Empress Elizabeths Impact on the Russian Economy - Essay Example

Empress Elizabeth impact on the Russian economy In the sixteenth century, Russian economy seemed to be lagging behind in comparison with other European countries. As such, it was necessary to implement sound policies and strategies to revive the economy and ensure that it thrived through the different situations encountered, such as the wars. Elizabeth Petrovna was born by Peter 1 the great, and grew to be a very intelligent woman due to her level and passion for education. At her tender age, she was not very active in politics and enjoyed a wide span of political, economic and social knowledge from people close to her, who included administrators and military personnel among others. At her tender age, German had a significant influence on Russian economic and political development, which she did not welcome. As such, in 1941, she organized a coup that led to the collapse of the emperor of the time, and capture of the emperor family members, which was a major boost to the Russian economic development transition. By then, Russia was independent from its neighbouring countries based on its treaties. According to Madariaga, “the conditions laid down by treaty when the Baltic provinces were first annexed by Russia in 1712, Livonia and Estonia were allowed to maintain their own form of administration, social structure, religion and language” (8). Since her approach to governance was very different from that of the previous governance, many changes were necessary. As such, when she got to power, she obliterated the cabinet system of governance and replaced it with the senate system. To her, the senate system effectively addressed the needs of a majority of the population and thus was more appealing. Moreover, the previous system of governance had failed to realize good results. Despite the system of governance she implemented being similar to that of Peter 1 the Great, her father, significant differences were evident. For example, she did not take the central position in leading the throne, but was assisted by the chancery. She was actively involved in the social aspect of the citizens, which included church activities. Education is very essential in the realization of economic, social and political development of any nation. This is because it empowers the citizens with knowledge to make sound decision on various aspects of life, they encounter. In her part, Elizabeth played a major role in improving the literacy level in Russia. Due to her interest in education, she led to the establishment of the first Russian university. This ensured that people who held various positions had a chance to sharpen their skills and thus improve their efficiency in management. In addition, Elizabeth saw the establishment of the academy of art, which was an investment to the Russian economy, and was facilitated by her extensive interaction with foreign policy. The foreign policy was reinforced by Catherine, her successor. According to Madariaga, “The basic orientation of her foreign policy was laid down in the treaty of alliance with Austria in 1726, while friendly relations were maintained with Britain and Denmark” (11). The academy of art enhanced art skills and thus provided an avenue for the creation of revenue, for both the citizens and government. This saw Russian became a power hub in the European region and thus gained recognition from other well-established nations of the time. According to Madariaga, “As a result of the union between the Empress Elizabeth of Russia and the Empress  Maria Theresia of Austria in 1746, Russia became one of the leading powers in the so­called diplomatic revolution of 1756, the change­over from the traditional hostility between France and Austria to an alliance between the two countries, supported by Russia, with the aim of defeating and partitioning Prussia” (12) Significant economic and political success was realized during the throne of Elizabeth Petrovna. This is because, unlike her predecessors, she had a team of advisors who assisted her in making judgments on various issues arising during her period as the ruler. Despite the success, various challenges such as frequent court intrigues hindered fast development in the Russian economy. The domestic policy implemented by Elizabeth was aimed at ensuring that current governance and industrialization policies at the time were implemented in various institutions, in Russia. This was observed as a chance for the recovery of the economic stagnation experienced during the period of her predecessors. The policies included shortening the term of service for public servants, which was aimed at ensuring they improve their performance in their respective positions. This ensured that economic and social accountability of various personnel’s was highly enhanced. Moreover, during her governance period, nobles gained power in their respective positions, an experience not presented before, thus ensuring that they were in a position to effectively deliver in their assignments. According to Madariaga, “Hereditary nobility was much prized because it enabled the man who had achieved it to buy an estate with serfs attached to it. Personal nobles and non­nobles were not allowed to buy these estates, though in Peter's reign many non­nobles who had earlier been granted estates in payment for service were allowed to keep them” (14). Russian financial position was not appealing to locals and international observers at the time Elizabeth came to power. As such, she had the responsibility of undertaking anything within her capacity to ensure that economic development was realized. This is because after the German nobility, the economic and financial position of Russia did not improve. In this regard, Elizabeth signed several foreign agreements with other well-established countries in a bid to improve the financial position of the country. This improved inter-state interaction, which resulted to financial empowerment of Russian through trade and tourism. A major boost to this achievement was Elizabeth herself, since she was internationally recognized and appreciated by many. Despite this, majority of the citizens were located around Moscow and rural areas were not accessible. According to Madariga, “Russia was not easy to govern. Its sheer size, extending from the Polish frontier to the Pacific Ocean, rendered communications slow and difficult, though the Russians were able to use the river systems which crossed Siberia from south to north, flowing into the Arctic Ocean, to speed up their transport” (6). Through the agreements, various Russian banks were externally funded. This ensured that they were able to finance local activities. The increase in the cash flow rate in the economy enhanced various economic activities from the grass root level that ensured that the economy was revived. The industries at the time enhanced their economic productivity and thus, benefits were realized by the government through improved trade transactions and availability of cash to meet the requirements of the citizens. Due to the previous financial status of the country, the economic achievement took significant time margin to be realized. Political interference from other European countries played a significant role in impeding the economic development of Russia. When Elizabeth came to power, she considered this and avoided foreign direct interference, especially from German. This enhanced local development of Russia’s sectors of the economy, which contributed to the overall economic recovery. Human labor plays an important role in industrial and economic development of a country. Predecessors of Elizabeth executed capital punishment to the common people, which indirectly affected the human labor. When Elizabeth took over, she eliminated capital punishment, which was well appreciated by many persons within and out of the boundaries of Russia. This greatly improved human labor availability and consequently led to economic empowerment of Russia due to increased productivity. The improving economic development was taken on by Catherine, Elizabeth’s successor, who had gained international recognition due to her beauty. According to Madariaga, “Her lover, Grigory Orlov, was given an official position as general in command of the artillery, but did not otherwise interfere in government” (4). Conclusively, the throne of Elizabeth had great impacts on the Russian economy through her international hospitality and extravagant court. This was through signing of new treaties, which improved international relations and provide financial support to Russia through banks. Works Cited De Madariaga, Isabel. Catherine the Great : A Short History. New Haven, Connecticut: Yale University Press. 1990. Print. Read More