Vinogradov S.V., Eshchenko Yu.G. Rural population of the Volga-Caspian fishing region in the second half of the 19th — early 20th centuries: Features of formation, social structure, specific economic activity // The Russian Peasant Studies. 2025. V.10. №2. P. 83-102.

EDN: ALJDCV

Annotation

The relevance of the study is determined by the growing food problems in the contemporary world. Food shortage stimulates scientific research, including in the historical perspective. The authors emphasize the importance of the Volga-Caspian fishing region for ensuring Russia’s food security. In the period under study, this region was the largest supplier of fish and fish products to the national food market. But only after the abolition of serfdom and successful transformations in the fishing industry under the 1860s Great Reforms, the Volga-Caspian fishing region became attractive for migrants from other regions. In the second half of the 19th — early 20th centuries, fishermen (peasants) were an active force in the development of fish resources in the Volga-Caspian region, since fishing was their main professional activity and source of livelihood. The authors argue that the development model of the Volga-Caspian fishing region contributed to the well-being of its rural population and attracted an increasing number of migrants. However, while encouraging economic activity of fishermen, the state did not take responsibility for health care, education and other social spheres. Many fishing settlements were considered illegal until the early 20th century, and their residents could be evicted from homes at any time.

Keywords

Caspian Sea, Volga-Caspian fishing region, Astrakhan, Volga, rural population, fishermen, fishing, labor migration, trade.

About the authors

Sergey V. Vinogradov, DSC (History), Chief Researcher, Center for the Study of the History of the Lower Volga Region in the Soviet Period; Professor, Department of History, Astrakhan Tatishchev State University. Tatishceva str., 20 Astrakhan, 414056.
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Yuliya G. Eshchenko, PhD (History), Senior Researcher, Center for the Study of the History of the Lower Volga Region in the Soviet Period; Associate Professor, Department of History, Astrakhan Tatishchev State University. Tatishceva str., 20 Astrakhan, 414056.
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