So, the Walser were pioneers of the liberalization from serfdom and feudalism. Before and after the abolition of serfdom, Russian peasant families were patriarchal. He feared the aristocracy and believed they might turn against him if he abolished serfdom. Richard II agreed to reforms including fair rents and the abolition of serfdom. Enlightened rulers may have played a part in the abolition of serfdom in Europe. This edict began the process of abolishing serfdom and its hereditary character. The last vestiges of serfdom were abolished in Russia in 1861. It also covers the abolition of serfdom. Peter III created two measures in 1762 that influenced the abolition of serfdom. It was through Herzen's influence that the tsarevich later abolished serfdom in Russia. In Kalmykia serfdom was abolished only in 1892. In Western "guberniyas" serfdom was abolished early in the century. Readings and reinterpretations of Soviet newspapers labeled collectivization as a second serfdom. The Act further prohibited the practice of serfdom or sharecropping. Karl also removed the burden of serfdom and various other medieval laws.