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Exiled Revolutionaries and the Making of Modern Russia: The Russian Revolutionary Emigres 1825-1870

Carl Walker

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Published in The Russian Revolutionary Emigres 1825 1870 (The Johns Hopkins University Studies In Historical And Political Science 104)

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A Group Of Russian Revolutionaries In Exile, Circa 1850. The Russian Revolutionary Emigres 1825 1870 (The Johns Hopkins University Studies In Historical And Political Science 104)

The Russian Revolutionary Emigres 1825 1870 (The Johns Hopkins University Studies in Historical and Political Science 104)

The Russian Revolutionary Emigres, 1825-1870 (The Johns Hopkins University Studies in Historical and Political Science Book 104)

by Martin A. Miller

4.1 out of 5

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In the aftermath of the failed Decembrist uprising of 1825, a group of Russian revolutionaries fled their homeland and embarked on a remarkable journey across Europe. These exiles, known as the Russian Revolutionary Emigres, played a pivotal role in the development of Russian revolutionary thought and the eventual triumph of the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917.

Led by the brilliant historian Leopold Haimson, The Russian Revolutionary Emigres 1825-1870 explores the lives and legacies of these extraordinary individuals. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Haimson paints a vivid portrait of the exiles' world, their struggles, and their enduring impact on Russian history.

The Decembrist Uprising and its Aftermath

The Decembrist uprising was a failed attempt by a group of young Russian officers to overthrow the autocratic rule of Tsar Nicholas I. Inspired by the ideals of the French Revolution, the Decembrists sought to establish a constitutional monarchy in Russia. However, their uprising was brutally suppressed, and many of its leaders were executed or exiled to Siberia.

In the aftermath of the uprising, a group of Decembrist survivors fled Russia and sought refuge in Western Europe. These exiles included some of the most brilliant minds of their generation, including Alexander Herzen, Nikolai Ogarev, and Mikhail Bakunin.

The Russian Revolutionary Emigres in Europe

The Russian Revolutionary Emigres settled in various European cities, including London, Paris, and Geneva. They formed close-knit communities and established newspapers and journals to propagate their revolutionary ideas.

The exiles were deeply influenced by the political and intellectual currents of Western Europe. They studied the works of Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, and other socialist thinkers. They also came into contact with other revolutionaries from around the world, including Giuseppe Mazzini and Louis Blanc.

The Development of Revolutionary Thought

In their writings and political activities, the Russian Revolutionary Emigres developed a sophisticated critique of the Russian autocracy. They argued that the Tsarist regime was an obstacle to Russia's progress and that it must be overthrown by revolutionary means.

The exiles also debated the future of Russia. Some, like Herzen, believed that Russia could evolve into a constitutional monarchy. Others, like Bakunin, advocated for a more radical revolution that would establish a socialist society.

The Impact of the Emigres on Russian History

The Russian Revolutionary Emigres played a crucial role in the development of Russian revolutionary thought and the eventual triumph of the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917. Their writings and political activities helped to spread revolutionary ideas throughout Russia and inspire future generations of revolutionaries.

The exiles also played a direct role in the revolutionary movement. They organized uprisings and assassinations and provided financial and logistical support to revolutionaries inside Russia.

The Russian Revolutionary Emigres 1825-1870 is a fascinating and important book that sheds light on a crucial period in Russian history. Through the lives and legacies of these extraordinary individuals, Leopold Haimson offers a fresh perspective on the development of Russian revolutionary thought and the complex relationship between Russia and the West.

The book is a must-read for anyone interested in Russian history, political thought, or the history of revolutions. It is a valuable resource for students, scholars, and general readers alike.

The Russian Revolutionary Emigres, 1825-1870 (The Johns Hopkins University Studies in Historical and Political Science Book 104)

by Martin A. Miller

4.1 out of 5