Bourgeoisie

Categories / Population/Social Classes
BOURGEOISIE, a social group forming a part of the St. Petersburg population. The permanent inhabitants of the city did not consist of seasonal labourers or merchants. The bourgeoisie was considered a separate class from 1775, and unlike the merchants, paid capitation tax (until 1866), and were obliged to do government service. In 1897 approximately 268,900 bourgeoisie lived in St. Petersburg (124,500 men and more than 144,300 women) – 21.2 % of the population, in 1910 - 294, 900 – 15.5% of the population. Among the bourgeoisie most were Russian (82-83%), but there were also immigrants from the Baltic States (Germans, Estonians, Latvians) and Jews. The Petersburg bourgeoisie were involved in trade, professional occupations, and by the early 20th century many worked in factories or plants. The bourgeoisie class was liquidated by the Decree of the Council of the Peoples Commissars "Concerning the Destruction of the Classes and Civil Ranks" from 10(23).11.1917.

A. Y. Chistyakov. Russians
Germans
Estonians
Latvians
Jews