Bukovyna as part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and its socio-economic development on the eve of rail way construction

Abstract

This article examines how the socio-economic conditions in Bukovyna influenced the formation and development of the railway network in the region. It explores whether these processes aligned with the global trends of the time. Based on the analysis of scientific literature, memoirs, and archival materials, it was found that the topic of the formation and functioning of the railway network in Bukovyna had not been systematically studied. It was revealed that the Austrian authorities, by turning Bukovyna into an internal colony of the Habsburg Empire, kept the region in the position of a raw material appendage and a market for the industry of the empire's central provinces. The tariff, customs, credit, and tax systems introduced by the imperial government supported this process, acting in the interests of Austro-Hungarian capital. The development of the railway network was aimed at ensuring the economic interests of the empire, which affected the socio-economic development of Bukovyna. In particular, the construction of railways improved the transport infrastructure, leading to increased trade and higher volumes of raw material and goods transportation. However, this development had a dual nature. On one hand, it promoted economic growth and modernization of the region, but on the other hand, it intensified Bukovyna's dependence on the central provinces of the empire, limiting its economic autonomy and the development of local industry. The article also analyzes the impact of railway construction on the social aspects of life in Bukovyna. The railway became an important factor in migration, contributing to urbanization and the growth of the working class. However, at the same time, social tensions increased due to the unequal distribution of economic benefits and the intensification of local population exploitation. The conclusions of the article emphasize the need for further research to fully understand the impact of railway development on Bukovyna in the context of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and to compare these processes with similar developments in other parts of the world.