They were preserved and fostered by the mutual rivalry of the Sovereign, the Feudal Nobility, and the Church; and those who desired to live by trade or industry settled in them in order to enjoy the protection and immunities which they afforded.

In Russia there was never any political struggle of this kind.

As soon as the Grand Princes of Moscow, in the sixteenth century, threw off the yoke of the Tartars, and made themselves Tsars of all Russia, their power was irresistible and uncontested.

Complete masters of the situation, they organised the country as they thought fit.

At first their policy was favourable to the development of the towns.