In Russia, industry was poorly developed, trade left much to be desired, the system government controlled outdated. Higher education was absent, and only in 1687 the Slavic-Greek-Latin Academy opened in Moscow. There was no printing, theaters, painting, many of the boyars and people of the upper class did not know how to read and write.
Peter 1 conducted social reforms, which greatly changed the situation of nobles, peasants and urban residents. After the transformations, people for military service were recruited not by nobles as militia, but now to serve in regular regiments. The nobles began to begin their service with the same lower military ranks as ordinary people, their privileges were simplified. People who came out of common people, had the opportunity to rise to senior officials. Walkthrough military service was no longer determined by the position of the clan, but by a document issued in 1722 “Table of ranks”. He established 14 ranks of military and civilian service.
All nobles and those serving in the service had to learn literacy, numbers and geometry. Those nobles who refused or were unable to receive it elementary education, were deprived of the opportunity to marry and receive officer ranks.
Still, despite the strict reforms, landowners had an important official advantage over ordinary people. Nobles, upon entering the service, were classified as elite guardsmen, and not as ordinary soldiers.
The previous regime of taxation of peasants has changed, from the past “household” to the new “per capita” where taxes were taken not from the peasant yard, but from each person.
Peter 1 wanted to make cities like European ones. In 1699 Peter 1 gave cities the opportunity to self-govern. The townspeople elected mayors in their city, who were included in the town hall. Now city residents were divided into permanent and temporary. People who had various kinds classes, began to join guilds and workshops.
The main goal pursued by Peter 1 during the social reforms:
- Improving the economic situation in the country.
- Declining status of boyars in society.
- Transformation of the whole social structure the country as a whole. And bringing society to the European image of culture.
Table of important social reforms carried out by Peter 1, which influenced social system state.
Before Peter 1, regular regiments already existed in large numbers in Russia. But they were recruited for the duration of the war, and after its end the regiment was disbanded. Before the reforms of Peter 1, the military personnel of these regiments combined service with crafts, trade and work. The soldiers lived with their families.
As a result of the reforms, the role of the regiments increased, and the noble militias completely disappeared. A standing army appeared, which did not disband after the end of the war. The lower ranks of soldiers were not recruited as into the militia, they were recruited from the people. The soldiers stopped doing anything other than military service. Before the reforms, the Cossacks were a free ally of the state and served under a contract. But after the Bulavinsky rebellion, the Cossacks were obliged to organize a clearly defined number of troops.
An important achievement Peter 1 was the creation strong fleet , which consisted of 48 ships, 800 galleys. General composition The fleet crew numbered 28 thousand people.
All military reforms for the most part were aimed at raising military power state, for this it was necessary:
- Create a full-fledged army institute.
- Deprive the boyars of the right to form a militia.
- To bring about a transformation in the army system, where the highest officer ranks were given for faithful and long service, and not for pedigree.
Table of important military reforms carried out by Peter 1:
| 1683 1685 | A recruitment of soldiers was carried out, from which the first guards regiment was later created. |
| 1694 | Engineering campaigns of Russian troops, organized by Peter, were carried out. It was an exercise whose purpose was to show the advantages of the new army system. |
| 1697 | A decree was issued on the construction of 50 ships for Azov campaign. The birth of the navy. |
| 1698 | The order was given to destroy the archers of the third riot. |
| 1699 | Recruiting divisions were created. |
| 1703 | In the Baltic Sea, by order, 6 frigates were created. It is rightfully considered the first squadron. |
| 1708 | After the suppression of the uprising, introduced new order services for the Cossacks. During which they were obliged to obey Russian legislation. |
| 1712 | In the provinces, a list of the maintenance of the regiments was carried out. |
| 1715 | A standard was established for the conscription of new recruits. |
Government reforms
During the reforms of Peter 1, the boyar duma lost its status as an influential authority. Peter discussed all matters with a narrow circle of people. An important reform of government was carried out in 1711, creation of higher government agency– government Senate. Representatives of the Senate were appointed personally by the sovereign, but were not given the right to power because of their noble bloodlines. At first, the Senate had the status of a regulatory institution that did not work on creating laws. The work of the Senate was supervised by the prosecutor, who was appointed by the tsar.
All old orders were replaced during the reform of 1718 according to the Swedish model. It consisted of 12 boards that conducted affairs in the maritime, military, foreign fields, accounting for expenses and income, financial control, trade and industry.
Another reform of Peter 1 was the division of Russia into provinces, which were divided into provinces, and then into counties. A governor was appointed at the head of the province, and a governor became the head of the provinces.
An important reform management, Peter 1 held about the succession to the throne in 1722. The old order of succession to the throne of the state was abolished. Now the sovereign himself chose the heir to the throne.
Table of reforms of Peter 1 in the field of government:
| 1699 | A reform was carried out during which cities received self-government headed by the city mayor. |
| 1703 | The city of St. Petersburg was founded. |
| 1708 | Russia, by decree of Peter, was divided into provinces. |
| 1711 | Creation of the Senate, a new administrative body. |
| 1713 | The creation of noble councils, which were represented by city governors. |
| 1714 | The decision to move the capital to St. Petersburg was approved |
| 1718 | Creation of 12 boards |
| 1719 | According to the reform, from this year, the provinces began to include provinces and counties. |
| 1720 | A number of reforms have been carried out to improve the apparatus of state self-government. |
| 1722 | Canceled old order inheritance of the throne. Now the sovereign himself appointed his successor. |
Economic reforms in brief
Peter 1 at one time carried out great economic reforms. By his decree, with state money, it was built a large number of factories. He tried to develop industry, the state in every possible way encouraged private entrepreneurs who built plants and factories with large benefits. By the end of Peter's reign, there were more than 230 factories in Russia.
Peter's policy was aimed at introducing high duties on the import of foreign goods, which created competitiveness for domestic producers. Economic regulation was applied by establishing trade routes, canals and new roads were built. Exploration of new mineral deposits was carried out in every possible way. The strongest economic boost was the development of minerals in the Urals.
The Northern War prompted Peter to introduce numerous taxes: a tax on baths, taxes on beards, a tax on oak coffins. At that time, lighter coins were minted. Thanks to these introductions, a large infusion of funds into the country's treasury was achieved.
By the end of Peter's reign, it had been achieved serious development tax system. The household tax system was replaced with a per capita tax system. Which subsequently led to strong social and economic changes in the country.
Economic reform table:
Reforms of Peter 1 in the field of science and culture briefly
Peter 1 wanted to create in Russia the European style of culture of that time. Returning from a trip abroad, Peter began to introduce Western-style clothing into the boyars’ use, forcibly forced the boyars to shave their beards, and there were cases when, in a fit of rage, Peter himself chopped off the beards of people of the upper class. Peter 1 tried to spread useful technical knowledge V to a greater extent than the humanities. Cultural reforms Peter were directed to create schools where they taught foreign language, mathematics, engineering. Western literature was translated into Russian and was available in schools.
Great importance the education of the population was influenced by the reform of replacing the alphabet from a church to a secular model. The first newspaper was published, which was called Moskovskie Vedomosti.
Peter 1 tried to introduce European customs into Russia. Public celebrations were held with a European twist.
Table of Peter's reforms in the field of science and culture:
Church reforms briefly
Under Peter 1, the church, having previously been independent, became dependent on the state. In 1700, Patriarch Adrian died, and the state prohibited the election of a new one until 1917. Instead of the patriarch, the service of guardian of the throne of the patriarch was appointed, which became Metropolitan Stefan.
Before 1721 there was no concrete solutions on the issue of the church. But already in 1721, a reform of church governance was carried out, during which it was certain that the position of the patriarch in the church was abolished and was replaced by a new assembly called the Holy Synod. The members of the Synod were not elected by anyone, but were personally appointed by the tsar. Now, at the legislative level, the church has become completely dependent on the state.
The main direction in church reforms, carried out by Peter 1, had the meaning:
- Relaxation of the power of the clergy for the population.
- Create control by the state over the church.
Table of church reforms:
Peter the Great - one of the brightest personalities in Europe modern history. During his reign, Russia gained serious political and military influence on western world. Nothing worried him more than the welfare, strength and reputation of Russia. Peter was never a simple admirer of foreign things. He highly valued knowledge and techniques imported from the West; but only because they were the foundations on which it was possible to build the new Russia that he dreamed of and for which he worked.
Under Peter I, Russia for the first time felt itself as a periphery of Europe and set its goal to become an equal European power. Perseverance in the face of obstacles, incessant experimentation with new institutions, all present a picture of activity, both mental and physical, which no ruler in modern history has been able to surpass. This passion for activity marked every aspect of his own psychology and value system. However, the uncritical admiration for Peter I, which became almost universal towards the end of his reign, bashfully ignored the extent to which his work remained unfinished and the obstacles it faced due to geographical, physical and human characteristics Russia.
Of course, like any person, Peter could not foresee all the consequences, sometimes distant and indirect, of his actions. IN late XVII c., when the young Tsar Peter I came to the Russian throne, Russia was worried crucial moment its history. There, unlike the main Western European countries, there were almost no large industrial enterprises capable of providing the country with weapons, textiles, and agricultural implements. It had no access to the seas - neither the Black nor the Baltic, through which it could develop foreign trade. Therefore, Russia did not have its own military fleet that would guard its borders.
The land army was built according to outdated principles and consisted mainly of noble militia. The nobles were reluctant to leave their estates for military campaigns; their weapons and military training lagged behind the advanced ones European armies. There was a fierce struggle for power between the old, well-born boyars and the serving people - the nobles. There were continuous uprisings of peasants and urban lower classes in the country, who fought both against the nobles and against the boyars, because they were all feudal lords - serf owners.
It was necessary to reorganize the army, build a fleet, take possession of the sea coast, create a domestic industry, and rebuild the system of government of the country. To radically break the old way of life, Russia needed an intelligent and talented leader, an extraordinary person. This is how Peter I turned out to be. Peter not only comprehended the dictates of the times, but also devoted all his extraordinary talent, the tenacity of an obsessed person, the patience inherent in a Russian person, and the ability to give the matter a state scale to the service of this command.
Peter imperiously invaded all spheres of the country's life and greatly accelerated the development of the principles he inherited. The history of Russia before and after Peter the Great saw many reforms. The main difference between Peter's reforms and the reforms of the previous and subsequent times was that Petrov's were comprehensive in nature, covering all aspects of the life of the people, while others introduced innovations that concerned only certain spheres of life of society and the state. The program of economic reforms of Peter I included: - development large industry; - foreign and domestic trade; - Agriculture; - promoting the development of crafts; - extension waterways messages; - strengthening the country's finances. But at the same time, it assumed unlimited state intervention in the lives of its subjects and strict regulation. Large industry was created, the Baltic ports were annexed, agricultural production increased, i.e. implementation best crops, improving livestock breeds, changing land tenure methods. Privileges were also introduced for specified manufactories, i.e. duty-free right to sell and purchase goods; development of the company form of enterprises; use in manufactories of state peasants for auxiliary work.
Foreign trade policy was built on the basis of guardianship and control in the field of trade. The main branches of foreign trade turnover were manipulation of the treasury in order to attract money and keep it in the country and support large industry, using customs duties. In 1724, the first customs tariff in Russia was created, which were held in foreign currency and accepted into the treasury at a reduced rate. Financial policy made it possible to carry out a number of activities: - for the first time, own silver mining was organized; - the export of gold and silver abroad is prohibited; - increased production of silver coins and new denominations; - silver rubles were issued; - reduced the silver content in the coin, replacing small silver coins with copper ones;
The issue of copper coins has been expanded to increase treasury revenue; - Russian merchants were obliged to hand over to the treasury in exchange for coins at the established rate all the gold and silver received from the sale of goods; - establish a system of central public administration in the form of collegiums; - tax reform.
By decree of Peter I, studying and teaching were prevented at the Academy of Sciences economic sciences. These reforms played big role in the historical development of Russia. During the Petrine era, the Russian economy, and above all industry, made a giant leap. At the same time, the development of the economy in the first quarter of the 18th century. followed the paths outlined by the previous period. In industry there was a sharp reorientation from small peasant and handicraft farms to manufactories. Under Peter, at least 200 new manufactories were founded, and he encouraged their creation in every possible way. State policy was also aimed at protecting the young Russian industry from competition from Western European industry by introducing very high customs duties (Customs Charter of 1724). State-owned factories used the labor of state peasants, assigned peasants, recruits and free hired craftsmen. They mainly served heavy industry - metallurgy, shipyards, mines.
The merchant manufactories, which produced mainly consumer goods, employed both sessional and quitrent peasants, as well as civilian labor. Landowner enterprises were fully supported by the forces of the landowner's serfs. Peter's protectionist policy led to the emergence of manufactories in a wide variety of industries, often appearing in Russia for the first time. The main ones were those that worked for the army and navy: metallurgical, weapons, shipbuilding, cloth, linen, leather, etc. Encouraged entrepreneurial activity, preferential conditions were created for people who created new manufactories or rented state ones. In 1711, in a decree on the transfer of linen manufactory to Moscow merchants A. Turchaninov and S. Tsynbalshchikov, Peter wrote: “And if they multiply this plant with their zeal and make a profit in it, and for that they ... will receive mercy.” Manufactories appeared in many industries - glass, gunpowder, papermaking, canvas, linen, silk weaving, cloth, leather, rope, hatting, paint, sawmills and many others.
Nikita Demidov, who enjoyed the special favor of the Tsar, made a huge contribution to the development of the metallurgical industry of the Urals. The emergence of the foundry industry in Karelia on the basis of Ural ores and the construction of the Vyshnevolotsk canal contributed to the development of metallurgy in new areas and brought Russia to one of the first places in the world in this industry. IN early XVIII V. in Russia about 150 thousand pounds of cast iron were smelted, in 1725 - more than 800 thousand pounds (since 1722 Russia exported cast iron), and by end of the XVIII V. - more than 2 million poods. By the end of Peter's reign, Russia had a developed diversified industry with centers in St. Petersburg, Moscow, and the Urals.
The largest enterprises were the Admiralty Shipyard, Arsenal, St. Petersburg gunpowder factories, metallurgical plants in the Urals, and Khamovny Dvor in Moscow. The all-Russian market was being strengthened and capital was being accumulated thanks to the mercantilist policy of the state. Russia supplied competitive goods to world markets: iron, linen, yuft, potash, furs, caviar. Thousands of Russians were trained in various specialties in Europe, and in turn, foreigners - weapons engineers, metallurgists, and locksmiths - were hired into Russian service. Thanks to this, Russia enriched itself with the most advanced technologies Europe. As a result of Peter's policy in economic field In an extremely short period of time, a powerful industry was created, capable of fully meeting military and government needs and not depending on imports in any way.
The main result of the entire set of Peter’s reforms was the establishment of a regime of absolutism in Russia, the crown of which was the change in the title in 1721 Russian monarch- Peter declared himself emperor, and the country began to be called the Russian Empire. Thus, what Peter was going towards all the years of his reign was formalized - the creation of a state with a coherent system of government, a strong army and navy, a powerful economy, influencing international politics. As a result of Peter's reforms, the state was not bound by anything and could use any means to achieve its goals. As a result, Peter came to his ideal government system- a warship, where everything and everyone is subordinated to the will of one person - the captain, and managed to lead this ship out of the swamp into rough waters ocean, bypassing all reefs and shoals.
Russia became an autocratic, military-bureaucratic state, in which the central role belonged to the nobility. At the same time, Russia's backwardness was not completely overcome, and reforms were carried out mainly through brutal exploitation and coercion. The role of Peter the Great in the history of Russia is difficult to overestimate. No matter how you feel about the methods and style of his reforms, one cannot help but admit that Peter the Great is one of the most notable figures in world history. Looking at the current situation in the country, it is impossible not to notice its lag behind the leading countries in many areas, and, probably, this lag will continue until a “new” Peter I - a “second Peter I” - appears. Perhaps this is one of the peculiarities of the mentality of our people. In each period of the life of the Russian state, at a critical moment in history, its own Reformer appeared: 10th century - Vladimir; XVII-XVIII centuries - Peter I; ХVIII - Catherine II; XIX - Alexander II.
Bibliography
1. Pavlenko N.I. Peter the Great / N.I. Pavlenko. - M.: Mysl, 1990. - P. 115.
2. Soloviev S.M. On the history of new Russia / S.M. Soloviev. - M.: Education, 1993. - P.48.
3. Soloviev S.M. Readings and stories on the history of Russia / S.M. Solovyov. - Moscow, 1989. - 768 p.
4. Klochkov M. Population of Rus' under Peter the Great according to censuses of that time / M. Klochkov. - Volume 1. - St. Petersburg, 1911. - P.156.
5. Anderson M.S. Peter the Great / M.S.Anderson. - Rostov-on-Don, 1997. - 352 p.
6. Karfengauz B.B. Russia under Peter the Great / B.B. Karfengauz. - Moscow, 1955. - 175 p.
7. Klyuchevsky V.O. Historical portraits/ V.O.Klyuchevsky. - Moscow, 1991. - 624 p.
8. Kolomiets A.G. Financial policy of the government of Peter the Great / A.G. Kolomiets // Finance, 1996.
Leonova E.V., Zhurba V.V.
11. Peter I – Tsar-Reformer. Economic and government reforms Peter I.
The father of Peter I - the second of the Romanov dynasty - Alexei Mikhailovich - was married twice. The first wife was Miloslavskaya and there were 14 children, but mostly sick, and the second wife was Naryshkina, who gave birth to Peter I and several more children.
Years of life of Peter I (1672-1725). Peter I was 4 years old when his father, Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov, died. After the death of the tsar, his son from his first marriage, the sick Fyodor Alekseevich (1676 - 1682), ruled for 6 years, who died at the age of 20. After the death of Tsar Fyodor Alekseevich, a struggle for the throne broke out. Claimants to the throne: Ivan - brother the deceased Fyodor Alekseevich and Peter I - half-brother. Their sister Sophia intervened in the matter - Native sister Ivan and half-wife Peter I. So, in 1682, Ivan was 15 years old; Peter I was 10 years old; Sophia was 25 years old.
Ivan was sickly and incapable of ruling. Supporters of the Naryshkins proclaimed Peter I tsar. But Sophia, very powerful and energetic, raised the Moscow archers against the Naryshkins. At the request of the Streltsy, Ivan was proclaimed the “first” and Peter the “second” king. In fact, Sophia (1682-1689), their guardian, became the head of state. They were unhappy with Sophia's policy. When Peter I was 17 years old, he managed to send Sophia to the Novodevichy Convent. Two brothers Ivan and Peter I began to rule. When Peter I was 24 years old, brother Ivan dies, and Peter I becomes the sole ruler. Peter I was the 15th child of Alexei Mikhailovich. Peter I's height as an adult was 2 meters 04 cm, size 44, and shoe size 37-38. He was an educated, very smart, talented person. He loved medicine and knew how to build ships. Peter I was married twice. His first wife was Lopukhina, and his second was the German Marta Skavronskaya, who received the name of Catherine I at baptism. From his second marriage he had 12 children. His daughter Elizaveta Petrovna later became empress. His grandson Peter III, the son of Anna Petrovna, was also the Russian emperor. Peter I took the title of emperor, and is considered the first emperor in Russia. Peter I was buried in the Peter and Paul Cathedral in St. Petersburg. All Russian emperors and members of their families are buried there.
At the age of 25, Peter I traveled to Europe as part of a large delegation. This trip was called the “Great Embassy”. The Tsar traveled incognito, under the name of Pyotr Mikhailov, a sergeant of the Preobrazhensky Regiment. But his incognito was revealed. The Tsar visited Holland, England, and Austria. Europe appeared before him in the form of a noisy and smoky workshop with cars, ships, shipyards, factories. Peter I was abroad for a little over a year. I had to urgently return when another Streltsy riot began in Russia. Peter I thought that it was Sophia who escaped from the monastery and raised the archers to revolt. In fact, as it turned out, the archers were dissatisfied with their position and salary. Returning to Russia, Peter I brutally suppressed the rebellion.
Reasons for reforms: In the 17th century, Russia lagged far behind Western European countries. There were only a few iron factories in the country in Tula, Kashira, near Moscow and Voronezh; 20-30 manufactories (paper, glass, salt, etc.). There was no regular army. The army was sent home between wars so as not to spend money on it. public funds. Schools were attached to churches. Secular education did not exist. There was no national medicine (foreign doctors). There was one pharmacy in the whole country, and that was the royal one. The printing house printed mainly church books. For Europe at that time, Russia was a barbaric country.
So, there was an economic lag behind the countries of Western Europe. Russia could lose national independence, since in the series Western countries Capitalist production was already developing, and a colonial policy of expansion was being pursued.
In order to overcome the economic, military, and cultural backwardness of the country, it was necessary to carry out the following reforms: 1) create regular army and navy 2) create merchant navy; 3) achieve access to the Baltic and Black Seas; 4) develop manufacturing production 5) provide training for the necessary specialists; 6) involve the country in the world market system; 7) strengthen state power
Peter's reforms were carried out under the dominance of the feudal system and were aimed at strengthening it. Peter I begins reforms after arriving from the “Great Embassy”.
Peter's main economic reformsI
1) Development of manufactories. Free market work force did not have. Manufactories were based on the labor of serfs. Let's list the manufactories: metallurgical factories, cloth factories, leather factories, rope factories, glass factories, gunpowder factories, shipyards, distilleries, textile factories, paper factories, sugar factories, trellis factories, etc. In total, 200 manufactories appeared under Peter I. Russia's dependence on imports has decreased. They began to export iron and linen.
2) Currency reform. Our silver ruble began to be valued on the foreign market, and a penny on the domestic market. Also minted: half a penny - money; the fourth part of a kopeck was called half; An eighth of a kopeck is half a half. What were the prices? For example, chicken - 3 kopecks, goose - 9 kopecks, 100 crayfish - 3 kopecks, 1 pound of beef (16 kg) - 28 kopecks, a bag of flour - 1 ruble, a barrel of beer (50 liters) - 2 rubles. What was the salary? For example, in the secret chancellery they received 585 rubles per month.
3) Development of the tax system. There were more than 30 types of taxes: bath taxes, ferry taxes, shops taxes, ritual taxes, etc. The beard tax was 100 rubles.
4) the state monopoly on trade in a number of goods within the country (salt, tobacco, vodka, etc.) - income to the treasury.
State reforms of PeterI
1) The Boyar Duma was dissolved as a body limiting the power of the tsar. Instead, the Senate became the supreme governing body. It was completely subordinate to the king, and its members were appointed by the king.
3) New created Administrative division. The whole country was divided into 8 provinces.
4) The “Table of Ranks” was introduced by Peter I. There were 14 ranks in total. The lowest rank is 14th. Those who reached the 8th rank received the title of nobleman for life.
5) Special control bodies were created: prosecutor's office - public body headed by the Prosecutor General and fiscal - secret surveillance, denunciations. The Secret Chancellery was established. She was in charge of the investigation of the most important state crimes.
6) To strengthen the nobility, a decree on unified inheritance was issued. Now the estate and patrimony were inherited by the eldest son, and the remaining children had to serve in the public service.
7) Peter I himself took the title of emperor (1721).
9) In 1700, a new chronology was introduced. They began to live in the second millennium from the birth of Christ, and not from the creation of the world. Russia began to feel itself, in a temporary sense, as part of Europe.
10) Peter I later moved the capital to St. Petersburg.
The pace of transformation under Peter I is amazing. Under PeterIEnormous changes have taken place: Over 25 years, about 3 thousand legislative acts were issued, which radically changed the life of the country, the number of manufactories increased , the army, artillery and navy were created, a new capital and cities were built, a “window to Europe” was opened. The reforms cannot be assessed unambiguously. There was also an impoverishment of the population, the flight of peasants from forced labor, from landowners, and anti-feudal protests.
The formation of the Russian state as an empire and its emergence as a serious player on the European international arena inevitably had to be accompanied by bloody wars and trade struggles for markets. In such conditions, the country needed modernization, which began with the reforms of Peter the Great. These reforms included very large-scale changes in many areas state life: administrative, judicial, religious, public,
military One of major changes The rise of Russia was due to the economic reforms of Peter 1. The giant leap that trade and, above all, industry made, provided the possibility of internal self-sufficiency in Russia, independent of the import of goods, as well as the creation of mass exports Russian goods abroad. Economic reform Peter 1 consisted of the following series of events.
Industry
Redistribution of labor
The economic reform of Peter 1 was often carried out with forced labor. Thus, at the beginning of the eighteenth century, state duties for peasants were seriously increased. Serfs were forcibly transferred from their land plots to work in established manufactories, construction of canals and other work. This process was especially active in the northern non-chernozem regions of Russia. As a result of this use of forced labor by the state, the future capital, St. Petersburg, was built.
Foreign qualified specialists were intensively involved in the economy, education and diplomatic structures of Russia, which contributed to the acquisition of advanced European experience in their own country.
Taxes
To fill the state treasury, the economic reforms of Peter 1 included an increase in duties and the creation of new types of taxes. New duties appeared on bathhouses, stamp paper, and the famous Peter the Great tax on beards. Thus, the economic reforms of Peter 1 significantly contributed to the creation of the industrial base of the Russian state, the establishment of high commodity turnover and export trade, and the development of sea and river routes in the country.
The sage avoids all extremes.
Lao Tzu
The Russian economy in the 17th century lagged significantly behind European countries. Therefore, the economic policy of Peter 1 was aimed at creating conditions for economic development countries in the present and future. Separately, it should be noted that the main direction of economic development of that era was the development, first of all, military industry. This is important to understand, since the entire reign of Peter 1 took place during a period of wars, the main one of which was the Northern War.
The economy of the era of Peter should be considered from the point of view of the following components:
State of the economy at the beginning of the era
The Russian economy before Peter 1 came to power had a huge number of problems. Suffice it to say that in a country with a huge number natural resources, there was no necessary material to supply even the needs of the army. For example, metal for cannons and artillery was purchased in Sweden. The industry was in a declining state. There were only 25 manufactories throughout Russia. For comparison, more than 100 manufactories operated in England during the same period. As for agriculture and trade, the old rules were in effect and these industries practically did not develop.
Features of economic development
Peter's great embassy to Europe revealed to the tsar the problems that existed in the Russian economy. These problems worsened with the beginning Northern War, when Sweden stopped supplying iron (metal). As a result, Peter I was forced to melt church bells into cannons, for which the church almost called him the Antichrist.
The economic development of Russia during the reign of Peter 1 was aimed primarily at the development of the army and navy. It was around these two components that the development of industry and other objects took place. It is important to note that since 1715, individual entrepreneurship began to be encouraged in Russia. Moreover, some of the manufactories and factories were transferred into private hands.
Basic principles economic policy Peter 1 developed in two directions:
- Protectionism. This is support for domestic producers and encouragement for the export of goods abroad.
- Mercantilism. The predominance of export of goods over import. Economic terms- exports prevail over imports. This is done to concentrate funds within the country.
Industrial development
By the beginning of the reign of Peter I, there were only 25 manufactories in Russia. This is extremely small. The country could not provide itself with even the most necessary things. That is why the beginning of the Northern War was so sad for Russia, since the lack of supplies of the same iron from Sweden made it impossible to wage war.
The main directions of the economic policy of Peter 1 were distributed in 3 main areas: the metallurgical industry, the mining industry, and shipbuilding. In total, by the end of Peter’s reign, there were already 200 manufactories operating in Russia. The best indicator that the economic management system worked is the fact that before Peter came to power, Russia was one of the largest importers of iron, and after Peter 1, Russia took 3rd place in the world in iron production and became an exporting country.
Under Peter the Great, the first industrial centers in the country began to form. Or rather, there were such industrial centers, but their significance was insignificant. It was under Peter that the formation and rise of industry took place in the Urals and Donbass. The downside of industrial growth is attracting private capital and difficult conditions for workers. During this period, assigned and possessional peasants appeared.
Possession peasants appeared by decree of Peter 1 in 1721. They became the property of the manufactory and were obliged to work there all their lives. Possession peasants replaced the assigned peasants, who were recruited from among urban peasants and assigned to a specific factory.
Historical reference
The problem of the peasants, expressed in the creation of the possession peasantry, was associated with the lack of qualified labor in Russia.
The development of industry in the Peter the Great era was distinguished by the following features:
- Rapid development of the metallurgical industry.
- Active participation of the state in economic life. The state acted as the customer for all industrial facilities.
- Involvement of forced labor. Since 1721, factories have been allowed to buy peasants.
- Lack of competition. As a result, large entrepreneurs had no desire to develop their industry, which is why there was a long stagnation in Russia.
In the development of industry, Peter had 2 problems: the weak efficiency of public administration, as well as the lack of interests of large entrepreneurs for development. It was all decided simply - the tsar began to transfer, including large enterprises, to private owners for management. Suffice it to say that by the end of the 17th century the famous Demidov family controlled 1/3 of all Russian iron.
The figure shows a map of the economic development of Russia under Peter I, as well as the development of industry in the European part of the country.
Agriculture
Let's look at what changes have taken place in agriculture Russia during the reign of Peter. The Russian economy under Peter I in the field of agriculture developed along an extensive path. The extensive path, in contrast to the intensive one, did not imply an improvement in working conditions, but an expansion of opportunities. Therefore, under Peter, active development of new arable lands began. Lands were developed most quickly in the Volga region, the Urals, and Siberia. At the same time, Russia continued to remain an agricultural country. Approximately 90% of the population lived in villages and was engaged in agriculture.
The orientation of the country's economy towards the army and navy was also reflected in the agriculture of Russia in the 17th century. In particular, it was precisely because of this direction of the country’s development that sheep and horse breeding began to develop. Sheep were needed to supply the fleet, and horses to form cavalry.
It was during the Peter the Great era that new tools began to be used in agriculture: a scythe and a rake. These tools were purchased from abroad and imposed on the local economy. Since 1715, which year Peter I issued a Decree to expand the sowing of tobacco and hemp.
As a result, an agricultural system was created in which Russia could feed itself, and for the first time in history it began to sell grain abroad.
Trade
The economic policy of Peter 1 in the field of trade generally corresponds general development countries. Trade also developed along a protectionist path of development.
Before the era of Peter the Great, all major trade was carried out through the port in Astrakhan. But Peter the Great, who loved St. Petersburg terribly, by his own decree forbade trade through Astrakhan (the Decree was signed in 1713), and demanded a complete transfer of trade to St. Petersburg. This did not bring much effect for Russia, but it was important factor to strengthen the position of St. Petersburg as a city and capital of the Empire. Suffice it to say that Astrakhan, as a result of these changes, reduced its trade turnover by about 15 times, and the city gradually began to lose its rich status. Simultaneously with the development of the port in St. Petersburg, ports in Riga, Vyborg, Narva and Revel were actively developing. At the same time, St. Petersburg accounted for approximately 2/3 of foreign trade turnover.
Support for domestic production was achieved through the introduction of high customs duties. So, if a product was produced in Russia, then its customs duty was 75%. If the imported goods were not produced in Russia, then their duty varied from 20% to 30%. At the same time, payment of the duty was made exclusively in foreign currency at a rate favorable to Russia. This was necessary to receive foreign capital and be able to purchase the necessary equipment. Already in 1726, the volume of exports from Russia was 2 times higher than the volume of imports.
The main countries with which Russia traded in those days were England and Holland.
In many ways, the development of trade was facilitated by the development of transport. In particular, 2 large canals were built:
- Vyshnevolotsky Canal (1709). This canal connected the Tvertsa River (a tributary of the Volga) with the Msta River. From there, through Lake Ilmen, a path opened to the Baltic Sea.
- Ladoga Obvodny Canal (1718). I was going around Lake Ladoga. This detour was necessary because the lake was turbulent and ships could not move across it.
Finance development
Peter 1 had one strange thing - he loved taxes very much and in every possible way encouraged people who came up with new taxes. It was during this era that taxes were introduced on almost everything: on stoves, on salt, on government forms and even on beards. In those days they even joked that there were no taxes only on air, but such taxes would soon appear. Increasing taxes and their expansion led to popular unrest. For example, the Astrakhan uprising and the uprising of Kondraty Bulavin are the main major discontents of the popular masses of that era, but there were also dozens of small uprisings.
In 1718, the tsar carried out his famous reform, introducing a poll tax in the country. If earlier taxes were paid from the yard, now from every male soul.
Also, one of the main initiatives was the implementation of financial reform of 1700-1704. The main attention in this reform was paid to the minting of new coins, equating the amount of silver in the ruble with silver. The very weight of the Russian ruble was equal to the Dutch guilder.
As a result of financial changes, the growth of revenues to the treasury increased by approximately 3 times. This was a great help for the development of the state, but made it almost impossible to live in the country. Suffice it to say that during the Peter the Great era the population of Russia decreased by 25%, taking into account all the new territories that this tsar conquered.
Consequences of economic development
The main results of the economic development of Russia in the first quarter of the 18th century, during the reign of Peter 1, which can be considered the main ones:
- Increase in the number of manufactories by 7 times.
- Expansion of production volume within the country.
- Russia has taken 3rd place in the world in metal smelting.
- New tools began to be used in agriculture, which later proved their effectiveness.
- The founding of St. Petersburg and the conquest of the Baltic states expanded trade and economic ties with European countries.
- Main trading and financial center St. Petersburg became Russia.
- Due to the government paying attention to trade, the importance of the merchants increased. It was during this period that they established themselves as a strong and influential class.
If we consider these points, it naturally arises positive reaction on the economic reforms of Peter 1, but here it is important to understand at what cost all this was achieved. The tax burden on the population increased greatly, which automatically caused the impoverishment of most peasant farms. In addition, the need to develop the economy at a rapid pace actually contributed to the strengthening of serfdom.
New and old in Peter's economy
Let's consider a table that presents the main aspects of the economic development of Russia during the reign of Peter 1, indicating which aspects existed before Peter and which appeared under him.
| Factor | Appeared or persisted |
|---|---|
| Agriculture as the basis of the country's economy | Preserved |
| Specialization economic regions | Appeared. Before Peter there was little specialization. |
| Active industrial development of the Urals | Appeared |
| Development local land tenure | Preserved |
| The formation of a single all-Russian market | Appeared |
| Manufacture | Remained, but expanded significantly |
| Protectionist policy | Appeared |
| Registration of peasants to factories | Appeared |
| Excess of goods exports over imports | Appeared |
| Canal construction | Appeared |
| Growth in the number of entrepreneurs | Appeared |
Regarding the growth in the number of entrepreneurs, it should be noted that Peter 1 actively contributed to this. In particular, he allowed any person, regardless of his origin, to conduct research into the location of minerals and establish his own factories at the location.