development of industry in the post-reform period is characterized by the emergence of new, capitalist relations.The abolition of serfdom and a set of reforms set the stage for change in all spheres of economic life.That was typical of the post-reform development of the industry in the Russian Empire, briefly described in this article.
Background industrial development
At the end of the XIX century the industrial revolution has been almost completed.Russian Empire huge strives to enhance its economic potential, the volume of industrial production increased seven times compared with the mid-century.The main thing that was characteristic of the post-reform development of the industry are listed below:
- Cheap labor.In connection with the abolition of serfdom in the Russian Empire, a host of peasants who had the personal freedom, but at the same time had no landed property.In search of a living mass of people moved to places where they could live and earn.So near large industrial enterprises new cities.
- Numerous economic reforms have made the economy more open and attractive to foreign investors.
- The successful use of the latest technological advances, the use of the skills and knowledge of experts from different countries.
- strong government support, including financial, of a large domestic capital.
Foreign capital
Factories created with significant quota of foreign capital, which was typical of the post-reform industry.Shipbuilding, mining, chemical and engineering industries attracted the German, French, Belgian and British capitalists.Food and light industry more interested in domestic investors.The public interest has focused on the defense sector.
Geography industrial regions
Most of the industrial enterprises concentrated in a few parts of the country.Donbass, northwest Russia, the Urals and Baku became the main industrial regions of the Russian Empire.The remaining areas continued to agro-artisanal sector.This selectivity is due to the simultaneous geographic concentration in these areas of cheap labor, minerals and convenient logistics, and therefore production is promised to be extremely profitable, which was typical of the post-reform industry.
the results of the post-reform
industrial revolution was virtually completed by the 1880s.In one generation, there was a transition from the old manufactory production to the factory process.Steam engines have replaced manual labor.Fragmentation of production at some minor surgery to make the technology less expensive.Active construction of railways prompted the creation of many joint-stock companies and commercial banks.Rail promote trade and stimulate public finances.
By 1880, the Russian Empire industrial growth ranked first in the world.Post-Reform industry, active financial assistance from other countries and the use of discoveries in science and technology made it possible to keep a high rate of economic development.A strong government support to make real, even the most ambitious projects, such as the development of Siberia and the study of the Arctic regions of the Russian North.
