Mõisnikud

Mõisnikud, also known as manor owners, were a significant social class in Estonia during the period of feudalism, which lasted until the early 20th century. They were the owners of large estates, known as mõisad, which were the primary source of land ownership in the region. Mõisnikud were typically noblemen who had received their lands as a reward for their military service or as a result of inheritance. They held significant political and economic power, as they controlled the majority of the land and its resources.

The lifestyle of mõisnikud was often characterized by luxury and extravagance. They lived in grand manor houses, which were often surrounded by extensive parks and gardens. They employed a large number of servants and peasants to work on their lands, and they had a strong influence over the local community. Mõisnikud were also involved in various economic activities, such as agriculture, forestry, and trade.

However, the position of mõisnikud was not without its challenges. They were subject to the whims of the Russian Empire, which controlled Estonia until the end of World War I. They also faced competition from other landowners and from the growing middle class. Despite these challenges, mõisnikud remained a powerful and influential group in Estonian society until the land reforms of the early 20th century, which led to the redistribution of their lands.