Russian Economy 1855-1917 Flashcards
What did Alexander II do in response to defeat in Crimea?
Developed limited railway building programme and saw a limited spread of factories
When was the St Petersburg-Moscow train line completed?
1851
How was the Russian economy by 1881?
Still far less developed than Western powers
How much did the Russian population grow between 1860-1897?
From 75 million to 120 million
When was the Peasants Land Bank set up?
1882
How did Bunge reform taxation?
Abolition of poll tax, introduction of inheritance tax
What were Bunge’s other policies?
Protectionist economic policies in line with mainland Europe, continued railway building (still slow), introduced first Russian labour laws
What was Vyshnegradsky’s quote regarding grain exports?
“We ourselves shall not eat, but we shall export”
When was the first foreign investment accepted by a Russian government?
French loan accepted by Vyshnegradsky in 1888
Did Vyshnegradsky’s approach see any success?
Grain exports increased by 18% as a % of total Russian exports between 1881-91, and by 1892 the Russian budget was in surplus
How many died in the famine of 1891-92?
Over 350,000
How much did foreign investment in Russia increase between 1880-1900?
From 100 million roubles to 900 million roubles
How much of Russian railway was state owned in the 1890s?
60%
How much more railway was built between 1885-1905?
In 1885 there was 400 miles, by 1905 there was 40,000 miles
How much was Russia’s annual growth between 1894-1904?
8%, highest in the world in the 1890s
