Modern revolutionary activity in the Russian Empire began with the Decembrist Revolt of 1825 .
Tatars make up 3.8 % of the population of Russia ) Extreme government-changing activity in the Russian Empire began with the Decembrist Revolt of 1825 , and although serfdom was removed in 1861 , its removal was achieved on terms unfavorable to the peasants ( poor agricultural workers ) and served to encourage changers ( revolutionaries ) .