Wilhelm Friebe and Mikhail Chulkov on Russian Mercantilism

Abstract

On the basis of two treatises on the history of trade, the article considers the economic views of two scientists from different circles – German- and Russian-speaking scientific communities in St. Petersburg during the Enlightenment. It shows that although Chulkov and Friebe had no contact with each other, they held fairly similar views on the European concept of mercantilism. Both considered themselves to be great patriots of the Russian empire. As far as a detailed understanding of the term wealth, Chulkov was more inclined towards an almost religious framework, while Friebe clearly revolved around exclusively monetary issues. Both supported the independence of the local industry. According to the doctrine of mercantilism, both advocated trade, but Chulkov focused on domestic trade, while Friebe - on foreign trade. With regard to the impact of trade on the social dimension of society, Chulkov certainly backed the interests of Russian merchants, while for Friebe ethnicity was crucial. He depicted Baltic Germans performing especially brilliantly in trade in contrast to Jews portrayed in the darkest antisemitic manner. Accordingly, Chulkov considered the new Baltic provinces foreign, but Friebe, who himself lived there, regarded this territory as the key to modernization of Russia. In general, this article is an example of how the Russian science developed its own character against the background of the European phenomenon of enlightenment, with a special focus on economic thinking in late mercantilism.