Size and composition of Siberian merchantry in the early XIX century

Abstract

The object of this research is the different merchant classes of Siberian cities. The subjects is the size and composition of Siberian merchantry of the early XIX century. The goal of this work consists in tracing the process of establishment of Siberian merchantry in the conditions of economic and estate policy of the empire. The author highlights and analyzes the three stages in the process of formation of Siberian merchantry in the early XIX century, which reflects the socio-legal transformations in functionality of merchantry, as well as the changes in economic life of the Siberian region. The scientific novelty lies in the fact that by generalization of previous experience and attraction of other materials, including archival that have not been considered before by the experts, the author explores the dynamic pattern of size and density of merchantry in the Siberian cities throughout half of a century, as well as traces the influence of various factors upon its formation. The conclusion is made that throughout the period in question the size of merchantry has undergone significant changes associated with the government policy, namely raise of property requirements for enrollment into merchant guilds, tax rates for merchantry, economic development of the region and its separate cities.