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

The book explores the impact of railroads on 19th-century Russian peasant collectivism, leading to the individualization of property rights in land and a cultural revolution that made Stalin unnecessary for modernization.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 513 pages
Publication date: 20 February 2023
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 infrastructure, such as roads, schools, and hospitals, and for providing social services to its residents. In exchange for these services, the farmers were required to pay taxes to the zemstvo.

The introduction of railroads also facilitated the development of market integration and specialization in rural areas. With the ability to transport goods and produce to distant markets, farmers were able to sell their products at a higher price and increase their income. This led to the growth of new industries, such as food processing and manufacturing, in rural areas, which provided employment opportunities for many rural residents.

Another important effect of the railways was the improvement in transportation and communication. With the ability to travel quickly and efficiently, farmers were able to access markets and other centers of commerce more easily, which increased their economic opportunities. This also facilitated the spread of education and literacy, as farmers were able to access schools and libraries that were located in urban areas.

However, the development of the railways also had some negative consequences for rural communities. One of the most significant was the displacement of small-scale farmers from their land. As large-scale commercial agriculture became more prevalent, small-scale farmers were unable to compete with the lower prices and higher productivity of large-scale farms. Many small-scale farmers were forced to leave their land and move to urban areas, where they could find employment in factories and other industries.

Another negative consequence of the railways was the increased exploitation of rural workers. With the growth of commercial agriculture, there was a demand for a large labor force, and many farmers were forced to hire workers at low wages and poor working conditions. This led to the growth of labor unions and other organizations that sought to improve the working conditions of rural workers.

Despite these negative consequences, the development of the railways had a significant impact on the modernization of Russia. It facilitated the growth of new industries and the spread of education and literacy, and it improved transportation and communication. It also helped to consolidate the power of the Russian state, as the railways were used to transport troops and supplies to the front lines during the Russo-Japanese War.

In conclusion, the development of the railways had a profound impact on the social and economic structures of rural communities in Russia during the 19th century. While it had some negative consequences, such as the displacement of small-scale farmers and the exploitation of rural workers, it also had some positive consequences, such as the growth of new industries and the spread of education and literacy. The railways helped to consolidate the power of the Russian state and paved the way for the modernization of Russia.

Weight: 709g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030892876
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022