From young soldier to radical liberalist, Lyosha Zarkov is not your average Russian. From the end of Napoleon to the ultra-conservative regime of Nicholas I, Lyosha narrates his own personal transformation and depicts the raw power of nationalism on the European continent through his letters to his youngest brother Lev. Finding his own identity in a wave of change, Lyosha also illustrates the conflict between liberals and conservatives, as well as proves that nationalism is the most powerful political force in 19th century Europe.
Winter, 1813 Lev, I am sorry I cannot give you a more specific date; the days have blended together as we have battled the mighty Napoleon and his French forces. Our forces proved strong last year against the mighty dictator for as soon as they faltered in the frigid winters and at the hands of our scorched-earth policy. Under Tsar Alexander’s mighty lead we delivered a major loss to their numbers and morale. However, that victory is not my purpose for writing to you. It is what happened afterward that really matters. As our forces drove Napoleon’s army across Europe and then occupied the defeated France, many officers (myself included) were exposed to the ideas of the French Revolution and something called the “Enlightenment.” We have heard of such things, but being so isolated back home in Russia we have not known truly what they are. I will never be the same, Lev. Never. I realized how economically backward and politically stifled out own nation is. Russia needs to change! We are living primitively while the West flourishes. There are others who feel the same way too. Under our breaths we have been calling ourselves “reformists,” as well as have committed ourselves to change although are ideas and goals are still being shaped. Right now we cannot express ourselves openly because of Tsar Alexander’s repressive policies, but there is talk of forming secret societies. I shall write to you again soon to let you know of what’s has developed. Mark my words, Lev; these ideas, coupled with our conviction and passion, will change Russia forever. -Lyosha
Spring, 1818 Lev, I hope you have received my other letters. I miss you dearly and if I do remember correctly, today is your fourteenth birthday. Don’t worry, I shall be returning home soon! Remember those enlightenment inspired ideas I talked to you about before? Well, things are really taking shape now and we have defined them, and ourselves, as “liberal.” We are done with the monarchy and Alexander. In order for Russia to improve economically and socially there needs to be changed. It is no longer an option. Did you know that he even contemplated such ideas himself? I learned that he showed some interest for reform and even named Michael Speransky in 1808 to advise him on administrative reforms. Speransky drafted a constitutional government that included an elected legislative body. But of course, his projects proved too far-reaching for our conservative leader. That kind of representative government is just what we need! Speransky’s were not eliminated by the iron-fist of the Tsar, however. His ideas live on through us. They have shaped our own ideas and formulated our objectives. Over the past few years I, and some other high officers in the army, have been working with some of the most brilliant minds in all of Russia. Unlike the rest of Europe whose nationalistic crusades are being led by the middle-class, our leaders are nobles. The Tsar controls their economic status through the regulation of their estates and they feel as though the absolute ruler is oppressing them and binding them to stagnation. My good friend, Andrei, is one of these nobles. He told me that as members of the nobility, like himself, began to claim their independence from the Tsar, a schism developed between the state and aristocracy. This cleavage between the Tsar and the nobles is proving to be irremediable. It has been this widening gap between the monarchial and the aristocratic stratum that has allowed for the birth of a new social group within our Russian society known as “intelligentsia.” Composed of the most intellectually advanced people, Andrei is naturally a part of it, but I myself have received a special invitation! We have joined various masonic lodges and have presently found a place to vent our liberalism. Hopefully this flame continues to grow until it destroys old Russia, thus reducing the monarchy to ashes and providing fertile ground for new growth. One of these days you shall join us. However, until that day comes expect more letters if I do not see you first. -Lyosha
Autumn, 1822 Lev, Seeing you renews my spirits and gives me faith that Russia has a promising future! Although it’s been nearly a month, it feels as though I was home yesterday. There is much to tell you. I know you are wondering why I didn’t tell you what I am about to write while we were together in person. The reason is simple: I want you to always have these documents. Save them for words last but it moments while parchment lasts for centuries. As I told you before, these ideas and men will be responsible for transforming Russia. We, the intelligentsia, have found Masonry to be too narrow a field for our insatiable political ambitions. Their philanthropic formulae have dissatisfied us. One of our own, Alexander Muraviev organized the Union of Welfare. Our clandestine organization’s goals consisted of reorganization of the government and the abolition of our nation’s greatest evil, serfdom. Some of the most eloquent and prominent members included Pavel Pestel, Sergei Trubetskoi, and Nikita Muraviev. However, things were not as great as they seemed, Lev. There was immense difficulty in establishing organizational and programmatic continuity within the Union. As a result, underdeveloped platforms rooted in more political theory than reality of Russian society led it to dissolve in 1820. As a result, two separate groups formed in the North and in the South. The Northern Society situates itself in St. Petersburg and consists of moderate reformists who desire a constitutional monarchy, modeled after the English version. Their leaders, Trubetskoi and Muraviev, are champion speakers and have gained the support of my dear friend, Andrei. I, on the other hand, have sworn my allegiance to the more radical Southern Society, comprised of what I call the “impoverished nobility” and instituted by Pestel in Tulchin. We all agree that complete eradication of the existing system and the establishment of a republic is necessary for Alexander’s despotic rule is the source of our nations widespread decadence and misery. Lev, the only way to evict autocratic rule is by physical extermination of the royal family. Everyone knows that once the nobles gain more power they are going to end of turning into a monarchial social group, and that cannot happen. They will allow the peasantry, including you to remain in political obscurity. I wont let that happen. This is your country too… It’s all of ours. Guess who has been chosen to direct justice’s swift sword? Yes, none other than your own brother. Do not worry about me, brother. Once I know more of my task I will write to you immediately. -Lyosha
Lev, I have done it. I, Lyosha Zarkov killed the mighty Tsar Alexander I.
Some say he caught a cold that developed into typhus while visiting his wife, others say that he didn’t really die and that his funeral was staged so that he may live his life in solitude. That’s not how the story goes. It is true that he had a cold from his trip and died in the southern city of Taganrog. However, it was from an unnamed poisonous elixir from the Chinese that delivered him his unexpected end.
As you know, the late Tsar’s younger brother, the Grand Duke Nicholas, succeeded the throne and is now Nicholas I. I know you heard about the revolts that preceded his succession, during which there was uncertainty to the throne. Technically, their other brother, Constantine (the commander of the Russians in Poland and husband of a woman not of royal blood) was next in line for the throne. Frankly, due to the fact that he married a commoner he wasn’t coming near that crown… Alexander made sure of that through a series of secret instructions that gave Nicholas his successor. I mean, things would’ve been easier had Alexander had a male heir. BUT, I’m not complaining because without the dubious legality of the whole secret plan there would’ve been no Decembrist Revolt.
A group of younger army officers from the Moscow regiment who had embraced liberal ideas staged a revolt in St. Petersburg after refusing to swear allegiance to Nicholas I. It’s startling how much they remind me of my regiment. Also inspired by liberal ideas, the leaders called for reforms, including the introduction of a liberal constitution and the abolition of serfdom. Tragically and profoundly, the new tsar suppressed the revolt with little difficulty. More than sixty people were killed and Nicholas himself presided over the commission that investigated the Decembrist Revolt and the secret army societies. Of course the rumors about the conspirators were true. I was one of them. In fact, I was the leader. Luckily, the connections I had made with powerful nobles earlier in my life saved me from the execution the other five plotters had to face. Instead, I have been exiled to Siberia. This dear brother will be the last letter you will ever receive from me. I only had enough time to write this brief note for the soldiers are down the stairs now to retrieve me from this prison cell. They will send all one hundred or so of us out into the unforgiving wilderness. Lev, always remember that you and your comrades have the ability to enact great change. The Decembrist Revolt, although a superficial failure, will prove to be a turning point in our mighty nation’s history. This, I believe was the first rebellion in modern Russian history whose instigators had specific political goals. Don’t see it as a set back for our cause. It is an immortal spark for it now will symbolize the yearnings of all Russian liberals.
As I have always told you, the journey to true freedom as a people will not be easy. Use your nationalistic feelings and conviction to liberalistic thought to guide you. My dearest brother, I have faith that you will do great things and I look forward to the day we reunite. Until then… Farewell, Lev. -Lyosha
My Dearest Anzhelika, I am writing because of the recent news that you hopefully have received. I have recently been promoted in my regiment. I am now in control of a small troop of men. I am hoping that I can fulfill my duty to Mother Russia. Other than this there has been much trouble in our country. A revolt was dissolved by the might of the powerful Russian army. These fools were plotting against the country. Luckily, the swine that were not massacred were exiled to the freezing temperatures of Siberia. This revolt is the Decembrist revolt. I have been deeply upset with the death of Tsar Alexander I. However, I did not agree with his reform ideas at first. The peasants do not deserve their freedom and should be kept in their place in society. They are insignificant to the life of nobility that we are used to. There was a time though when there was no ruler of this country. I was deeply surprised because there was bickering in-between the royal family. Constantine was finally able to admit that Nicholas was the true leader of Russia. As you have probably noticed there has been much turmoil in Poland. They have been rebellious. My men and I were sent to put down a pitiful revolt that was staged against the Motherland. We were deployed in February of 1832. I can remember the bone chilling cold that was in Poland. Thankfully, Tsar Nicholas initiated the Organic Statute. This ultimately removed the constitution that was in Poland at the time. Poland was to become a part of the empire of Russia. These inferior people did not want to accept the beautiful culture of the Russians. Tsar Nicholas used a form of assimilation. These inferior people were forced to accept the culture, language and religion that the Motherland has to offer. These Poles are lucky we are even accepting them into the Russian empire. Word has spread between my men about two groups that have recently formed. They are the Westerners and Slavophiles. The Westerners and Slavophiles believe that the autocracy should be overthrown. They believe in freedom of speech and the abolition of serfdom. The Westerners believe that Russia should be more like the West, but I feel Russia should be unique. Between the two I would relate more to the Slavophiles. They believe in keeping the uniqueness of Mother Russia. They believe that we should not try to be like the West. I am proud to say that our dear son Nikolai will be growing up to be a proud Russian soldier. I hope he is taking the new education programs to heart that the government has put in place. It was called the program of official nationality. I feel this is a great program. The Russian language, religion and Tsar are expressed as necessities in society. I know he will choose to devote himself to the Tsar. Tsar Nicholas has also published a systematic code of Russian law. This happened back in 1833 with the help of Michael Speransky. On another note radicalism has reached a new height. A man by the name Alexander Herzen has left Russia and has established the journal Kolokol “The bell. “ He is fueling the new radical ideas in Russia. I hope he is captured and tortured for his treason to the country. The Crimean war has consumed my life ever since we occupied the Danubian principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia. The Turks have proven to be a worthy opponent. They even got the assistance of the French and English. The English recently tried to take the city of Sebastopol in Crimea. This is where I am stationed. Their British cavalry charged into a natural amphitheater. They were massacred by my men. Of the 700 to charge only 195 survived. Despite these victories I am hoping that you will receive this letter because the city is under siege right now. I am hoping we will survive, but that is not definite. If I do die I hope it will preserve the wonderful country that we live in.
Sebastopol would soon fall to the allies in September 1855. Alexander Andreev would soon die during the siege of Sebastopol. Eventually at the Treaty of Paris the war came to an end. Russia however remained intact.
I liked how you guys worked facts into the fiction. Steph I found it really interesting how you incorperated the feelings of nationalism and liberalism in your story. Im finding that a lot of countries have seemed to be affected by Napoleon, whether it be directly or indirectly. I also learned from yours that Russia wasnt too aware of the fact of some of the ideas from the French Revolution and the Enlightenment. Chris I liked how you incorrperated information that involved other countries as well to show how it affected them and Russia.I think its cool to see how some of these revolutions or issues aren't just affecting one country but others as well.
Steph, fantastic as always my dear! Chris i really found it interesting how you took the journal from the perspective of a higher social standing. But what i really enjoyed was the reference to Russia as "Mother." This really shows the nationalistic views during this time. People who were truely nationalistic felt a sense of obligation to their country and felt a strong sense of pride and emotion. A mother is usually a nurturing, caring, individual who is supportive both emotionally and mentally. This really shows the mindset of nationalists, all who viewed themselves as a descendent of their country. Like a child they felt a need to protect their mother and defend it in order for the country to be productive, because in the end they feel that their mother would do anything to keem them safe and dynamic.
Like Valerie, I also found Chris’s perspective on his subject very interesting. The way that he wrote his blog post was wonderful because it gave us an opposite view of Russia from a nationalistic perspective.
Despite this, what really interested me about this post was the Crimean War. Seeing as the Crimean peninsula is in modern day Ukraine, I wanted to research this war and look into it a little closer. This war can essentially be summed up as part of a long-running contest between the major European powers for influence over territories of the declining Ottoman Empire. Since the Crimean peninsula was located on the Black Sea, the Russians wanted to capture it and add another great port city to their already amassed quantity of conquered lands. Man, those Russians were always and still are hungry for land and power. Most of the conflict took place on the Crimean Peninsula, but there were smaller campaigns in western Anatolia, Caucasus, the Baltic Sea, the Pacific Ocean and the White Sea.
I won’t go into the specifics of this war, because that would take too long, but I will mention the significance of it. The Crimean War is known for the logistical and tactical errors during the land campaign on both sides (the naval side saw a successful Allied campaign which eliminated most of the ships of the Russian Navy in the Black Sea). Nonetheless, it is sometimes considered to be one of the first "modern" wars as it "introduced technical changes which affected the future course of warfare," including the first tactical use of railways and the electric telegraph. The Crimean War was also one of the first wars to be documented extensively in written reports and photographs (William Russell). Essentially this war represented one of the first significant struggles between eastern and western Europe. And obviously, modern day Ukraine was a favorable spot for the Russians to gain more power and thus, they took the opportunity.
I find Russian history very interestin as they started from literally nothing. They had as string of very useful and capable leaders that helped them rise to a european super power whos force was matched only by its size.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete“The Letters of Lyosha Zarkov”
ReplyDeleteFrom young soldier to radical liberalist, Lyosha Zarkov is not your average Russian. From the end of Napoleon to the ultra-conservative regime of Nicholas I, Lyosha narrates his own personal transformation and depicts the raw power of nationalism on the European continent through his letters to his youngest brother Lev. Finding his own identity in a wave of change, Lyosha also illustrates the conflict between liberals and conservatives, as well as proves that nationalism is the most powerful political force in 19th century Europe.
Winter, 1813
ReplyDeleteLev,
I am sorry I cannot give you a more specific date; the days have blended together as we have battled the mighty Napoleon and his French forces. Our forces proved strong last year against the mighty dictator for as soon as they faltered in the frigid winters and at the hands of our scorched-earth policy. Under Tsar Alexander’s mighty lead we delivered a major loss to their numbers and morale.
However, that victory is not my purpose for writing to you. It is what happened afterward that really matters. As our forces drove Napoleon’s army across Europe and then occupied the defeated France, many officers (myself included) were exposed to the ideas of the French Revolution and something called the “Enlightenment.” We have heard of such things, but being so isolated back home in Russia we have not known truly what they are.
I will never be the same, Lev. Never. I realized how economically backward and politically stifled out own nation is. Russia needs to change! We are living primitively while the West flourishes.
There are others who feel the same way too. Under our breaths we have been calling ourselves “reformists,” as well as have committed ourselves to change although are ideas and goals are still being shaped. Right now we cannot express ourselves openly because of Tsar Alexander’s repressive policies, but there is talk of forming secret societies.
I shall write to you again soon to let you know of what’s has developed. Mark my words, Lev; these ideas, coupled with our conviction and passion, will change Russia forever.
-Lyosha
Spring, 1818
ReplyDeleteLev,
I hope you have received my other letters. I miss you dearly and if I do remember correctly, today is your fourteenth birthday. Don’t worry, I shall be returning home soon!
Remember those enlightenment inspired ideas I talked to you about before? Well, things are really taking shape now and we have defined them, and ourselves, as “liberal.” We are done with the monarchy and Alexander. In order for Russia to improve economically and socially there needs to be changed. It is no longer an option. Did you know that he even contemplated such ideas himself? I learned that he showed some interest for reform and even named Michael Speransky in 1808 to advise him on administrative reforms. Speransky drafted a constitutional government that included an elected legislative body. But of course, his projects proved too far-reaching for our conservative leader. That kind of representative government is just what we need! Speransky’s were not eliminated by the iron-fist of the Tsar, however. His ideas live on through us. They have shaped our own ideas and formulated our objectives.
Over the past few years I, and some other high officers in the army, have been working with some of the most brilliant minds in all of Russia. Unlike the rest of Europe whose nationalistic crusades are being led by the middle-class, our leaders are nobles. The Tsar controls their economic status through the regulation of their estates and they feel as though the absolute ruler is oppressing them and binding them to stagnation.
My good friend, Andrei, is one of these nobles. He told me that as members of the nobility, like himself, began to claim their independence from the Tsar, a schism developed between the state and aristocracy. This cleavage between the Tsar and the nobles is proving to be irremediable.
It has been this widening gap between the monarchial and the aristocratic stratum that has allowed for the birth of a new social group within our Russian society known as “intelligentsia.” Composed of the most intellectually advanced people, Andrei is naturally a part of it, but I myself have received a special invitation!
We have joined various masonic lodges and have presently found a place to vent our liberalism. Hopefully this flame continues to grow until it destroys old Russia, thus reducing the monarchy to ashes and providing fertile ground for new growth.
One of these days you shall join us. However, until that day comes expect more letters if I do not see you first.
-Lyosha
Autumn, 1822
ReplyDeleteLev,
Seeing you renews my spirits and gives me faith that Russia has a promising future! Although it’s been nearly a month, it feels as though I was home yesterday. There is much to tell you. I know you are wondering why I didn’t tell you what I am about to write while we were together in person. The reason is simple: I want you to always have these documents. Save them for words last but it moments while parchment lasts for centuries. As I told you before, these ideas and men will be responsible for transforming Russia.
We, the intelligentsia, have found Masonry to be too narrow a field for our insatiable political ambitions. Their philanthropic formulae have dissatisfied us. One of our own, Alexander Muraviev organized the Union of Welfare. Our clandestine organization’s goals consisted of reorganization of the government and the abolition of our nation’s greatest evil, serfdom. Some of the most eloquent and prominent members included Pavel Pestel, Sergei Trubetskoi, and Nikita Muraviev.
However, things were not as great as they seemed, Lev. There was immense difficulty in establishing organizational and programmatic continuity within the Union. As a result, underdeveloped platforms rooted in more political theory than reality of Russian society led it to dissolve in 1820. As a result, two separate groups formed in the North and in the South.
The Northern Society situates itself in St. Petersburg and consists of moderate reformists who desire a constitutional monarchy, modeled after the English version. Their leaders, Trubetskoi and Muraviev, are champion speakers and have gained the support of my dear friend, Andrei.
I, on the other hand, have sworn my allegiance to the more radical Southern Society, comprised of what I call the “impoverished nobility” and instituted by Pestel in Tulchin. We all agree that complete eradication of the existing system and the establishment of a republic is necessary for Alexander’s despotic rule is the source of our nations widespread decadence and misery.
Lev, the only way to evict autocratic rule is by physical extermination of the royal family. Everyone knows that once the nobles gain more power they are going to end of turning into a monarchial social group, and that cannot happen. They will allow the peasantry, including you to remain in political obscurity. I wont let that happen. This is your country too… It’s all of ours.
Guess who has been chosen to direct justice’s swift sword? Yes, none other than your own brother.
Do not worry about me, brother. Once I know more of my task I will write to you immediately.
-Lyosha
Spring, 1825
ReplyDeleteLev,
I have done it. I, Lyosha Zarkov killed the mighty Tsar Alexander I.
Some say he caught a cold that developed into typhus while visiting his wife, others say that he didn’t really die and that his funeral was staged so that he may live his life in solitude. That’s not how the story goes. It is true that he had a cold from his trip and died in the southern city of Taganrog. However, it was from an unnamed poisonous elixir from the Chinese that delivered him his unexpected end.
As you know, the late Tsar’s younger brother, the Grand Duke Nicholas, succeeded the throne and is now Nicholas I. I know you heard about the revolts that preceded his succession, during which there was uncertainty to the throne. Technically, their other brother, Constantine (the commander of the Russians in Poland and husband of a woman not of royal blood) was next in line for the throne. Frankly, due to the fact that he married a commoner he wasn’t coming near that crown… Alexander made sure of that through a series of secret instructions that gave Nicholas his successor. I mean, things would’ve been easier had Alexander had a male heir. BUT, I’m not complaining because without the dubious legality of the whole secret plan there would’ve been no Decembrist Revolt.
A group of younger army officers from the Moscow regiment who had embraced liberal ideas staged a revolt in St. Petersburg after refusing to swear allegiance to Nicholas I. It’s startling how much they remind me of my regiment. Also inspired by liberal ideas, the leaders called for reforms, including the introduction of a liberal constitution and the abolition of serfdom.
Tragically and profoundly, the new tsar suppressed the revolt with little difficulty. More than sixty people were killed and Nicholas himself presided over the commission that investigated the Decembrist Revolt and the secret army societies. Of course the rumors about the conspirators were true. I was one of them. In fact, I was the leader.
Luckily, the connections I had made with powerful nobles earlier in my life saved me from the execution the other five plotters had to face. Instead, I have been exiled to Siberia.
This dear brother will be the last letter you will ever receive from me. I only had enough time to write this brief note for the soldiers are down the stairs now to retrieve me from this prison cell. They will send all one hundred or so of us out into the unforgiving wilderness.
Lev, always remember that you and your comrades have the ability to enact great change. The Decembrist Revolt, although a superficial failure, will prove to be a turning point in our mighty nation’s history. This, I believe was the first rebellion in modern Russian history whose instigators had specific political goals. Don’t see it as a set back for our cause. It is an immortal spark for it now will symbolize the yearnings of all Russian liberals.
As I have always told you, the journey to true freedom as a people will not be easy. Use your nationalistic feelings and conviction to liberalistic thought to guide you. My dearest brother, I have faith that you will do great things and I look forward to the day we reunite. Until then… Farewell, Lev.
-Lyosha
*sorry about the spacing!!!
ReplyDeleteMy Dearest Anzhelika,
ReplyDeleteI am writing because of the recent news that you hopefully have received. I have recently been promoted in my regiment. I am now in control of a small troop of men. I am hoping that I can fulfill my duty to Mother Russia. Other than this there has been much trouble in our country. A revolt was dissolved by the might of the powerful Russian army. These fools were plotting against the country. Luckily, the swine that were not massacred were exiled to the freezing temperatures of Siberia. This revolt is the Decembrist revolt. I have been deeply upset with the death of Tsar Alexander I. However, I did not agree with his reform ideas at first. The peasants do not deserve their freedom and should be kept in their place in society. They are insignificant to the life of nobility that we are used to. There was a time though when there was no ruler of this country. I was deeply surprised because there was bickering in-between the royal family. Constantine was finally able to admit that Nicholas was the true leader of Russia. As you have probably noticed there has been much turmoil in Poland. They have been rebellious. My men and I were sent to put down a pitiful revolt that was staged against the Motherland. We were deployed in February of 1832. I can remember the bone chilling cold that was in Poland. Thankfully, Tsar Nicholas initiated the Organic Statute. This ultimately removed the constitution that was in Poland at the time. Poland was to become a part of the empire of Russia. These inferior people did not want to accept the beautiful culture of the Russians. Tsar Nicholas used a form of assimilation. These inferior people were forced to accept the culture, language and religion that the Motherland has to offer. These Poles are lucky we are even accepting them into the Russian empire. Word has spread between my men about two groups that have recently formed. They are the Westerners and Slavophiles. The Westerners and Slavophiles believe that the autocracy should be overthrown. They believe in freedom of speech and the abolition of serfdom. The Westerners believe that Russia should be more like the West, but I feel Russia should be unique. Between the two I would relate more to the Slavophiles. They believe in keeping the uniqueness of Mother Russia. They believe that we should not try to be like the West. I am proud to say that our dear son Nikolai will be growing up to be a proud Russian soldier. I hope he is taking the new education programs to heart that the government has put in place. It was called the program of official nationality. I feel this is a great program. The Russian language, religion and Tsar are expressed as necessities in society. I know he will choose to devote himself to the Tsar. Tsar Nicholas has also published a systematic code of Russian law. This happened back in 1833 with the help of Michael Speransky. On another note radicalism has reached a new height. A man by the name Alexander Herzen has left Russia and has established the journal Kolokol “The bell. “ He is fueling the new radical ideas in Russia. I hope he is captured and tortured for his treason to the country. The Crimean war has consumed my life ever since we occupied the Danubian principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia. The Turks have proven to be a worthy opponent. They even got the assistance of the French and English. The English recently tried to take the city of Sebastopol in Crimea. This is where I am stationed. Their British cavalry charged into a natural amphitheater. They were massacred by my men. Of the 700 to charge only 195 survived. Despite these victories I am hoping that you will receive this letter because the city is under siege right now. I am hoping we will survive, but that is not definite. If I do die I hope it will preserve the wonderful country that we live in.
Sebastopol would soon fall to the allies in September 1855. Alexander Andreev would soon die during the siege of Sebastopol. Eventually at the Treaty of Paris the war came to an end. Russia however remained intact.
ReplyDeleteI liked how you guys worked facts into the fiction. Steph I found it really interesting how you incorperated the feelings of nationalism and liberalism in your story. Im finding that a lot of countries have seemed to be affected by Napoleon, whether it be directly or indirectly. I also learned from yours that Russia wasnt too aware of the fact of some of the ideas from the French Revolution and the Enlightenment. Chris I liked how you incorrperated information that involved other countries as well to show how it affected them and Russia.I think its cool to see how some of these revolutions or issues aren't just affecting one country but others as well.
ReplyDeleteSteph, fantastic as always my dear! Chris i really found it interesting how you took the journal from the perspective of a higher social standing. But what i really enjoyed was the reference to Russia as "Mother." This really shows the nationalistic views during this time. People who were truely nationalistic felt a sense of obligation to their country and felt a strong sense of pride and emotion. A mother is usually a nurturing, caring, individual who is supportive both emotionally and mentally. This really shows the mindset of nationalists, all who viewed themselves as a descendent of their country. Like a child they felt a need to protect their mother and defend it in order for the country to be productive, because in the end they feel that their mother would do anything to keem them safe and dynamic.
ReplyDeleteLike Valerie, I also found Chris’s perspective on his subject very interesting. The way that he wrote his blog post was wonderful because it gave us an opposite view of Russia from a nationalistic perspective.
ReplyDeleteDespite this, what really interested me about this post was the Crimean War. Seeing as the Crimean peninsula is in modern day Ukraine, I wanted to research this war and look into it a little closer. This war can essentially be summed up as part of a long-running contest between the major European powers for influence over territories of the declining Ottoman Empire. Since the Crimean peninsula was located on the Black Sea, the Russians wanted to capture it and add another great port city to their already amassed quantity of conquered lands. Man, those Russians were always and still are hungry for land and power. Most of the conflict took place on the Crimean Peninsula, but there were smaller campaigns in western Anatolia, Caucasus, the Baltic Sea, the Pacific Ocean and the White Sea.
I won’t go into the specifics of this war, because that would take too long, but I will mention the significance of it. The Crimean War is known for the logistical and tactical errors during the land campaign on both sides (the naval side saw a successful Allied campaign which eliminated most of the ships of the Russian Navy in the Black Sea). Nonetheless, it is sometimes considered to be one of the first "modern" wars as it "introduced technical changes which affected the future course of warfare," including the first tactical use of railways and the electric telegraph. The Crimean War was also one of the first wars to be documented extensively in written reports and photographs (William Russell). Essentially this war represented one of the first significant struggles between eastern and western Europe. And obviously, modern day Ukraine was a favorable spot for the Russians to gain more power and thus, they took the opportunity.
I find Russian history very interestin as they started from literally nothing. They had as string of very useful and capable leaders that helped them rise to a european super power whos force was matched only by its size.
ReplyDelete