Russian entrepreneurship of a new type in the second half of the XIX - early XX century: based on the materials of the Voronezh province

The article analyzes the process of formation of a new type of Russian entrepreneurship in the second half of the XIX - early XX centuries on the materials of the Voronezh province. It emphasizes the effect of national trends in combination with local peculiarities, conditioned by geographical location, orientation of economy, traditions, etc. The work draws attention to the decisive role of petty-commodity production in the development of entrepreneurial layer, to the ambiguous influence of the “trustee” state policy, reveals the strengths and weaknesses of the nascent bourgeoisie. Based on the study of historical experience, the authors emphasize the importance of balanced state intervention in entrepreneurial activity in modern conditions, justify the significance of the transition from gigantomania in the past to the increasing role of small and medium-sized businesses, point out the attractive qualities of pre-revolutionary entrepreneurs, which is advisable to perceive the modern business sphere. The work is carried out using the documents of the State Archive of the Voronezh region and a wide range of literature.