EVOLUTION OF CIVIL PROMOTION IN RANK IN THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE IN THE 18th AND 19th CENTURIES

Abstract

The author studies governmental measures to regulate the sphere of promotion in rank in the Russian Empire analyzing new data obtained from unpublished documents of the Russian State Historical Archive (RGIA). Documents demonstrate the role of the Table of Ranks of Peter I and its influence on the development of civil ranks in the Russian Empire. The issues of uncontrolled growth of the bureaucracy and abuse of civil ranks for the rapid career advancement of civil servants are seen to be essential for the XIX century. The article attempts at answering the question why the government failed to abolish civil ranks throughout the entire 19th century. In addition, the article explores possible alternative ways of reforming the system of civil ranks that could be adopted by the government of the Russian Empire.