Chap 6: Economic and Social Developments in Russia (19th Century)

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the economic and social developments in Russia during the 19th century.

Industrialization

The process by which an economy is transformed from primarily agricultural to one based on the manufacturing of goods.

Mikhail von Ruten

Minister of finance from 1862 to 1878 known for reforms that promoted industrial growth in Russia.

Tax farming

A system where groups could buy the right to collect certain taxes, abolished during von Ruten's reforms.

Indirect taxation

Taxes that are not directly paid by the taxpayer, which became a larger part of the Russian tax system.

State Bank

Established in 1860 to extend credit facilities and support economic development in Russia.

Railway development

Government promoted the development of railways to enhance trade and industrialization.

Domestic markets

Internal markets within a nation, which remained small and poorly developed in Russia due to peasant poverty.

Tariffs

Taxes on imports which, when reduced, led to a decline in government revenues.

The Great Famine (1891-1892)

A severe famine caused by crop failures that affected 17 of Russia's provinces, leading to widespread starvation.

Sergei Witt

Minister of Finance who focused on economic modernization and export-driven policies following von Ruten.

Emancipation Edict

A decree that freed serfs but failed to bring significant improvements to agricultural practices.

Peasants Land Bank

A financial institution set up to assist peasants in acquiring land.

Nobles Land Bank

A financial institution that helped nobles with land transfers and improvement costs.

Kulaks

Wealthier peasants who owned land, often exploiting poorer peasants through loans and grain sales.

Urban working class

The segment of the population that moved to cities for industrial work, typically receiving low wages.

Orthodox Church

The church that held significant influence over Russian society and was used by the Tsarist regime for control.

Indirect taxes

Taxes imposed on goods and services rather than on income or profits, a major source of revenue post-emancipation.

Foreign investment

Funding from outside Russia that increased significantly during the late 19th century, particularly in mining and industry.

Middle class

A social class emerging alongside industrialization consisting of professionals and businesspeople.

Redemption payments

Payments that former serfs were obligated to make to landowners as part of their emancipation.

Social divisions

Stratification of society into distinct classes, such as nobles, emerging middle class, and peasantry.

Disease outbreaks

Events like cholera and typhoid that were exacerbated by food shortages during famines.

Censorship

Control over information and media, particularly used by the Orthodox Church and the state to suppress dissent.

Russification

Imperial policy aimed at promoting Russian culture and suppressing non-Russian identities and practices.

Economic surplus

A situation where government revenue exceeds expenditures, achieved briefly in the Russian budget during the 1890s.

Agricultural practices

Methods and traditions used in farming, which saw little fundamental change after the emancipation.

Peasant welfare

The economic and social conditions affecting peasants, which remained poor despite reforms.