Ministry of Finance (Russian Empire)
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| Russian: Министерство финансовъ Россійской Имперіи | |
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| ministry of finance overview | |
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| Formed | September 8, 1802 |
| Preceding ministry of finance |
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| Dissolved | March 3, 1917 |
| Superseding ministry of finance |
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| Jurisdiction |  Russia |
| Headquarters | Saint Petersburg, Fontanka River Embankment, 70-72 |
The Ministry of Finance of the Russian Empire - was the principal government institution responsible for financial and economic policies in the Russian Empire. Established in 1802 as part of a broader administrative reform, the ministry oversaw state revenues, managed expenditures, and played a significant role in shaping economic policy. Throughout its existence, the ministry evolved, expanding its responsibilities and incorporating various financial institutions.
Background
[edit]The origins of centralized financial administration in Russia trace back to the reign of Ivan III, who established a system of financial management through various government offices known as "prikazy" (orders). By the time of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, 13 financial offices existed, with the most important being the Prikaz Bolshoy Kazny (Order of the Great Treasury), which was responsible for state finances.
Under Peter the Great, the financial administration was reorganized and assigned to several specialized collegiate institutions:
- Cameral Collegium – responsible for revenue collection,
- Staatskontor Collegium (Staatskontor) – responsible for state expenditures,
- Revision Collegium – responsible for audits and financial oversight,
- Commerce Collegium – responsible for managing trade and economic matters.
During the reign of Catherine the Great, further reforms were introduced. On February 25, 1773, the Expedition for State Revenues was established within the Senate. By October 24, 1780, it was fully integrated into the Senate and restructured in 1781 into four separate expeditions:
- The first expedition focused on state revenues,
- The second on state expenditures,
- The third on audits,
- The fourth on debt collection and tax arrears.
All four expeditions were placed under the authority of the General Prosecutor. With these changes, Peter the Great's collegiate system was gradually dismantled, and financial administration was transferred to provincial treasury offices (kazennye palaty).
Emperor Paul I, by decree on November 19, 1796, partially reinstated the collegiate system. Later, on December 4 of the same year, he separated the position of State Treasurer from that of the General Prosecutor, further refining Russia’s financial governance.
Establishment and Development
[edit]As part of Alexander I’s government restructuring, the Ministry of Finance was officially established on September 8 (20), 1802. Its primary functions included managing state finances, overseeing revenue collection, and allocating funds for government expenditures. The Minister of Finance was responsible for preparing the annual budget, though the State Treasurer's office remained an independent entity.
In 1810–1811, financial oversight was reorganized into three distinct institutions:
- Ministry of Finance – controlled revenue sources;
- State Treasury – managed financial assets;
- State Audit Office – conducted financial reviews.
Over time, the Ministry of Finance expanded its authority by absorbing other institutions and broadening its functions. Key developments included:
- 1817 – Assumed control over the Department of Manufactures and Internal Trade from the Ministry of Internal Affairs;
- 1821 – Integrated the Department of State Treasury;
- 1824 – Established a Special Chancellery for Credit Affairs;
- 1828 – Created the Manufacturing Council to oversee industrial policies;
- 1829 – Formed the Commercial Council to regulate trade.
However, in 1838, the newly established Ministry of State Properties took over the administration of state-owned lands, forests, and peasant settlements, reducing the Ministry of Finance’s responsibilities in these areas.
Further structural changes occurred in the second half of the 19th century:
- October 27, 1861 – The Main Redemption Institution was established to manage peasant land purchases, though it was abolished in 1895;
- April 15, 1863 – The Department of Mining and Salt Affairs was reorganized into the Mining Department, while the Department of Taxes and Fees was split into two new departments: Assessed and Non-Assessed Fees;
- October 29, 1864 – The Department of Foreign Trade was renamed the Department of Customs Fees, and the Department of Manufactures and Internal Trade became the Department of Trade and Manufactures;
- 1866 – The separate financial administration of the Kingdom of Poland was abolished, replaced by a special finance department for the region, which was dissolved on December 28, 1884;
- June 7, 1872 – The Council of Trade and Manufactures was established to replace the commercial and manufacturing councils;
- December 21, 1873 – The entire Mining Department, including the Mining Council, Mining Institute, and Mining Scientific Committee, was transferred to the Ministry of State Properties. The Ministry of Finance retained control over assaying and minting, including assay offices, the Mint Department of the Mining Department, and the St. Petersburg Mint;
- May 18, 1882 – The Statute of the Peasant Land Bank was approved;
- 1884 – Factory inspection was introduced to oversee labor relations, leading to the appointment of factory inspectors;
- January 31, 1884 – A Technical Committee was established within the Department of Non-Assessed Fees;
- April 30, 1885 – Tax inspectors were appointed under the jurisdiction of the Treasury Chambers;
- June 3, 1885 – The State Noble Land Bank was founded;
- 1889 – The Department of Railways was established;
- December 14, 1892 – A Grain Trade Division was formed within the Department of Trade and Manufactures;
- June 3, 1893 – The Main Chamber of Weights and Measures was established within the Department of Trade and Manufactures;
- May 6, 1896 – The Department of Non-Assessed Fees was transformed into the Main Directorate of Non-Assessed Fees and State Alcohol Sales.