How can Russia be able to get more Russian settlers into Siberia, Central Asia, and the Caucasus? How does this impact the Russian Empire and the non-Russians? Would this allow Russia to be a better power?
Better power, yes. But to get this done, you need a strong economy and a strong social system in the Russian Empire. If you somehow get this, the objective you mentioned is quite easy.
Plus enough Industrialization is needed. So ending Serfdom would help.I can imagine ending serfdom helps. Can't have settlers when the potential settlers can't leave the land.
Why? The US wasn't much industrialised (especially the South) when the Old Northwest/Old Southwest was settled. What's more important is a solid system of canals and other transport plus some incentive to settle the area. Maybe if Russia pushes much harder for the copper mines in the 17th century (when the deposits were discovered) they could break the near-monopoly Sweden had on copper and give a substantial base for everything, including larger local population base, better transportation to and beyond the Urals, etc. The Urals also have gold deposits, so in the 17th century Russia needs to find them too. Basically, found Yekaterinburg a few decades earlier. This gives Russia its window east and will more easily allow an earlier expansion into Siberia.Plus enough Industrialization is needed. So ending Serfdom would help.
Why? The US wasn't much industrialised (especially the South) when the Old Northwest/Old Southwest was settled. What's more important is a solid system of canals and other transport plus some incentive to settle the area. Maybe if Russia pushes much harder for the copper mines in the 17th century (when the deposits were discovered) they could break the near-monopoly Sweden had on copper and give a substantial base for everything, including larger local population base, better transportation to and beyond the Urals, etc. The Urals also have gold deposits, so in the 17th century Russia needs to find them too. Basically, found Yekaterinburg a few decades earlier. This gives Russia its window east and will more easily allow an earlier expansion into Siberia.
How can Russia be able to get more Russian settlers into Siberia, Central Asia, and the Caucasus? How does this impact the Russian Empire and the non-Russians? Would this allow Russia to be a better power?