Saving Banks for Railway Employees in the Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries (on example of the Vladikavkaz Railway)

Abstract. The construction of railways in the Russian Empire was an important stage in the modernization of the state, allowing the achievements of the center to be brought to the outskirts. Both the Ministry of Railways and the administrative staff of the railways understood the importance of social security for railway employees, one of which was the creation of savings and loan banks. These banks quickly gained popularity because they allowed railway workers to take out small loans for both short and long periods on a non-burdensome basis. The article analyzes the activities of the Loan and Savings Bank for Employees of the Vladikavkaz Railway, based on materials from the State Archives of the Rostov Region and periodicals. It evaluates the directions of its work and their effectiveness.

Keywords: savings and loan banks, social security, railways, railway employees, Vladikavkaz Railway, Russian Empire.