The Reform Of Viter And The Process Of Russian Modernization

The Russian society was in an important period of the transformation of modernization at the end of the 19 th century and the early 20 th century. The measures of Witte Reform had profound influences, promoted the process of Russian modernization. The article is divided into four parts, which gives a comprehensive elaboration and analysis on Witte Reform from the perspective of modernization.The first part introduces of the historical background of Witte Reform. Through researching the process of historical development, find out some basic characteristics of Russian modernization. The virtual modernization of Russia started from Peter the Great, through Catherine II and Alexander II reform, making remarkable advance. In the process, contradictions between the development of capitalism economy and the serfdom in feudal system appeared, the social crisis of Russia deepened, so the reform became the inevitable result of historical development. Meanwhile, the spread of western ideology reacted as a catalyst.The second part emphasizes the economic reform of Witte. The reform extended to all parts of economic life. In reform measures, the state-operated economy, in particular, the construction of railway caused a great response. A large amount of fiscal revenue and foreign funds was used for railway construction. The world-famous Trans-Siberian Railway was accomplished under the chairmanship of Witte, which became the most important achievement. At the sane time, various measures were taken in financial field. Other measures, such as tariff protection, introduction of foreign capital and gold standard system stabilized the economy of Russia. Witte also realized the importance of the agriculture, and made active effort.The third part elaborates the society and politics reform of Witte. By the means of legislation and the change of administrative system, Witte promoted the progress of Russian constitutionalism. Likewise, in the field of social activities, the reform made some advance.The fourth part is the historical thoughts on Witte Reform and modernization process of Russia. It analyzed the impact of reform of Witte on Russian modernization process from two aspects. Admitting the acceleration of Witte Reform in the process of modernization, in particular, the industrialization, but the problem of agriculture weakness wasn’t ignored. Meanwhile, Witte Reform had significant influences on continuous development of Russia modernization, especially, land reform of Stolypin.