Vyshnegradsyk 1887-92

Question 1

Who served as Russia’s finance minister from 1887 to 1892?

Answer 1

Vyshnegradsky

Question 2

How did Vyshnegradsky reduce Russia’s budget deficit?

Answer 2

By imposing 30% tariffs on raw material imports, securing French loans, increasing indirect taxes, and boosting grain exports.

Question 3

What was the purpose of Vyshnegradsky’s 30% tariffs on imported raw materials?

Answer 3

To protect and stimulate domestic Russian production by making foreign goods more expensive.

Question 4

Which country provided loans to Russia during Vyshnegradsky’s tenure?

Answer 4

France

Question 5

Why was France willing to negotiate good loans for Russia?

Answer 5

Fear of the kaiser, wanted a two front war

Question 6

By how much did Russian grain exports grow between 1881 and 1891?

Answer 6

18%

Question 7

What was Russia’s grain status by 1892 under Vyshnegradsky’s policies?

Answer 7

Russia achieved a grain surplus.

Question 8

How did Vyshnegradsky’s tax policies affect Russian peasants?

Answer 8

Peasants paid up to 1/3 of their income in taxes, leaving few reserves for winter.

Question 9

What caused the 1891–92 famine in Russia, and how many died?

Answer 9

Bad harvests combined with grain export policies led to famine, killing 350,000 people.

Question 10

Why were peasants particularly vulnerable during the 1891–92 famine?

Answer 10

High taxes and forced grain exports left them with no food reserves.