The Issues of Alcohol Production and Abuse in Russia in Mikhail Katkov's Publications

The article is devoted to the study of evolution views on issues alcohol production and abuse by largest ideologue Russian conservatism M. N. Katkov – editor-publisher newspaper “Moskovskie Vedomosti” magazine “Russkii Vestnik”. It analyses speeches famous publicist his associates pages these publications aimed at alterations in excise system, force since 1863, order limit excessive consumption strong alcoholic beverages overcome its severe social consequences. reasons that prompted early 1880s launch a campaign for introduction wine monopoly are explained: decline popularity liberal economic doctrine West as result world crisis 1873–1878; rise movement European countries transfer drinking trade treasury under influence stagnation agriculture; expansion state intervention life Russia. points out arguments given favor monopoly, which, opinion, had allow regulating distillery industry, ending rampant drunkenness, eradicating drunkenness corruption beverage business. particularly noted considered this reform one main program creating “national” economy Russia, protected from high customs barriers assuming multilateral participation development national economy, attitudes largely corresponded protectionist course government reign penultimate tsar, Alexander III.