Slavophiles and Westernisers

Question 1

Slavophiles

Answer 1

• Russian civilization was exceptional and superior to Western culture; based on nOrthodox Eastern Church, the village community, and the ancient popular assembly, the zemsky sobor.
• Supported autocracy and opposed political participation; however, they also favored emancipation of serfs and freedom of speech and press.

The Slavophiles became increasingly nationalistic; many ardently supported Pan-Slavism after Russia’s defeat in the Crimean War (1854–56).

Prominent among them were Konstantin and Ivan Aksakov, who wrote plays of the ancient Russian social order.

Question 2

The Westernisers

Answer 2

The Westernizers believed that Russia’s development depended on the adoption of Western technology and liberal government.

In their approach they were rationalistic and often agnostic rather than emotional and mystical. Some remained moderate liberals, while others became socialists and political radicals.

Aleksandr I (1801-1825)

• Gave amnesty to political prisoners
• Established the Confidential Committee (Committee for Public Safety)
• Considered abolishing serfdom and transforming nobility into repository of
  power. In the end this was too radical and only emancipated around 0.5% of the Peasantry.

Question 3

Decembrists

Answer 3

Wanted a better society for all: important development in Russian political
dissent.

• Matyr figures for future opponents of the regime
• Huge impact on Siberian development due to exiled Decembrists.
• Wives of Decembrists inspired female radicals.