Odesa in the integration processes of the XIX century

Abstract

This publication is devoted to the study of the economic component of the integration processes that took place in the 19 century thanks to trade operations through the Odesa port. The complex of archival and published documents and research literature used in the process of work made it possible to reconstruct the peculiarities of the development of the Odesa port. It was found that Odessa had not only a favorable geographical position, which contributed to the development of the port, but also became an attractive city for foreign merchants interested in the development of foreign trade, primarily in agricultural products. The activity of Odesa merchants and its contribution to the process of international trade is analyzed. It is noted that Greek, Italian and Jewish merchants achieved the greatest success in grain export. It was found that the number of Russian merchants of the 1st guild, which was engaged in foreign economic operations, was replenished at the expense of foreign merchants who, under the pressure of government policy, were forced to accept Russian citizenship. The Russians themselves, with minor exceptions, belonged to the 3rd guild and engaged in internal trade.