Zemstvo’ small-loan offices and the development of market relations in the provinces of the Middle Volga region in the early 20th century

The activities of the local government cash office of the small credit in the provinces of the Middle Volga in the early 20 th century are analyzed in this article. The author examines the role of banks in the development of the Zemsky credit and consumer cooperation in the Middle Volga region in the period of the major economic reforms in the country and transition to farming. The credit activity of the local self-governments contributed to the creation of the credit and financial infrastructure in the countryside. Due to the efforts of agrarian leaders in the provinces of the Middle Volga the development of cooperation, especially of the credit system, was very successful. That in turn contributed to the development of the trade and market relations in the countryside.