Formation of the customs system on the «Zbruch border» (1772–1820s)

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to analyze the formation of the customs system on the «Zbruch Border» in 1772–1820s, the formation and evolution of which contributed to the establishment of the Russian and Austrian monarchies in the territories captured after the divisions of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. Special attention will also be paid to the development and militarization, during the specified period, of the customs authorities of the Russian Empire and the existence of state monopolies as a factor in the development of contraband trade across the border.

The research methodology is based on the principles of historicism, systematicity and a critical approach, on general scientific and special methods of historical science.

The scientific novelty is based on the fact that the article analyzes the emergence and initial stage of the functioning of customs systems on the «Zbruch Border» in 1772–1820s.

Conclusions. It was established that the formation of the customs system on the «Zbruch Border» was a heterogeneous process that changed depending on the political, economic and epidemic situations. Before the final division of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the customs system on its border with the Habsburg monarchy was represented by a military border and was based on the Polish general customs (cło generalne). Since 1795, the Russian Empire has been building its own customs network on the «Zbruch Border» (with an interruption in the existence of the Tarnopol region in 1809–1815) around customs houses and customs stations in Volochysk, Husіatyn, Isakivtsi (now Kamianets-Podilskyi district of Khmelnytskyi Oblast). In parallel with this, the fight against illegal trade at the border is being intensified, which, together with the domestic political reaction, leads to the reform of border services along military lines.