The new boom

The new boom began with the construction of the Trans-Siberian railway in 1890s, when the merchants flocked to the city on the rail-and-river junction. Many trade companies opened stores and offices here. They built an elaborately decorated district of the city and brought the hustle-and-bustle of modern transportation, means of communications and entertainment here. Foreign powers, including the British, Dutch and Germans, opened consulates to represent their commercial interests. The pinnacle of success came to Omsk with the lavish Siberian Exposition of Agriculture and Industry in 1910. For this Exposition a complex of buildings and fountains was constructed. The constructions as well as the “wonders” of that Exposition influenced the observers greatly so Omsk was called as "Chicago of Siberia".

Read the statements and say whether they are true or false

1. The new depression began with the construction of the Trans-Siberian railway.

2. The merchants flocked to the city to hide out from the gendarmes.

3. Trade companies built an elegant district of the city.

4. Foreign Governments opened consulates in Omsk to represent their commercial interests.

5. By 1910 a complex of buildings and fountains had been constructed.

Give answers to the questions below.

1. What was the new boom of Omsk connected with?

2. What modern achievements of those days were there in Omsk?

3. What was called as the pinnacle of success?

4. Why was Omsk called as "Chicago of Siberia"?

Vocabulary Training