Corvees meaning

Corvees were mandatory unpaid labor imposed on peasants by the government.


Corvees definitions

Word backwards seevroc
Part of speech The word "corvees" is a noun.
Syllabic division cor-vees
Plural The plural of the word "corvee" is "corvees."
Total letters 7
Vogais (2) o,e
Consonants (4) c,r,v,s

What are Corvees?

Corvees were a form of unpaid labor imposed by the state or local authorities on the peasants during the feudal period. They were used for public works projects such as road construction, maintenance of bridges, and other infrastructure development.

Historical Context of Corvees

In many feudal societies, corvees were a common practice to ensure that labor was available for important public projects. Peasants were required to work a certain number of days each year for the benefit of the community, often under harsh conditions and with little or no compensation.

The Impact of Corvee Labor

Corvee labor had a significant impact on the lives of peasants, as it took away valuable time that could have been spent working on their own land or pursuing other economic activities. It also contributed to the perpetuation of feudal power structures, as the ruling class could use corvees to exert control over the labor force.

Abolition of Corvees

As societies developed and modernized, the practice of corvees began to decline. Many countries eventually abolished corvee labor as part of wider labor reforms that aimed to protect the rights of workers and ensure fair compensation for labor.

Legacy of Corvees

Although corvees are no longer practiced in most parts of the world, their legacy can still be seen in some traditional societies where forced labor is still prevalent. Understanding the history of corvees can help us appreciate the progress that has been made in labor rights and social justice.


Corvees Examples

  1. The peasants were required to perform corvees on the lord's land.
  2. Corvees were used as a form of forced labor in ancient civilizations.
  3. The corvees imposed on the people were a source of discontent.
  4. The corvees caused hardships for those who had to participate.
  5. Corvees were often used for public works projects in the past.
  6. The corvees were a means of maintaining control over the population.
  7. The corvees were abolished after years of protests and uprisings.
  8. People were forced to work on corvees for the government without pay.
  9. Corvees were a common practice in feudal societies.
  10. The use of corvees eventually led to the rise of labor movements.


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  • Updated 04/07/2024 - 12:41:38