The Impact of the Industrial Revolution in Germany and Russia

1. The Industrial Revolution in Germany until 1870

Germany, before unification, was divided into a large number of small principalities and was essentially rural.

They distinguished themselves in order to structure two distinct lands: one in the West, with a structure similar to that of France, characterized by small holdings, and the East, with large areas for each of the owners and the peasants reduced to a state of servitude.

After the victory in Europe against Napoleon, a host of administrative reforms and economic freedoms were introduced, especially in Prussia by Stein and Hardenberg. In the East, following the abolition of slavery, the great landowners, known as Junkers, tended to follow the British model and established modern farms. The small properties in the West would continue to be technically backward.

In the industrial sector, although extraordinary progress was not made, the techniques of the Industrial Revolution were introduced in the textile sector. Krupp in Essen began its activities in 1827, and the mid-century conflicts highlighted the role of the modern worker.

On the trade side, with important political implications, it is essential to note the significant role played by the Zollverein, or customs union, which began with the union of a few states in 1828 and then spread rapidly. Its effects were very beneficial across all economic sectors.

2. The Industrial Revolution in Russia

Russia joined the progress of its own industrial revolution very slowly, influenced by the existence of slavery, which severely affected social and economic opportunities.

In 1861, slavery was abolished, and most of the land was made available to the rural community of Mir. Each family, within the framework of Mir, received a portion of land known as an allotment, which was distributed regularly. As a result of population growth, the social situation became aggravated, and at the beginning of this century, Stolypin attempted to finalize land distribution.

In terms of industry, during the last decades of the nineteenth century, industrial production increased substantially. Some large, modern industries, fully equipped and financed by foreigners, were superimposed on an economic life that was primarily agricultural and characterized by domestic industry scattered across the fields. Railroads, developed before the First World War and through foreign investment, expanded to more than 50,000 kilometers.