Offered financial incentives for peasants to migrate to
Siberia, taking some pressure off the demand for land.
He began to finance Russian economic development from foreign loans, laying
the foundations for the rapid economic development of Russia during the 1890's.
Sergei Witte:
Finance Minster
1892 - 1903
The 'Great Spurt'
Taxes were raised on the peasentry to
pay for Russia's industrialisation.
Sergei aimed to increase
Russia's industrial output.
This also allowed Russia to
develop its military power.
Oversaw the builiding of the
Trans-Siberian Railway, which streched
from Moscow to Vladivostok
Rapid growth of towns and cities led to the
creation of poor living and working conditions.
This provided an environment for the
development of social unrest and support
for radical alternatives to Tsarism.
He wanted to modernise Russia's economy
so it could compete with the west.
However, he had no money to do so.
Raised tariffs on foreign goods
Raised interest rates on loads
The industrial revolution didn't happen in
Russia and highly relied on agriculture. 80%
of Russia's population were peasants.
Put Russia on the Gold Standard
Peter Stolypin:
Prime Minister
1906 - 1911
Stolypin embarked on a reform programme
which transformed the Russian countryside.
On the 9th November 1906:
peasants were freed from the
control of the commune.
The Peasant Land Bank were instructed to
give loans to peasants leaving the commune.
Abolishment of redemption payments 1907
He encouraged peasantd to move to
undeveloped agricultural areas of Siberia.
Incentive of cheap land financed
by government loans.
In 1905, about 20% of peasants had
ownership of their own land.
By 1915, this figure had risen to 50%
In addition to this, agricultural production rose from
45.9 million tonnes in 1906 to 61.7 million in 1913.
Little was done to improve the
living and working conditions of
Russia's industrial workers.