The first Russian Revolution 1825: the Decembrist Movement Its Origins, Development, and Significance.

Description

“The Russian Revolution is a process which started probably with Peter the Great and which has not yet been concluded. It is the effort of the transformation of a backward and oppressive form of society into a more progressive one which would assure more justice and more liberty to the peoples of Russia. In this long process there are two outstanding events which mark turning points. The second and much better known is the Revolution of 1917 and its rapid transition from February to October. The first, much less known, is the so-called Decembrist Movement which led to the first revolutionary explosion in Russia in December 1825, ninety-two years before Lenin inaugurated a new stage of the Russian Revolution. The revolution of December 14, 1825, was a verY short-lived affair, quickly suppressed, without any outward significance. But inwardly, this first attempt on the part of Russian intellectuals, members of the aristocracy, to liberalize and humanize the Russian regime was of utmost significance. It was the start of all the later revolutionary movements of the Russian intelligentsia. It was the source of inspiration to the succeeding generations. Notwithstanding the importance of the Decembrist Movement, there did not exist until now a detailed treatise on its origins, development, and significance. The present book by Dr. Mazour tries to fill the gap, and it does it so well that, at least for some time to come, it can be regarded not only as the first but also the definitive book on its subject. . . . The author not only presents us with the history of the Decembrist Movement, but traces its background back to about 1800 and practically covers the ground of a history of the liberal and revolutionary movements in Russia from 1800 to 1825. He gives us a detailed story of the rise and development of both branches of the revolutionary movement then, the Northern Society and the Southern Society, their program discussions, their preparations for the revolt, their defeat and their trial, and ends with a description of their life in exile in Siberia. The Background of the Decembrist Movement The Liberal Idea The Rise of the Decembrist Society The Rise of the Northern and Southern Societies Developments in the North Developments in the South The Revolt in the North The Revolt in the South The Trial The D ecembrists in Siberia Conclusion Appendices Bibliography Bibliographical Supplement, 1961 Index