Siberian Trade Activity Study (1894-1917)

Comprising two thirds of Russian land, Siberia has abundant resources and great developing potential. Trade activity in Siberia is primarily concerning businessmen,whose distinct development has influenced regional economy, politics and culture and has been essential to regional development as well as to the process of Russian modern history.Based on historical materials in Russian language, this article sorts historical development of trade activity in Siberia, and then analyzes and discusses its influence on politics, economy and culture of regional society.This article consists of introduction, body and conclusion. First, it explains trade activity in Siberia in later 19 th century, namely, natural environment, social development and type and range as well as development level of trade activity, and then it summarizes main characters of the development and trade activity of local businessman class. Second, it discusses the economic developing policies of laws and immigration the Russian government launched during 1894 to 1917. These favorable conditions promoted new development of trade, trade types, commercial capital and cities in Siberia and new characters of trade activity in Siberia emerged. Third, it discusses positive influences of trade activity on the development of Siberia. Trade activity invigorated and promoted the development of regional industrial and agricultural sectors, and businessmen participated in city Duma, promoted the city self-administration process and actively boosted cultural and educational development of the region.