The role of zemstvo institutions of the Middle Volga region in the development of entrepreneurship in the handicraft industry in the second half of the 19th - early 20th centuries

The development of the basic spheres of activity of the local self-government institutions (Zemstvo) of the Middle Volga region dealing with handicraft industry in the second half of the 19 th - early 20 th centuries is studied in this article. At the beginning of the 20 th century the system of Zemstvo institutions have rendered the assistance to producers of artisanal goods in the sale of products through the special crafts stores, by carrying out government orders for the production of goods, especially during the war period. Zemstvo contributed to the creation of cottage fishing cooperatives and to the development of apprenticeship. These activities in their turn raised the level of the material well-being of the local population and contributed to formation of market relations in Russia.