Артиллерийские арсеналы Российской империи в период военных реформ 60–70-х годов XIX века

Abstract

The relevance of the submitted research is determined by the importance of further studying the genesis of the artillery arsenals of Russia during the period of military reforms in the 60-70s of the XIX century, as well as the need for systematization and interpretation of historiographic material on this problem. In the article documentary material on the history of modernization of the artillery arsenals of the Russian Empire during the period of military reforms in the 60-70s of the XIX century has been systematized and analyzed on the present-day scientific and methodological level. On the basis of previously unknown and little-known historical sources it is illustrated that at the beginning of the Russian Arsenals transformation domestic artillery was developed very well. The experience of the Crimean War clearly demonstrated the strength of artillery of the Russian Empire which was up-to standard of our opponents’ artillery, and sometimes it was much better. The worthy state of domestic artillery induced our opponents to intensify noticeably theirproduction of artillery and this could threaten our national security in the future. Artillery production growth in foreign countries required our reaction. It isarguable that the reforms of the Russian Arsenals became the answer to the increase ofour foreign policy opponents’ artillery production (quantitative and qualitative). Realizing the reform program of domestic arsenals the military authorities of the Russian Empire refused to apply forced laborand gradually began to use free hiring of labor power. Further the modernization of the arsenals was continued. In the course of its realization domestic artillery management was centralized, the administration of Arsenals wasdismissed from organization of artillery production, the material and technical basis of the considered enterprises activity was noticeably strengthened, and a number of other important measures were carried out. As a result, all the types of Arsenals (local, movable, and district) were markedly transformed in the process of their improvement. In the article it is illustrated that conducted reforms made possible to carry out the re-equipment of the Russian Army with new artillerytubes.