The Burden of Grandeur: Physical and Economic Well-Being of the Russian Population in the Eighteenth Century

Abstract

From 1700-1704 to 1795-1799 the average stature of Russian recruits decreased from 164.7 to 159.5 cm. It means that the eighteenth century is noted for the fall in the biological status of the Russian population. The decrease occurred against the background of a considerable economic growth and was caused not by economic depression but by the rise in taxes and obligations. Increase in payments to the state was linked with the wars Russia waged for outlets to the Baltic and Black seas, and for the status of a great power, and with reforms carried out by the supreme power catching up with the West European countries.