RURAL TERRITORIAL BANKS AND SMALL LAND CREDITING IN PROJECTS OF THE ZEMTSVO’S CONSERVATIVE MEMBERS OF THE SECOND HALF OF XIX - EARLY XX CENTURIES

Abstract

Basing on a wide range of historical sources the author of the article analyzes the projects of the Zemstvo’s conservative members on organizing rural banks and developing small land crediting in the second half of XIX – early 20th centuries. Objectively noting both positive and negative consequences caused by the introduction of conservative practices the author comes to the conclusion that the Zemstvo’s activities were disappointing, if considered through the "class interest" position. It was due to the fact that annual sales of nobility estates were twice as many as the amount of the lands bought by peasants.