A level exam: Chapter 6-Economic and social developments Flashcards
Who was Mikhail von Reutern and what did he do?
He was Alexander II’s Minister of Finance from 1862-78. He made new arrangements for collecting tax and more indirect taxation was used. Banks and credit facilities were extended and trade was promoted.
Who was Ivan Vyshnegradsky and what did he do?
He was head of the Ministry of Finance from 1887-1892 and an import tariff of 30% was introduced on imported raw materials. This was designed to help home production. He also emphasised grain exports and when there was bad harvests in 1891 this lead to widespread famine as he still focused on exporting, leading to starvation.
Who was Sergei Witte and what did he do?
He was made the Minister of Finance and became Russia’s first Prime Minister. He used loans from abroad to invest into mining, metal trades, oil and banking. This increased Russia’s vote and it became the world’s fourth largest economy.
What changes were there in agriculture?
After the emancipation, peasants recieved little land and there were high taxes. Land Banks were introduced for peasants to buy land easily and they inccreased peasant ownership. There was also an increase in agricultural production in response to the famine.
Who were the landed elite?
It was a small group, mostly of noble status and after emancipation their kand became worth less. They began changing professions and many became university professors.
Who were the middle class?
There was an increase in educational opportunities s bankers, doctors, teachers and administrators were in demand. There were also more opportunities for building railways and factories.
Who were the urban working class?
Some peasants sold up and left the countryside to become urban workers. Conditions were grim and factories paid little and there were around 33 strikes per year.
What was the position of the peasantry?
The poorest peasants were landless labourers and two of every three former serfs were unable to feed the household without falling into debt. Kulaks bought up land and employed labour.
What was the cultural influence of the church?
70% of the population followed the Orthodoc Church. Religion was an important part of life and Priests were encouraged to pass on statements given in Holy Confessions. The church had a lot of power and they also judged social ‘crimes’, awarding punishments.
