Russian Statesmen of the Late 19th - Early 20th Century on Socio-Economic Problems of the Development of Siberia

Abstract

The article is devoted to the strategic role of Siberia in the socio-economic development of the Russian state in general and interregional relations in particular. The author consistently examines the formation and evolution of the evaluative perception of the economic and social significance of Siberia by key statesmen of the Russian Empire, namely N.H. Bunge, S.Y. Witte, P.A. Stolypin. The article analyzes the level of industrial development of Russia in the XlX-early XX century through the method of comparison with the most industrially developed countries of Europe and the world. Siberia, according to the objective opinion of the reformers of the turn of the century, was the «currency storehouse» of Russia, whose bowels needed competent development. However, this task is feasible only if the number of qualified population in Siberia grows and the operational management of industrial processes from the center. The author focuses on the analysis of management decisions on reforming community relations, attracting labor resources to Siberia and planning projects for the development of Siberia, which were developed by these statesmen (N.H. Bunge, S.Y. Witte and P.A. Stolypin). These projects organically combine continuity and innovative features: N.H. Bunge is characterized by attention to the issues of resettlement of peasants and the development of the institute of private land ownership in Siberia, S.Y. Witte is characterized by an emphasis on the creation of an extensive transport infrastructure, P.A. Stolypin is distinguished by attention to the social sphere (medicine and education in Siberia). The article concludes with statement of the high importance of the reform activity of N.H. Bunge, S.Y. Witte, P.A. Stolypin and their role in establishing communications between the European, Siberian and Far Eastern regions of Russia, in raising the level of economic and cultural development of Siberia and strengthening the reputation of the Russian Empire as an industrial power.