alexander's economic policies 1861-1905 Flashcards
Who was Mikhail von Reutern?
1862-78 as a Minister of Finance
Part of the Konstantinovsty
Summarise Reutern’s policies
creates a unified treasury
All dept. accounts centralised
From 1867 govt. budget made public.
Proper tax introduced for alcohol.
What were Russian Credit Institutions?
Beginning of the reign private banks had hardly existed. Towards the end of the reign Russia owned 278 municipal banks, but also 33 joint-stock banks. There were 92 societies for building credits and no fewer than 727 loans and savings associations with a total membership of 200,000.
The policy of Reutern laid the foundation for a great commercial and industrial development.
How did these effect Russia??
Rapid economic reforms (above) laid the reforms for rapid economic development. Russia was ready to turn from a medieval into a modern state.
Loads of reforms, however only because there was nothing there before. Peasants affected badly by grain exportation and the banks really only applied to the noble.
How did the emancipation affect the industry?
1) it was good as it meant peasants were able to move to the cities to become workers, prior to this peasants were tied to the masters land. The tie to the land was cut. However, with the low amount of money peasants made there was no internal market to sell too.
2) the focus on industry meant (agriculture) the biggest sector of the economy went neglected. + poor conditions: 11-hour shifts, only paid enough to cover your taxes.
How did foreign investment affect the stability?
Industrialisation was so dependent on foreign investment as Russia had no middle class who could act as entrepreneurs and create industry. Furthermore, the lack of capital within the country meant they relied on others to set up business in their country. They had no means of generating wealth internally as everyone was in debt. John Hughes – iron works, and Ludwig Knoop – textiles.
How did Reutern’s policies affect Russia beyond Alexander’s reign?
Reutern’s policy’s benefitted Russia beyond the reign of Alexander as the increase in rail meant that for the future, they could easily move their army about quickly, transport goods and workers, meaning they could industrialise further and fight wars more effectively.
What were the effects of the railway expansion?
Alexander increased the railway mileage, at time of his accession there were 660 miles in the RE, (Warsaw Vienna) at the time of his death, there was 14 000 miles.
Increased grain export due to the railway expansion: 1861-65 vs 1876-80, 76million vs 257million poods on average.
what is the overall opinion of Alexander’s reforms?
Alexander desperately needed improvement in urbanisation and industrialisation to be seen as successful. While he sees lots of improvement in these areas there isn’t enough, as Russia is already miles behind the rest of Europe.
