Why did Alexander 11 free serfs?

Alexander II of Russia freed the serfs in 1861 primarily to modernize the country and improve its economic productivity. He recognized that serfdom was hindering Russia's development and that a more mobile and educated workforce was essential for industrialization. The emancipation was also motivated by social unrest and the desire to prevent revolutionary movements, as well as a response to defeat in the Crimean War, which highlighted the need for reform.