Mikhail M. Speransky’s contribution to Siberia’s development: Economic and administrative aspects

Abstract

The study is devoted to the activities of Mikhail Mikhailovich Speransky and his role in solving the problems of governance and the economic development of Siberia. The period of his governor- generalship in 1819–1821 based on 19th-century sources is considered. The article examines the features and cause-effect relations of Speransky’s implementation of the Siberian reform, and analyzes the administrative and economic aspects of innovations in the Siberian provinces. Selected scientific sources show that Siberian merchants, members of city administrations, were the driving force behind the “Siberian institution’s” priority of stimulating economic relations; they fostered city development and trade with Russian minorities and bordering states. It is shown that Speransky helped local merchants in every way, which was expressed in the establishment of general rules of free internal trade, limiting the influence of local officials, allowing trade with representatives of indigenous peoples. The results have expanded the understanding of Speransky’s activities, allowed to evaluate his role in the Siberian reform of 1821 in the development of government and economic relations of Siberia in a new way.