Speech #1000021193

As Empress of Russia. however. she also wanted to cultivate and settle the land in the Lower Volga Basin. She saw the need to populate large sections of uninhabited regions with civilized and hardworking people. Her plan ultimately proved to be one of her most successful accomplishments. The response to her offer was widespread. She attracted over 27.000 immigrants who eventually settled 104 families in the Lower Volga Basin. Her cleverly crafted manifesto of July 22. 1762. addressd the known social grievances and provided an attractive alternative. She guaranteed free exercise of religion. the right to build churches. the exemption from taxes and exclusion from civil or military service.