ACTIVITIES OF ZEMSKY SELF-GOVERNMENT BODIES UNDER THE VREMENNOGO PRIAMURSKOGO GOVERNMENT

Abstract

Background. The changes taking place in Russia have revived interest in the functioning of zemstvo self-government bodies in difficult socio-economic, political and military conditions. The difficult situation aggravated the contradictions at the local level, which had a huge impact on the work carried out by the zemstvos. Purpose. To consider the contradictions that influenced the activities of the zemstvos during the existence of the Vremennogo Priamurskogo government. Materials and methods. The material for the study was the periodical press presented by newspapers. As well as documents from the Russian State Historical Archive of the Far East and the State Archive of Primorsky Krai. In the analysis of the material, such methods as problem-chronological, historical-genetic were used. Results. The activities of the zemstvo self-government bodies under the Vremennogo Priamurskogo government were carried out in conditions of socio-economic and military-political crisis. The crisis state of the region has aggravated the already existing contradictions: the loss of confidence on the part of the population and the conflict with the state power, having a strong impact on the work carried out by the zemstvos. Firstly, the zemstvos sorely lacked finances for the implementation of socio-economic and cultural and educational activities, since taxes and zemstvo fees stopped coming from the population. Secondly, the inconsistent policy of the government of S.D. Merkulova in relation to the zemstvos led to the inhibition of their activities, the loss of a number of ancestral functions, and even to liquidation. In such a situation, the zemstvos carried out mainly social and economic work, trying to demonstrate their importance to the population. At that time, cultural and educational activities were practically not implemented. Practical implications. The results of the research can be used in the educational process as material for lectures and teaching aids. Also in historical science, as a basis for expanding research on this problem.