This paper discusses the process of formation of middle class as a category of urban population in Russia in the late 18th century and the first half of the 19th century . Using the example of Kazan, the author shows regional specific features of recruitment of petty bourgeoisie from various categories of the population: townspeople, coachmen, Tatar servicemen, workmen, peasants, servants, etc. Petty bourgeoisie as an open category of population accumulated various social groups with urban lifestyle. Close relation is revealed between the formation of petty bourgeoisie and modernization processes of pre-reform society.
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