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.

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
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
2.1.6 Presidential elections and the continuation of the protests movement
2.2 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
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
3.1.11 Respect of the law
3.1.12 Disapproval of violent revolution
3.1.13 Betrayal
3.1.14 Protest and leadership
3.1.15 The punishment
3.2 The aftermath and conclusion

Conclusion

List of References

• 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