatment of Serfdom