The Genesis and Organizational Structure of the Polytechnic Society in Post-Reform Russia of the 1870s

The formation and initial stage of the Polytechnic Society development affiliated with the Imperial Moscow Technical School in the second half of the 19th century were examined. The scientific novelty of the work lies in problem statement of the Polytechnic Society role and influence as a technical intelligentsia professional association on the development of national sciences, engineering education and industry in Russia. The prerequisites and historical conditions for the Polytechnic Society formation were successively revealed. A connection between the Great Reforms of the 1860s and 1870s and the process of professional communities’ formation in the Russian Empire was established. Key historical figures who participated in the organization principles and strategy development were identified. Particular attention was paid to the analysis of the society organizational framework, its statutory documents and management system. Three categories of membership (honorary members, full members and associate members), management and decision-making mechanisms, and financial aspects of the society activities were examined. The issue of the Polytechnic Society international relations was examined and its significance as a professional association of the technical intelligentsia, which played a significant role in the integration of the Russian engineering elite into the European space was shown. The study is based on a wide range of documents, which allows for a comprehensive picture of the Society establishment and reflects essential facts. The study results fit into the general context of research on the history of professional associations and public organizations in Russia. The study concludes that the Polytechnic Society was significant as a professional association of the technical intelligentsia, which was able to realize its social mission through this platform.

EDN DQWJMV

References
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