Dynamics of Governor Appointments in European Russia from 1864 to 1914

This article examines the evolution of personnel policies within the Ministry of Internal Affairs concerning the formation of gubernatorial bodies during periods of socio-political transformation in Imperial Russia. It analyzes changes in governor appointments over the second half of the nineteenth century into the early twentieth century. The study encompasses 47 provinces of European Russia, excluding Astrakhan and Orenburg Governments. Chronologically, it spans from the beginnings of Alexander II’s zemstvo reforms until the outbreak of World War I. A comprehensive timeline of annual appointments is presented for this period. Key conditions leading to significant generational shifts among governors are identified as being linked with the Great Reforms era and the epoch of P.A. Stolypin. The role of vice-governor positions as a reserve pool for future gubernatorial appointments is also explored. Findings indicate that reformative periods and times of social instability were characterized by increased administrative turnover rates. During such transformative eras, conservative staffing strategies shifted towards appointing individuals without prior experience in vice-gubernatorial roles, thereby creating new generations of provincial administrators.

Russian Empire, personnel policy, gubernatorial corps, European Russia