Political conditions and architectural features of the creation of German settlements in Russia in the 18th and early 20th centuries

The article considers the political and economic foundations of the Germans' resettlement in Russia from the second half of the 18th to the beginning of the 20th century. It is shown that the creation of German colonies is connected with the ongoing state policy, which was initiated by the publication of manifestoes of the Empress Catherine II dated December 4, 1762 and July 22, 1763. It is noted that foreign settlers, in particular Germans, were given considerable privileges, which contributed to their influx into Russia. Based on the study of a wide range of sources including archival ones, the data on the quantitative growth and variants of German settlements in the Russian Empire are presented, the examples demonstrate significant aspects of German resettlement to Russia, in particular the use of half-timbered architecture and construction technology.