Chapter 6 Flashcards
Why was the development of the economy under Vyshnegradsky and von Reutern almost entirely state-led
There was still an absence of a middle class
Dominant industry under Alexander II + von Reutern
Textiles
Annual growth rate under Alexander II + von Reutern
6% per annum
Heavy industry developments under Alexander II and von Reutern
- Baku for oil 1871
- Dontesk reigon for iron in 1872
Major limitations to the economy under von Reutern and Alexander II
- 66% of Government Revenue came from indirect taxation
- Rouble subject to wild fluctuations in value
- 1/3 government expenditure went to repayment of debts
Positives of Vyshnegradsky’s economic policies with Alexander III
- Coal, pig-rion and crude oil production significantly boosted
- Key loans negotiated with the French in 1885
What was the great economic faliure of Vyshnegradsky
Between 1881-91 grain exports increased by 18% leading to the Great Famine
Impact on people of the Great Famine
- 17 of the 39 provinces affected
- Cholera and typhoid push death toll over 350,000
Railway increase under von Reutern and Alexander II
From 3,000 to 13,270km between 1866-81
Key belief of Witte
Economic moderinsation would lead to curbing revolutionary activity
Positive economic growth under Witte and Alexander III
- Continued to increase foreign loans and expertise from France, Britain and Sweden
- By 1897, Russia have 4th largest industrial economy
Limitations to economic growth under Witte
- Bulk of export trade in grain rather than industrial goods
- Even so, grain production still over 3x less than Britain and Germany
Who creditied for overall increase in agricultural production in the 1870-80s
Kulaks
Class structure change under Alexander III and Alexander III
Many serf-owners retained much of their wealth, meaning society was kept highly stratified
Significance of growth of middle class under Alexander II and Alexander III
- Did see rapid growth
- Numbers added up to no more than half a million by 1897 census
Evidence to show how rapid urbanisation still didn’t affect much of society, despite being highly impactful for those it did affect
- Urban working class formed no more than 2% by 1897 census
- Workers often returned home to their towns during harvest
- Yet, by 1864, 1/3 inhabitants in St Petersburg were peasants by birth, and this continued to rise
Why were the poor working conditions in the cities under Alexander II and Alexander III worth it for workers
Regular hours and opportunity were greatly valued
Evidence to show that for many in the countryside, by the end of Alexander III’s reign, life was still incredibly tough
- In the 1880’s two out of three former serfs in the Tambov reigon were unable to feed thier famalies without falling into debt
- Many turned down as ‘unfit’ for military service
Mortality rates in Russia at end of Alexander III’s reign vs Britain
- 27 for males
- 29 for females
- 45 in Britain
Evidence to show how important the Church was still by the end of Alexander III’s reign
70% of the population subscribed to Orthodoxy
What was essential to keeping control throughout the reigns of Alexander II and Alexander III
The Church continued to dominate over the ill-educated and superstitious peasantry
Evidence to show how the Church and government were still closely intertwined by the end of Alexander III’s reign
Priests were encouraged to pass on statements given in confession to the authorities
