Tyragetia (Oct 2018)
Providing the Russian army with vehicles during its location in Bessarabia (1832-1853)
Abstract
Since 1812, military units of the Russian Imperial Army that was the largest in Europe and numbered up to 2 million people were permanently stationed in Bessarabia. One of the most difficult tasks facing its leadership was the problem of logistical support of personnel. The exorbitant military expenditures and the weak economic base of Russia forced the government to shift most of the military expenditures from the state to the local population. Last but not least, it concerned vehicles. The population of Bessarabia was obliged to provide the military with vehicles for the transportation of goods and supplies, sick and wounded, recruits. Despite the fact that the government paid the peasants for the losses incurred during transportation, these amounts did not correspond to market prices, and most importantly, it tore peasants away from agricultural work during harvesting. Moreover, often the military abused its position and did not pay for the services provided, used the vehicles for personal purposes or forced the local population to transport cargo for free. The Pragski Infantry Regiment was particularly distinguished in this respect. In total, in the period under study, the population of Bessarabia provided 10 310 carts for one stage of a distance, which consisted, on the average, of 3-4 stages, or 490 carts per one stage of the distance per year, which adversely affected the material well-being of the local population.
