The Trans-Siberian Railway, constructed during 1891–1916, is the first great modern change in Siberia, linking the vast region more closely to the rapidly industrializing Russia of Nicholas II (r. 1894–1917).

Around seven million Russians have moved to Siberia from Europe between 1801 and 1914.

Between 1859 and 1917 more than half a million people have migrated to the Russian Far East.