Russia on the Move: Railroads and the Exodus from Compulsory Collectivism, 1861-1914

The book explores how railroads impacted 19th-century Russian peasant collectivism, leading to the individualization of property rights in land and a cultural revolution.

Format: Hardback
Length: 513 pages
Publication date: 19 February 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

The introduction of railroads into the Russian countryside during the 19th century had a profound impact on the social and economic structures of rural communities. Prior to the arrival of the railways, agricultural production was largely decentralized, with small-scale farmers operating their own farms and relying on traditional methods of cultivation and transportation. However, with the introduction of the railways, large-scale commercial agriculture began to take hold, and small-scale farmers were increasingly marginalized.

One of the most significant effects of the railways was the development of a structured communal-village system. Under this system, farmers were organized into villages, which were governed by a collective body known as the zemstvo. The zemstvo was responsible for managing the village's affairs, including the collection of taxes, the construction of roads and bridges, and the provision of social services. The introduction of the railways facilitated the movement of goods and people between villages, which in turn led to increased economic activity and the development of market towns.

Another important effect of the railways was the development of a new class of rural wage workers. As the demand for labor increased with the expansion of commercial agriculture, many small-scale farmers were forced to hire workers to help them cultivate their land. These workers, known as kulaks, were often from poorer rural communities and were attracted to the opportunities offered by the railways. The railways provided them with access to new markets, which allowed them to sell their produce and earn a higher income.

The railways also had a significant impact on education and literacy rates in rural communities. As more and more workers were employed in the agricultural sector, there was a greater demand for education. The railways provided opportunities for workers to attend schools and colleges, which led to an increase in literacy rates and a better understanding of the world around them.

However, the development of the railways also had some negative effects on rural communities. One of the most significant was the displacement of small-scale farmers. As large-scale commercial agriculture became more prevalent, many small-scale farmers were unable to compete and were forced to leave their land. This led to a decline in the number of small-scale farmers and a concentration of land ownership in the hands of a few large landowners.

Another negative effect of the railways was the increased exploitation of rural workers. As the demand for labor increased, employers were often willing to pay low wages and provide poor working conditions. This led to a high level of worker exploitation and a decline in the quality of life for many rural workers.

Despite these negative effects, the development of the railways had a significant impact on the modernization of Russia. It facilitated the movement of goods and people, which in turn led to increased economic activity and the development of market towns. It also provided opportunities for workers to access education and improve their skills, which in turn led to a better understanding of the world around them.

In conclusion, the development of the railways had a profound impact on the social and economic structures of rural communities in 19th-century Russia. While it had some negative effects, such as the displacement of small-scale farmers and the exploitation of rural workers, it also had some positive effects, such as the development of a structured communal-village system and the development of a new class of rural wage workers. The railways played a significant role in the modernization of Russia and helped to lay the foundation for the development of the Soviet Union.

Weight: 837g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030892845
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022