Features of the Modernization of the Russian Far East: Imperial and Soviet Models of Industrial Development

Abstract

The study analyzes the imperial and Soviet models of industrial development of the Russian Far East at the end of the 19th century and first third of the 20th century. The relevance of the study is that understanding the historical experience of the exploration and development of the eastern territories, and determining their place and role in Russian space, ultimately determines the fate of the Russian presence on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. The development of the Far East territories since their discovery by Russians was carried out by a combination of private initiative of individuals and state support, and from the second half of the 19th century with significant state participation. At the end of the nineteenth and beginning of the 20th centuries, the imperial model of industrial development of the region formed, and the Soviet model emerged with the establishment of Soviet power and the elimination of NEP. The article concludes that the imperial and Soviet model of the industrial development of the Far East was based on a strong state influence on the region, which in general, despite its negative aspects, can be viewed positively. Here, higher rates of industrial modernization were ensured than in the west of the country, and there was no particular risk of conflict with the old, obsolete elements of the social system. Along with this, there was a large influence of centralized management and bureaucratic structures that ignored local characteristics, conditions, and interests. Historical experience has shown that significant state participation in the development of the Far East did not contribute to the efficient use of financial, material, technical, and labor resources and was associated with significant costs and losses.