Chapter 8 Economic Development 1914 Flashcards
(35 cards)
What was the role of Witte in industrial developments?
Witte was the finance minister from 1892-1903, transforming Russian industry through economic growth and state management of industrial growth.
He sought foreign expertise and investment due to the lack of an entrepreneurial middle class.
What were the strengths of the Russian economy under Witte?
Strengths included:
* State-sponsored development of heavy industry
* Increased coal, iron, and steel production
* Growth in oil production
* Expansion of the railway network
* Attracting foreign investment
* Establishment of Moscow as an industrial center.
By 1914, Russia was the 4th largest producer of coal, iron, and steel.
What were the weaknesses of the Russian economy under Witte?
Weaknesses included:
* Dependency on foreign investment
* Neglect of agriculture
* Poor living and working conditions
* High tariffs on consumer goods
* Lack of development in consumer products.
Witte’s policies prioritized heavy industry over the welfare of the population.
Fill in the blank: Witte negotiated huge loans from _______.
France
What was the impact of the Trans-Siberian Railway?
The railway linked central Russia to the Pacific Ocean, facilitating economic benefits and opening Siberia for emigration and farming opportunities.
It provided a significant industrial increase and reinforced the export drive.
True or False: Witte’s policies led to a balanced economy in Russia.
False
What were Stolypin’s aims for agricultural reforms?
Stolypin aimed for peasants to own their land, consolidate scattered strips into one piece, and develop the land without Mir interference.
He sought to win the loyalty of peasants to tsardom and improve agricultural productivity.
What were the main agricultural changes during Stolypin’s reforms?
Key changes included:
* Removal of Mirs’ tax responsibilities
* Increased availability of state land for purchase
* Peasants granted equal rights in local administration
* Abolition of collective ownership of land.
The Peasant Land Bank was established to assist in land ownership.
What was the effect of Stolypin’s land reforms on grain production?
Grain production rose from 56 million tons in 1900 to 90 million tons by 1914.
By 1909, Russia became the leading exporter in cereal.
What was the state of the Russian economy by 1914?
Russia was the 5th largest industrial power, with significant growth in light industry and increased overseas investment but still faced inflation and social unrest.
The industrial wage rose, but living conditions remained poor, contributing to worker strikes.
How did agriculture function in traditional Russian society?
Agriculture provided employment, self-sufficiency for peasants, community cohesion, and food for the population.
The rural economy was vital for 80% of the population.
What was the significance of the gold standard adopted by Russia?
The gold standard stabilized the currency, attracting foreign capital and encouraging investment.
It fixed exchange rates against other gold-backed currencies, providing security for investors.
What was the growth rate of industrial production from 1908 to 1913?
The growth rate of industrial production experienced 8.5% per year.
This was an increase compared to the previous years.
Fill in the blank: By 1914, Russia was the world’s _______ largest producer of coal, iron, and steel.
4th
What were the challenges faced by Witte’s industrial policies?
Challenges included:
* International recession in 1899
* Russo-Japanese War and 1905 Revolution
* High interest rates on foreign debt draining resources.
Witte’s policies did not address the welfare of the population, leading to social discontent.
How did the railway expansion affect the Russian economy?
Railway expansion facilitated exploitation of raw materials, linked grain-growing areas to ports, and increased government revenue through ticket prices.
By 1905, 66% of railways were state-owned.
What was the impact of Stolypin’s reforms on land ownership by peasants?
Ownership of land by peasants increased from 20% in 1905 to 50% by 1915.
This shift aimed to create a class of prosperous farmers.
True or False: By 1914, the majority of Russian industry was concentrated in a few areas.
True
What were the main industries in Russia by 1914?
Main industries included:
* Coal
* Iron
* Steel
* Oil
* Textiles.
Light industry accounted for 40% of total industrial output.
What significant change occurred in 1907 regarding land payments?
Redemption payments are abolished
Redemption payments were fees that peasants had to pay for land they had purchased from landowners.
What happened to communes in June 1910?
All communes which had not redistributed land since 1861 are dissolved
This was part of the land reform efforts aimed at modernizing agriculture.
How did land legislation affect land transfers and farm development?
Encouraged land transfers and development of larger farms
This aimed to improve agricultural efficiency and productivity.
What was the increase in peasant land ownership from 1905 to 1915?
Increased from 20% in 1905 to 50% in 1915
This indicates a significant shift towards peasant ownership of land.
What was the annual grain production in Russia in 1900 and how much did it rise by 1914?
Rose from 56 million tons in 1900 to 90 million by 1914
This increase reflects the impact of land reforms on agricultural productivity.
