Fredrick II argued that the abolishment of serfdom would cause economic instability, as peasants would have to be paid. Although Frederick did not want to alter the balance of power, he did introduce laws intended to protect serfs. Firstly, a law was proposed which stated that serfs should only have to work four days a week.
Secondly, all physical ill-treatment was to be made illegal. Yet, most of the laws failed to be put into practice though Frederick did managed to keep the price of grain stable with the introduction of State Granaries. However, the practice of serfdom was to go on as Frederick the Great found peasants useful because they farmed his land and provided recruits for his army. By far the most resourceful benefits of maintaining serfdom, the King argued, was to tax the peasants heavily (40% of their income). Frederick, therefore, totally ignored the philosophes teaching on treating all citizens fairly and with respect.
Secondly, all physical ill-treatment was to be made illegal. Yet, most of the laws failed to be put into practice though Frederick did managed to keep the price of grain stable with the introduction of State Granaries. However, the practice of serfdom was to go on as Frederick the Great found peasants useful because they farmed his land and provided recruits for his army. By far the most resourceful benefits of maintaining serfdom, the King argued, was to tax the peasants heavily (40% of their income). Frederick, therefore, totally ignored the philosophes teaching on treating all citizens fairly and with respect.
