E. V. Koren. Decembrism in the Aspect of the Evolution of the Civic Consciousness
of Russian Society // Petersburg Historical Journal, no. 4, 2025, pp. 10–26.
DOI: 10.51255/2311–603X_2025_4_10
Abstract:
The article demonstrates that the mentality of the Decembrists, representing the noble intelligentsia, evolved in conjunction with the development of the political culture of society, the establishment of civil concepts of the fatherland, state and law, service, honour and duty. The Decembrist movement emerged in the context of the patriotic upsurge caused by the Patriotic War of 1812, contributing to the development of feelings of belonging to the people and the fatherland among educated military youth. The phenomenon of Decembrism was indicative of the transition of Russian society from the consciousness of subjects to that of citizens. The fundamental purpose of secret societies was to eliminate absolutism and serfdom, establish a constitution, and ensure the equality of citizens. The Decembrists demonstrated their revolutionary inclinations during the crisis of the interregnum of 1825. Conclusions were drawn: 1) the phenomenon of Decembrism is indicative of the advancement of Russian civic consciousness in the early 19th century, to the extent that it was able to challenge the prevailing power structure; 2) the Decembrists were unambiguous in their articulation of a civic position, representing an alternative to the prevailing autocratic-serf ideology; 3) the actions of the noble revolutionaries demonstrated an understanding of patriotism and service to the fatherland, with a focus on national interests; 4) Decembrism represented the first large-scale movement of the
intelligentsia. The intelligentsia were those who defended civil law values and assumed historical responsibility for the fate of the country and the people. The findings of this study have the potential to inform future research on Decembrism, the mentality of the intelligentsia, and the civic development of Russian society.
Key words: Decembrists, Decembrism, civic consciousness of Russian society, patriotism, mentality, values, intelligentsia.
Author:
Koren, Elena Vasilievna — PhD in History, Associate Professor, Francysk Skaryna Gomel State
University (Gomel, Republic of Belarus).
Е-mail: elena.k.v@mail.ru
ORCID: 0000-0001-9979-0337
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