Russian serfdom was different than in other Eastern European countries , because it wasnâ t changed by German law and people coming from Germany . The serfdom and manorialism systems were forced by the crown ( Tsar ) , not the nobility . Russian serfdom was perhaps the most notable Eastern European institution , as it was never influenced by German law and migrations , and serfdom and the manorial system were enforced by the crown ( Tsar ) , not the nobility .