The Decembrist Revolt of 1825 as a Tool to Assess the Modern Russian Call for Freedom. The Case of the Russian Protests of 2011-2012

A Comparative Historical Analysis

Bachelor Thesis , 2016 , 42 Pages , Grade: 8,0

Politics - Region: Russia

The research presents a comparative historical analysis of two events from the Russian history: The Decembrist Revolt of 1825 and the Russian uprising of 2011-2012. The analysis is aimed at defining features that both events have in common.

Based on the aftermath of the Decembrist revolt, the implications of the Russian uprising of 2011-2012 for the Russian domestic politics in the long-run are foreseen. The study uses a multidisciplinary and holistic approach, covering political, socio-cultural, and economic perspectives. After a general description of both events the comparison takes place, followed by the conclusion.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• CHAPTER I
  • The Decembrist Revolt: Back in History for the First Russian Revolution...
  • 1.1 Causes of the Decembrist movement..
  • 1.1.1 Economic cause: financial crisis and serfdom..
  • 1.1.2 Political cause: conservatism and oppression..
  • 1.1.3 Inspiration from abroad: travelling, education, and literature...
  • 1.2 The development and growth of the Decembrist movement….
  • 1.2.1 The Semenovsky incident…......
  • 1.2.2 The First Decembrist Society..
  • 1.2.3 The Union of Salvation....
  • 1.2.4 The Union of Welfare......
  • 1.2.5 The Northern and Southern Societies...
  • 1.3 The years after the division...
  • 1.3.1 The attitudes of the Decembrists - difference between the Northern and Southern societies..
  • 1.3.2 The last years before the Decembrist revolt..
  • 1.3.3 14th of December 1825.
  • 1.3.4 Rebellion in the South...
  • 1.3.5 Trial...
  • 1.4 Aftermath of the Decembrist Revolt and conclusion....
• CHAPTER II
  • The Russian protests of 2011-2012: background, dynamics, analysis and aftermath.....
  • 2.1 The general chronology of the protests.....
  • 2.1.1 The state of affairs and societal moods before the elections into the State Duma..
  • 2.1.2 Period of political scandals and developments...
  • 2.1.3 Alexei Navalny and rising public interest in the elections..
  • 2.1.4 The State Duma elections and the first protests…...
  • 2.1.5 Dynamics of the protests before the presidential elections in March 2012.
  • 2.1.6 Presidential elections and the continuation of the protests movement..
  • 12.2 Analysis of the protests...
  • 2.2.1 Infrastructure of the protests, influences, and public speakers....
  • 2.2.2 Peaceful character of the protests..
  • 2.2.3 Social portraits of the protesters….
  • 2.2.4 Reaction of the authorities...
  • 2.3 The aftermath of the protests.
  • 2.3.1 The aftermath.
  • 2.3.2 Why protests failed..
  • 2.3.3 Conclusion.....
• CHAPTER III
  • Discussion: differences and similarities between the Decembrist revolt of 1825 and the Russian uprising of 2011-2012.....
  • 3.1 Comparative analysis of the Decembrist Revolt and the Russian uprising….
  • 3.1.1 Influence from abroad..
  • 3.1.2 Timeliness of changes..
  • 3.1.3 Economic situation...
  • 3.1.4 Interregnum….
  • 3.1.5 Western cultural-political influence…
  • 3.1.6 Social background...
  • 3.1.7 Audience..
  • 3.1.8 Political determination.
  • 3.1.9 Nationalism and patriotism.….……
  • 3.1.10 Ideological-spiritual content – comment on O.Karbasova.……..\n
  • 3.1.11 Respect of the law.......
  • 3.1.12 Disapproval of violent revolution...
  • 3.1.13 Betrayal…..\n
  • 3.1.14 Protest and leadership...
  • 3.1.15 The punishment……
  • 3.2 The aftermath and conclusion.....
• Conclusion....

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis aims to analyze the Decembrist Revolt of 1825 and the Russian protests of 2011-2012 through a comparative lens, seeking to understand how the historical events of 1825 may offer relevant lessons for understanding the more recent protests. The primary objective is to assess the similarities and differences between these events, considering political, economic, social, and cultural factors.

• The causes and dynamics of both the Decembrist Revolt and the Russian protests.
• The role of foreign influence and Western cultural-political ideas in both events.
• The social and economic context that underpinned both uprisings.
• The impact of leadership and the strategies of the protesters.
• The consequences of the respective events for Russia and the long-term implications for political reform and societal change.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

Chapter I delves into the Decembrist Revolt of 1825, examining its historical context and development. It explores the various factors that led to the uprising, including economic instability, political repression, and the influence of Western ideas. This chapter traces the evolution of the Decembrist movement from its early stages through the formation of secret societies to the events of December 14th, 1825, culminating in the revolt's suppression and the subsequent trial of its participants.

Chapter II focuses on the Russian protests of 2011-2012, providing a comprehensive overview of their background, dynamics, and aftermath. The chapter analyzes the various factors that contributed to the protests, including political scandals, fraudulent elections, and public dissatisfaction with corruption. It examines the specific events that unfolded during the protests, including the role of Alexei Navalny and the response of the Russian authorities.

Chapter III engages in a comparative analysis of the Decembrist Revolt and the Russian protests, seeking to identify both commonalities and differences. The chapter examines various factors influencing both events, including the role of foreign influence, the historical context, economic conditions, and the social composition of the participants. It also analyzes the strategies employed by the protesters, their goals, and the consequences of their actions.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The primary keywords and focus topics of this thesis are: Decembrist Revolt, Russian protests of 2011-2012, political reform, societal change, Russian history, comparative analysis, liberalism, democracy, foreign influence, Western ideas, economic context, social factors, political repression, leadership, consequences, aftermath.

• College: Tilburg University (University College Tilburg)
• Grade: 8,0
• Author: Vera Ande (Author)
• Publication Year: 2016
• Pages: 42
• Catalog Number: V341319
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668308497
• ISBN (Book): 9783668308503
• Language: English
• Tags: russian history, political science, comparative history, russian protest movement, decembrist revolt