The service activity of the Russian regional merchant class at the end of 18th - the first half of 19th century (on the materials of the Vyatka province)

The article is based upon the archival documents and devoted to the administrative activity of the merchant class of Vyatka province at the end of 18th - the first half of 19th century. The author investigates the stimulus and mechanisms which were used to involve the merchants in such activities, and reconstructs the terms of reference of the estate representatives. The special attention is dealt to the participation of merchants in the bodies of city self-management.