History

The history of Moscow has been filled with transitional periods and periods of immense prosperity. Moscow was first recognized as a principality of Kievan Rus, which was an immerging east Slavic state, in 1147ad. (Britannica) Situated on the Moskva River, Moscow was a growing region for trade. (Encarta) The city fell under Tatar rule until the 14th century (Encarta), though continued to grow and prosper as a favored position at the intersection of many trade routes by sea and by land. After the fall of the Tatars a new period of urban renewal was developed named Muscovy Rus. (Britannica) Moscow dominated under this system and in the 15th century Moscow was named the capital of Russia, bringing more investment and attention from government officials and merchants. Moscow was the center for the Russian economy until 1712 when Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg. This move slowed the rate of growth of the city, though Moscow still maintained an influential role as a major textile manufacturer.

The entire dynamic of the Russian economy and urban systems would change in 1917 when the Russian Revolution brings the rule of the Bolsheviks (Encarta), a radical socialist party. The Bolsheviks moved the capital of Russia back to Moscow and intensified their command economy principals of a government ran state. Heavy industrialization projects moved into the city which meant large increases in government planned projects and enterprises. The aims for the new socialist government were to distribute wealth evenly which meant evening out largely urbanized areas and focusing attention to rural areas. Many immigrants still found their way into Moscow trying to benefit from its growing economy and labor force. In 1922 Moscow was named the capital city of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) (Encarta) and continued to prosper with increases in government expenditures for industrial and military projects. Moscow was the military headquarters during World War II which also helped to bolster industrial weapons productions and hospital infrastructure.

After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 Moscow entered a new phase in its development. For the first time people began moving away from the city back to rural farms. A process of deindustrialization occurred as many factories were not able to compete without their accustomed government subsidies. Moscow was more successful in transitioning to a market economy and was able to embrace capitalism with greater ease than many Russian cities. As one of the most important cities with the greatest investment from the previous Soviet regime, Moscow had greater infrastructure and resources to better adapt to entering the world economy. These qualities allowed Moscow to prosper and become a leading center for retail commerce, banking, finance, and trade. Today the population of Moscow is growing at a lower rate than years past which can be attributed to decreasing birthrates, though the larger influx of immigrants has kept the city growing. There have been many ups and downs in the course of Moscow’s development though it has prevailed as a leading world power and world city.

- Sara Dunn