Story

Before 1917

The goal was to study the situation of Russian agriculture and the economic conditions of the country and disseminate information useful for agriculture. consisted of three departments:

• agricultural;
• agricultural technical production and agricultural mechanics;
• political economy and agricultural statistics.

It was headed by an elected president. The rights and privileges of the Free Economic Society were confirmed by special Highest rescripts at the beginning of each reign.

It published “Proceedings” - books related to agriculture and public education, organized agricultural exhibitions, and distributed smallpox vaccination. At the VEO there was a Literacy Committee (closed in 1896), commissions: soil, statistical, on the peasant issue, on free distribution of books, library, museums: soil named after. V.V. Dokuchaev, folk industry, models and machines, mineralogical, soil, botanical, zoological collections.

Since 1900, the activities of the VEO, due to police restrictions, have been suspended. The proposal to develop a new charter remained without movement (1906).

The complex of buildings of the house of the Free Economic Society (19th century, Moskovsky Avenue, 33, 4th Krasnoarmeyskaya Street, 1) - An architectural monument of Federal significance.

VEO in modern Russia

The activities of the public organization of economists were resumed in 1982 under the name “Scientific Economic Society”. It was headed by academician T. S. Khachaturov. In 1987, the organization began to be called the “All-Union Economic Society”, the President of which was elected USSR Minister of Finance V. S. Pavlov. In the city, the historical name was returned - “Free Economic Society of Russia”, in the same year the society was headed by the mayor of Moscow G. Kh. Popov. Since 1998, the society has been holding the All-Russian competition “Economic Growth of Russia”.

The headquarters of VEO Russia is located in the Moscow House of Economists on Tverskaya, building 22a.

VEO Awards

In pre-revolutionary Russia, VEO awarded gold, silver and copper medals, established by Catherine II. Among the medal winners: Bearde de l'Abbey, K. Winnert, F. Herman, I. Timman, N. Sementovsky, M. Titov, A. Neustroev, V. Vereshchagin, A. Butlerov, V. Vodovozov and others.

For presence at society meetings, gold and silver tokens were also awarded (following the example of the French Academy).

A special medal was issued for the society's centenary (1865).

In 2005, the VEO established the “Big Gold Medal” and “Silver Medal”. Among those awarded the Big Gold Medal are L. Abalkin, Y. Luzhkov, G. Popov; The silver medal was awarded to: S. Sitaryan, R. Shageeva, R. Plotnikova, E. Urinovsky, I. Smelyanskaya, as well as institutional entities: International Academy of Management, Socio-political magazine “Our Power: Deeds and Faces”, etc.

Literature

• V. Sudeikin,// Encyclopedic Dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron: In 86 volumes (82 volumes and 4 additional ones). - St. Petersburg. , 1890-1907.
• “Essays on the history of the Imperial Free Economic Society”, Khodnev (1865)
• “Essays on the history of the Imperial Free Economic Society”, Beketov (1890)
• Shinkarenko P. V. “Reborn Phoenix: essays on the activities of the Free Economic Society of Russia 1765-2005” - M., 2005. ISBN 5-94160-031-3

Links

Categories:

• Scientific societies of Russia
• Imperial Russian Societies
• Russian associations and movements
• Economic societies
• Scientific societies of the Russian Empire
• Appeared in 1765
• Scientific societies of St. Petersburg

Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

See what “Free Economic Society” is in other dictionaries:

Free Economic Society- (VEO), the oldest scientific society in Russia. Established in St. Petersburg in 1765 by large landowners who, in the conditions of the growth of the market and commercial agriculture, sought to rationalize agriculture and increase the productivity of serf labor.... ... Encyclopedic reference book "St. Petersburg"

Modern encyclopedia

Free Economic Society- (VEO), the first scientific economic society in Russia. Founded in St. Petersburg in 1765. Organized competitions on political economics and applied agricultural and technical problems, economic questionnaire surveys, exhibitions... ... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

- (VEO) the first Russian scientific society, founded in 1765 in St. Petersburg. Published the first statistical and geographical studies of Russia, promoted the introduction of new agricultural technology into agriculture, discussed economic... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

- (VEO), the first Russian scientific society. Founded in 1765 in St. Petersburg. Published the first statistical and geographical study of Russia, promoted the introduction of new agricultural technology into agriculture, discussed economic problems... Russian history

- (VEO), the oldest scientific society in Russia. Established in St. Petersburg in 1765 by large landowners who, in the conditions of the growth of the market and commercial agriculture, sought to rationalize agriculture and increase the productivity of serfs... ... St. Petersburg (encyclopedia)

- (VEO) is one of the oldest in the world and the first economic society in Russia (free, formally independent from government departments). Established in St. Petersburg in 1765 by large landowners who sought market growth and... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

The oldest scientific society in Russia. Established in 1765, it seems, at the initiative of Empress Catherine II, which is evident from the first composition of members of the society, who stood close to the empress’s court. The goal of the society was to spread among the people... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Ephron

- (VEO) is one of the oldest in the world and the first economical in Russia. about in (free independent from departments). Established in St. Petersburg in 1765 by large landowners G. G. Orlov, R. I. Vorontsov and other close associates of Catherine II, who sought in the conditions ... Soviet historical encyclopedia

- (VEO), the first Russian scientific society, founded in 1765 in St. Petersburg. Published the first statistical and geographical study of Russia, promoted the introduction of new agricultural technology into agriculture, discussed economic... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

In Russia, the first attempts were made to apply new methods, technologies, and scientific achievements for the development of agricultural production. For this purpose, in October 1765, it was created Free Economic Society— the first in Russia and one of the first economic public organizations in the world.

The founders of the Free Economic Society were a group of large landowners, among whom were Count R. Vorontsov, Count G. Orlov, Count I. Chernyshev, Senator A. Olsufiev and others. It was not by chance that the organization received its name. Its creators, putting the word “free” in the name, emphasized that the society does not depend on the government, does not participate in any political movements, and “is guided in its activities only by the good of the Fatherland, supporting the mental and spiritual potential of Russia." The word “economic” pointed to that area of ​​life that society sought to improve. His task was to disseminate scientific knowledge in the field of economics, and above all agronomy, as well as to stimulate all kinds of research in this direction.

The “Proceedings” of the Free Economic Society were published. In the 18th century 52 volumes were published, and a total of 280 of them were published during the existence of the society. “Proceedings” became no less popular among the reading public than the works of French enlighteners and literary magazines. They covered the results of scientific research in various areas of the economy, talked about new technology, and gave recommendations on housekeeping.

For example, the first volume contains 17 articles: “On sowing forests”, “Ways to look for water in waterless places”, “Method of hardening steel”, “On releasing wheat overseas”, “On the construction of living quarters for the common people”, etc. . Material from the site

During the reign of Catherine II (second half of the 18th century)

The activities of the Free Economic Society in the second half of the 18th century under the conditions of serfdom did not lead to significant results. Only on individual estates did landowners try to introduce multi-field crop rotation and began to use agricultural machinery along with the traditional labor of serfs.

Pictures (photos, drawings)

On this page there is material on the following topics:

The Free Economic Society was created in order to disseminate among the nobility progressive ideas for organizing agricultural work to increase productivity and make labor more rational. The society was created on November 11, 1765 and was under the patronage of Catherine 2 (it was the first scientific society in Russia), as part of the implementation of the ideas of enlightened absolutism. Society members published books, magazines, and held exhibitions. The article is devoted to a description of the history of the organization of the Free Economic Society, as well as an analysis of the main results of its activities.

For what purpose was the Free Economic Society created?

In the 18th century, Enlightenment ideas began to gain popularity in Russia. The basis of these ideas is the role of science and education in social and state progress. For the first time, the ideas of the Enlightenment came to Russia under Peter 1, as a result of which the Academy of Sciences was opened. Later, the spread of Enlightenment ideas led to the opening of a university and other educational institutions in Moscow. The peak of popularity of Enlightenment thinkers occurred during the reign of Catherine II. The Empress herself was on friendly terms with Voltaire and Diderot, who were considered classics of the French Enlightenment. Communication with Diderot forced Catherine to think about creating scientific publications in Russia, following the example of the Encyclopedia. Correspondence with Voltaire pushed the empress to create organizations that would bring progressive ideas to the people. The main sector of the Russian economy was agriculture, which is why this area required reforms, using the best practices and progressive ideas of Europe.

Creation of the Society

In 1765, dignitaries close to Catherine, Grigory Orlov and Roman Vorontsov, approached the Empress with the idea of ​​creating an organization that would disseminate progressive ideas of farming among landowners, as well as knowledge of livestock breeding and agronomy. According to the initiators, the Russian nobles knew only one way to increase productivity - expanding the territory, as well as increasing peasant duties. This is how a free economic society was born.

In the modern language of economics, landowners chose the extensive way of farming, and the newly created Society, and in fact a public organization, would disseminate the ideas of the intensive way, that is, increasing productivity through rational policies and scientific achievements (fertilizers, and later technology). The Empress supported the idea, and the Free Economic Society was organized. The two creators were also joined by Adam Olsufiev and Ivan Chernyshev.

As for the organizational aspect, the Society was to be headed by a president, who was elected by the participants and approved by the monarch. Until 1783, Grigory Orlov was president. In the first years of its activity, the society published the journal “Proceedings”, on the pages of which articles were published about the latest methods of soil treatment and information about fertilizers. In addition, members of the free economic society collected statistical information about the climatic characteristics of the regions of Russia. The magazine was published until 1855, and in total more than 30 volumes were printed. However, the most high-profile event in the activities of the Free Society was an essay competition on improving peasant life.

Peasant reform competition

Later, the Free Society announced a competition for the best plan for solving the peasant question in Russia. The peculiarity was that foreigners could participate in the competition. Several interesting projects were submitted this way.

Among the Russian works, A. Polenov was singled out, who proposed to weaken serfdom in Russia as much as possible, transferring large plots of land to the peasants, but in return giving them duties. Polenov's work was never published because it contained a detailed criticism of the serfdom system in Russia.

The most radical project was Voltaire, who proposed completely freeing the peasants by transferring land to their ownership. The very fact of the participation of the great philosopher and poet in this competition attracted the attention of all of Europe to this event.

The winner of the competition was the project of the Frenchman Bearde de Labey, who proposed to free the peasants, but transferring small plots of land into their ownership, which would force them to rent the land from the owners - the nobles.

Despite the great interest in the competition, its ideas remained projects. However, despite this, for the first time the nobility faced the question of the future of the serfdom system.

Free economic society in the 19th century

In the mid-19th century, the Society expanded significantly and consisted of three sections:

• Agriculture;
• Agricultural equipment;
• Agricultural Statistics.

An interesting fact is that the society bought land near St. Petersburg and created a site for experiments there. This was called the Okhtinskaya farm. In 1899, the Society began publishing the journal Soil Science.

During the reforms of Alexander II, the Free Society became a place for discussing liberal ideas. That is why at the end of the century it came under the control of the Ministry of Agriculture, effectively ceasing to be a public organization. In fact, the Free Society ceased to exist in 1915; the society was finally dissolved in 1919 during the Civil War.

Has the society achieved its objectives?

Despite much scientific and statistical work, as well as the popularization of progressive methods of farming, historians question the effectiveness of the Free Economic Society. Today, most historians believe that the Society did not fulfill its task, because, despite the large number of publications, only a few nobles became interested in modernizing the village. However, the very fact of the Society’s existence prompted discussions about the future of the village in the Russian Empire. It was the Society that first forced the nobles to think about the serfdom system and its problems. Thus, the main merits of the Free Economic Society lie in the theoretical sphere; the matter never reached large-scale practice.

VEO emblems previous years

In 1765, a group of well-known figures in Russia (Count R.I. Vorontsov, Prince G.G. Orlov, Count I.G. Chernyshev, Senator A.V. Olsufiev and others) sent a letter to Empress Catherine II with the following content:

All-Merciful, Most Sovereign, Great - Wise Empress and Autocrat of All-Russia, All-Merciful Empress!
The reign of YOUR IMPERIAL MAJESTY is the plan for the fatherland in which our bliss is apparently accomplished. With Your Majesty's tireless work and care for the affairs, the integrity and well-being of the constituent Empire, apparently, your patronage acts so much for the Sciences and Arts; and hereby your subjects are encouraged in the hearts of lovers in educating themselves and in enlightening others. Looking at this, we, all our subjects, will unite by voluntary agreement to establish a meeting among us, in which we intend to work together to improve Agriculture and Housekeeping. Our zeal and zeal, no matter how great, but when they are not supported by the patronage of the Monarchs, then our work will be without implementation.
Members of the Free Economic Society

In her response message, Catherine wrote:

Gentlemen members of the Free Economic Society,
The intention you have undertaken to improve agriculture and house-building is very pleasing to us, and the work resulting from it will be direct evidence of your true zeal and love for your Fatherland. Your plan and charter, which you have committed to each other, WE praise and, in agreement with the All-Merciful, we test that you called yourself a Free Economic Society. Please be trustworthy that WE accept it under Our special protection; For the seal you request, we not only allow you to use Our Imperial coat of arms in all cases, during your labors, but also as a sign of Our excellent goodwill towards you, we allow you to put your own inside it Our motto , bees in a hive bringing honey with the inscription Useful. On top of this, we most graciously bestow upon your society six thousand rubles to rent a decent house, both for your meeting and for the establishment of an Economic Library in it. Your work, with God's help, will be rewarded to you and your descendants with your own benefit, and WE, as we multiply your efforts, will not leave Our Favor to you.
Catherine
October 31 days
1765

The date indicated on the letter is considered the beginning of the existence of the world's oldest scientific and public organization, the first civil society institution in Russia.

Founders of the Imperial Free Economic Society
Having expressed full agreement with the program and charter of the organization, she approved the name - “Imperial Free Economic Society of Russia”. And as a sign of favor, she allowed the use of her coat of arms and motto in the symbols of the Society: “Bees bringing honey to the hive” with the inscription: “useful.”

Catherine II defined two main principles of VEO activity: to be “Imperial” (sovereign)- serve the Russian state; be "Free"- provide an independent and objective approach, representing diverse points of view, uniting for this purpose the constructive forces of the country: from the ruling to the opposition.

A prominent role in the fate of the VEO of Russia was played by outstanding economists, scientists, educators, and government officials who were members of the Society over the years: Leonard Euler, Dmitry Mendeleev, Andrei Nartov, Nikolai Beketov, Samuel Gmelin, Mikhail Kutuzov, Thaddeus Bellingshausen, Ivan Kruzenshtern, Nikolai Miklukho -Maclay, Gabriel Derzhavin, Lev Tolstoy, Alexander Radishchev, Nikolai Mordvinov, Grigory Orlov, Roman Vorontsov, Mikhail Speransky, Pyotr Stolypin, Sergei Witte. VEO of Russia had great services to the Russian state, served the goals and practical affairs of enlightenment. The first Charter of the Society stated: “There is no more convenient means of increasing the people’s well-being in any state than to try to bring the economy to a better state, showing the proper ways in which natural crops can be used with greater benefit and previous shortcomings can be corrected.” Society determined not only pressing problems in the economic life of the country, but also ways to solve these problems. The practical impact of the Society’s activities, its focus on effective reform, and the dissemination of new methods and technologies were no less important than the theoretical research of VEO members.

To encourage creative search in VEO, an effective system of organizational measures was developed:
- announcement of competitive tasks and awarding of winners with medals and cash prizes. Already in 1766, the VEO held the first competition on the question sent by Catherine II: “What is the property of a farmer - is it in the land that he cultivates, or in movables, and what right can he have to both for the benefit of the whole people?” This competition marked the beginning of future socio-economic reforms in Russia;
- research by well-known specialists and even commissions into the proposals of domestic inventors. At the same time, complex projects were subjected to many years of testing in different natural and climatic zones and by various persons specially invited for this work;
- organization of exhibitions and sales of the latest agricultural machinery. In the second half of the 19th century. agricultural exhibitions began to be organized not only by provincial government bodies and societies, but also by district ones;
- and much more.

From the first days of VEO’s life, practical work began- free distribution of seeds, introduction of potato culture, hitherto unknown to Russians. In 1766, the Society raised the issue of spare stores and public plowing. Soon, VEO began producing smallpox vaccine for the population. However, the main activity of VEO remained economic analytics.

In 1801, Alexander I issued the highest decree addressed to the governors, requiring them to fulfill the tasks of the Free Economic Society to work together for the benefit of Russia. At the direction of Nicholas I, the VEO prepared a conclusion on the effectiveness of introducing technological advances into the Russian economy; from the 20s of the 19th century, the Society was actively involved in issues of agricultural education; for these purposes, in 1833, Emperor Nicholas I granted the VEO capital, which the VEO used to train rural teachers .

In 1790, the Society developed and published an extensive program of local research entitled: “An outline for the ongoing task and reward of those works that will inform it about the economic descriptions of private Russian governorships.” In 1801, the VEO achieved the highest order to “compel governors to answer,” and from 1829 it collected the necessary information from landowners and the clergy. In 1847, the Society collected and published data on bread prices, forests and the timber industry, two years later it equipped a special expedition to collect information about the black earth belt, and in 1853 it published materials on agricultural statistics.

On the occasion of its 100th anniversary, the VEO organized a congress of rural owners of Russia, at which the question was comprehensively discussed: “What should be the measures to explore Russia economically, and what kind of participation can both the Free Economic Society and others take in this matter?” scientists". The following year, together with the Geographical Society, an extensive study of grain trade and productivity in Russia was undertaken, which resulted in a number of scientific works (Barkovsky, Janson, Bezobrazov and others).

Since 1870, the VEO began studying the activities of zemstvos and published a special “Zemsky Yearbook”, and in 1877 it undertook a study of the Russian community, which culminated in the publication of a solid collection. In 1889, the Society conducted a study of the arrears of peasants using the example of one of the districts of the Russian outback; in 1896-1898, a study was conducted of agricultural cooperatives in the Kherson province. At the same time, according to the reports of Chuprov, Posnikov, Annensky, the question of the influence of harvests on various aspects of economic life was studied; according to the reports of Tugan-Baranovsky and Struve, the question of the direction of economic development of Russia was debated.

The financial problems of the country were also in the field of view of the members of the Society. In 1886, VEO raised the issue of income tax, in 1893 it sharply protested against the introduction of a salt tax, in 1896 it discussed a project for monetary reform in Russia, and in 1898 it petitioned for a revision of customs tariffs.

Since the 20s of the 19th century, the Society has been actively involved in issues of agricultural education. For many years, VEO maintained its own agricultural school, beekeeping school, had its own workshop and even a museum. While working on the problems of soil science, the Society summarized the well-known works of Dokuchaev in the book “Russian Chernozem”.

The Society paid great attention to statistical issues, developing methodology and ways of organizing valuation work. In 1900, a congress of zemstvo statisticians was convened under the special statistical commission of the VEO.

Since 1849, numerous exhibitions have been held under the auspices of the VEO: herded cattle, dairy farming, agricultural implements and machines, dried fruits and vegetables, etc. In 1850 and 1860, the Society organized exhibitions of “rural works” on a nationwide scale. At several international and world exhibitions (Paris, 1878, 1889; Prague, 1879; Chicago, 1893 and others), VEO expositions received the highest awards.

Among the most significant achievements of the VEO, which were of particular importance for the development of the country, the following should be noted: members of the Society initiated the abolition of serfdom, the introduction of universal primary education, and developed a reform mechanism implemented by Alexander II. The society became the founder of Russian statistics, the initiator of the spread of new varieties of agricultural crops in the country, the development of soil science, the formation of the domestic cheese industry and much more.

In 1909, the VEO had more than 500 members, and there were correspondents in a number of foreign countries. The Society existed thanks to government subsidies, numerous private donations and membership fees, had its own house in St. Petersburg, and at one time owned part of Petrovsky Island and an experimental farm on the Okhta River.

All scientific and practical activities of the VEO are reflected in the “Proceedings of the Imperial Free Economic Society” published from its very foundation until 1915 (281 issues), not counting over 150 separate works on various issues and publications of the Literacy Committee, which worked under the Society from 1861 to 1895 year. In addition, under the auspices of the VEO, periodicals were published at different times: “Economic News”, “Circle of Economic Information”, “Atlas of the Museum of the Imperial Free Economic Society”, “Forest Journal”, “Economic Notes”, “Russian Beekeeping Leaflet” and others .
The privileged position of VEO and the rights given to it were confirmed by each of the successors of Catherine II (with the exception of Paul I) upon their accession to the throne. The last highest rescript, given on November 21, 1894, drew attention to the useful activities of the Society and declared favor for its labors.

From the second half of the 1890s, the period of rapid prosperity of the Society's activities gave way to a time of increasing decline, which was facilitated by the liberal sentiments of some of its members, which caused discontent with the authorities. In 1895, the “unreliable” Literacy Committee was torn away from the VEO, in 1898, the Famine Relief Committee operating under the Society was closed, some publications of the VEO were banned, and the minutes of its meetings were confiscated. In 1900, the authorities banned public meetings of the Society, placed its work under the control of the Ministry of Agriculture and State Property, and demanded that the Charter be revised to limit it to narrow practical issues. VEO actually curtailed its work, restoring it in full only after the Tsar's Manifesto of 1905.

When World War I broke out, the VEO organized relief efforts for war victims while simultaneously discussing wartime government budget issues and the situation of economic distress. During one of these meetings in 1915, the activities of the Society were suddenly interrupted and prohibited. After the February Revolution of 1917, the VEO became active again, and even created the Petrograd branch of the League of Agrarian Reforms. In 1919, the first public organization of Russian economists ceased to exist. Only many years later, in 1963, the Society, which had done so much for the good of the Fatherland, was remembered in connection with a letter to the CPSU Central Committee from historian A.P. Berdyshev, who proposed celebrating the 200th anniversary of the VEO. But functionaries from the CPSU Central Committee and VASKhNIL blocked the initiative, considering it “inappropriate.”

The revival of the Society began in the 1980s, when interest in the profession of economist re-emerged. At this time, the Scientific and Economic Society was created, which at the II Congress was renamed the All-Union Economic Society. In 1988, a resolution of the Council of Ministers of the USSR “Issues of the All-Union Economic Society” was issued. Outstanding scientists, practical economists, academicians L.I. actively worked as part of the Society. Abalkin, A.G. Aganbegyan, A.Yu. Ishlinsky, N.Ya. Petrakov, T.S. Khachaturov, S.S. Shatalin; Professor G.Kh. Popov, P.G. Bunich, N.N. Gritsenko, O.V. Kozlova, V.N. Kirichenko, A.M. Rumyantsev, A.D. Sheremet, V.N. Cherkovets, E.G. Yasin; heads of government agencies (planning, financial, statistical and other economic departments): N.V. Belov, A.I. Lebed, N.P. Lebedinsky, N.V. Garetovsky, L.A. Kostin, V.S. Pavlov, N.I. Ryzhkov, V.I. Shcherbakov and many others.

In 1992, the organization of economists was returned to its historical name - Free Economic Society of Russia. VEO of Russia is the spiritual successor and continuer of the traditions of the imperial Free Economic Society, which is legally enshrined by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation.

A huge contribution to the development of the Society’s activities rightfully belongs to the President of the VEO of Russia, Professor G. Kh. Popov.

§ 4. Colonies of foreigners

ABOUT The understanding of the low efficiency of forced labor is evidenced, in particular, by an attempt to clearly demonstrate the advantages of free labor by creating a wide network of model farms based on free labor. In the conditions of serfdom in Russia, such a mission was entrusted to foreign settlers from Western European countries. Decree

O an invitation to Russia for those wishing to engage in agriculture was issued just a few months after the accession of Catherine II - October 14, 1762. The conditions that were proposed were impressive. Foreigners were promised the opportunity to farm “on the most fertile lands in the world.” Here they were to be housed in pre-built houses and provided with livestock and household equipment. All this was offered for a loan, the payment of which was to be repaid in small installments over a long period of time. The settlers were granted self-government, freedom of religion, and were only prohibited from building monasteries. Along with agriculture, they could engage in fishing activities, establish fairs and trades, and conduct trade both within the state and with other countries. For a long time they were exempt from all duties, including recruiting. And all this in serf Russia, in conditions of tightening serfdom here. The scale of the plan is evidenced by the size of the allocations: during the reign of Catherine, over five million rubles were allocated for this

- a huge amount for those times.

The practical implementation of the plan was carefully thought out. A special institution was created in St. Petersburg: the Office of Guardianship of Foreigners, which was in charge of resettlement matters. The then favorite of Catherine II, Alexei Orlov, was placed at the head of the office, endowed with the broadest powers. Describing his business qualities, Ekaterina singled out diligence and exceptional energy in carrying out the assigned tasks, which also emphasized the importance attached to the new enterprise. The entire network of institutions created locally that were in charge of land delimitation was accountable to the Guardianship Office. At the same time, they were instructed to even take into account that, in order to avoid possible clashes, representatives of different religious faiths should not coexist with each other. Land for settlers was allocated in the central provinces of Russia, as well as in St. Petersburg. But the main habitats were to become the then half-empty lands of the Middle Volga region and the Northern Black Sea region.

In Western European countries, a system of recruitment centers was created. Such a broadly conceived event, however, did not live up to expectations. There were several reasons. Perhaps the main thing was that, despite a well-organized recruitment service, instead of the expected hardworking farmers and skilled artisans, only a few dared to come to Russia, primarily seekers of an easy life, a significant part of whom consisted of declassed elements rejected by society . In addition, the measures planned in St. Petersburg for the timely delimitation of land, the construction of houses and the fulfillment of other conditions were not implemented. On the outskirts, the small local population greeted the newcomers unfriendly. The landowners, in the conditions of the development of market relations, themselves coveted fertile lands. The local administration immediately saw a source of profit here. Russian reality, therefore, overthrew the government's proposed transformation plans, showing them to be illusory. Two years later, in conditions when the newly minted colonists brought to undeveloped lands found themselves dependent on the treasury, it was decided to stop the influx of new ones for the time being. The permit was renewed only in the 70s, after more than 10 years, and already had other goals: to promote settlement

nyu uninhabited places. The colonies of foreigners did not play any noticeable role in the economic life of Russia. The economy of foreign settlers improved only after several decades, through the efforts of subsequent generations. But even then, these settlements of colonists existed separately, not in close contact with the surrounding population.

Thus, large-scale plans had to be abandoned. In the conditions of Russia in the 18th century. they turned out to be unrealistic, since they were not provided with economic and social guarantees. The local administration was unable to carry out the work entrusted to it, and local residents perceived the new settlers unfriendly, especially against the backdrop of the privileges that were granted to them.

Control questions

1. Describe the main features of enlightened absolutism and its specifics in Russia in the second half of the 18th century.

2. Give an assessment of the “Order” of Catherine II of the Legislative Commission.

3. Why are there no articles in the aforementioned “Nakaz” about the largest class – the peasantry?

4. Why did the work of the Statutory Commission fail and what significance did it have?

5. In whose interests were the activities of the “Free Economic Society” carried out?

6. Connect the idea of ​​​​organizing colonies of foreigners with the ideas of the “Nakaz”.

Literature

1. BricknerA. The history of Catherine II. T. 1–2. M., 1991.

2. Druzhinin N.M. Enlightened absolutism in Russia / Absolutism in Russia (XVII–XVIII centuries). M., 1964.

3. Kamensky A.B. Life and fate of Catherine the Great. M., 1997.

4. Klyuchevsky V.O. Russian history course. Op. in 9 volumes. T. 4. M., 1989.

5. Moryakov V.I. Russian enlightenment of the second half. XVIII century M., 1994.

6. Omelchenko O.Ya. "Legitimate Monarchy" of Catherine II. M., 1993.

7. Pavlenko N.I. Catherine the Great. Ed. 2nd. M., 2000.

Chapter XIX Socio-economic development of Russia in the second half of the 18th century.

Second half of the 18th century. became a time of significant development of agriculture, industry and trade. This was facilitated by both objective circumstances and the purposeful activities of the government. After all, it was the economic sphere that largely ensured the stability of society and constituted the economic foundation of the military power of the state.

§ 1. Agriculture

In the second half of the 18th century. Agriculture remained the main sphere of activity of the majority of the population and the main source of living goods. The increase in agricultural production was carried out, first of all, through the annexation of vast territories to Russia and the development of previously uncultivated lands. So, at this time, Right Bank Ukraine, the lands of Belarus, and the Baltic states became part of Russia. Beginning in the 1930s, as a result of landowner and partly peasant colonization, vast areas of the Volga region began to be developed for agricultural land. The victories of Russian weapons, as well as the organizational activities of G.A. Potemkin stimulated the development of lands in the Northern Black Sea region. Thus, Russia's agricultural balance included vast lands, some of which had previously been a zone of relatively intensive agriculture.

One consequence of this was a further deepening of the geographical division of labor. The main producers of bread are the provinces of the Black Earth Center, stretching from the middle reaches of the Dnieper to the middle reaches of the Volga. Here the yield of grain was five or more. Along with traditional crops - rye, oats, barley, the plantings of wheat, which is in high demand in the domestic and foreign markets, are expanding. Harvesting grain on infertile non-chernozem soils in a vast area covering part of Belarus, the Smolensk region, Tver, Novgorod, Pskov, Vologda and other provinces often did not provide the population with bread, especially in conditions of frequent crop failures. (In the 18th century, there were 30 lean years in Russia.) But here, on podzolic soils, the cultivation of industrial crops: flax and hemp expanded. Potato plantings are increasing and they are becoming a garden crop. The population, purchasing grain supplied from the South and South-West, had the opportunity to expand fishing activities.

Along with the dominance of the traditional three-field system, steps are being taken to introduce multi-field systems, improve land cultivation, and organize seed farming. A major contribution to this belonged to the above-mentioned Free Economic Society, founded in St. Petersburg. But also locally, through the efforts of local enthusiasts, agronomic schools are being created. Thus, Olonets Governor Sivers announced the creation of a school where they teach how to grow potatoes and invited landowners to send boys there for training.

Commercial gardening developed around capitals and large cities. Thus, the peasants of the Rostov district of the Yaroslavl province specialized in growing early vegetables and chicory.

The processing of agricultural raw materials is becoming an important area of ​​landowner entrepreneurship. First of all, it should be noted that distillation has become widespread. The supply of wine to the treasury brought large profits. In 1756, the nobility was granted a monopoly on its supply. The scale of distillation is evidenced, in particular, by the fact that in the Smolensk province alone in the 80s there were 568 distilleries.

Cattle breeding, like agriculture, was of a low level. The peasants' livestock breeds were mostly unproductive. Cattle breeding was also poorly developed in the landed estates. But here, too, new trends have emerged. Thus, in the north of the country, one of the best breeds of cattle, Kholmogory, is spreading. In the Oryol, Voronezh and other provinces, breeds of trotting and draft horses are being bred, and fine-fleece sheep breeding is being introduced in the south of the country.

However, examples of this kind were episodic. The bulk of the population continued to engage in agriculture in the old fashioned way.