Secret societies of the Decembrists. Secret societies of the Decembrists: Southern and Northern

Chronology

• 1816 - 1817 Activities of the Union of Salvation.
• 1818 - 1821 Activities of the Union of Welfare.
• 1821 Formation of the “Southern Society”.
• 1821 - 1822 Education " Northern Society”.
• 1825, December 14 Decembrist uprising in St. Petersburg.
• 1825, December 29 Uprising Chernigov Regiment.

Social movement in Russia in the 19th - early 20th centuries.

In the history of socio-political thought Russia XIX century occupies its special place. These years especially at a fast pace The feudal-serf system was being destroyed and capitalism was being established. As Herzen wrote, at the beginning XIX century, “there were almost no revolutionary ideas, but power and thought, imperial decrees and humane words, autocracy and civilization could no longer go hand in hand.”

In Russia it is gradually moving towards political arena an internally free layer of the intelligentsia, which was to play an outstanding role in the 19th century. There was also an awareness of the need for change in the government camp. However, ideas about the paths of change among the autocracy and various political forces differed significantly. In accordance with this, three main trends in the development of socio-political thought stand out in the history of Russia: conservative, liberal and revolutionary.

Conservatives sought to preserve the foundations of the existing socio-political system. Liberals put pressure on the government to force it to implement reforms. The revolutionaries sought in various ways profound changes, including through a violent change in the country's political system.

A feature of the social movement at the beginning of the 19th century was the dominance of the nobility. This is explained primarily by the fact that in the environment nobility An intelligentsia was formed that began to realize the need for political changes in the country and put forward specific political doctrines.

During these years, the Russian bourgeoisie did not actively participate in the social movement because it was absorbed in accumulation, profit under the conditions of primitive accumulation. She didn't need political reforms, but administrative and legislative measures that contributed to the development of capitalism. The Russian bourgeoisie was quite satisfied economic policy tsarism, aimed at the development of capitalism. The political capacity of the Russian bourgeoisie lagged far behind its economic power. It entered the economic struggle at a time when the Russian proletariat was already playing an active role in the socio-political struggle, having created its own political party.

During the years when the authorities refused reforms, a revolutionary political trend clearly emerged. It was Decembrist movement. The main factor in its occurrence was socio-economic, especially political conditions development of Russia.

In 1825, the most far-sighted nobles already understood that the fate of the country and the nobility itself was not limited to royal benefits and favors. To liberate the peasants and establish representative bodies of power, people came out to Senate Square, wanted it themselves. While sacrificing their destinies and lives for the people, they could not sacrifice their privilege to decide for the people without asking them.

“We are the children of 1812,” wrote Matvey Muravyov-Apostol, emphasizing that the Patriotic War became the starting point of their movement. More than a hundred Decembrists took part in the war of 1812, 65 of those who would be called state criminals in 1825 fought to the death with the enemy on the Borodino field. Acquaintance with the progressive thought of French and Russian enlighteners strengthened the desire of the Decembrists to put an end to the causes of Russia's backwardness and ensure the free development of its people.

Academician M.V. Nechkina, a well-known researcher of the history of the Decembrist movement, called the main reason for its emergence the crisis of the feudal-serf, autocratic system, i.e. Russian reality itself, and secondarily noted the influence of European ideas and impressions from the foreign campaigns of the Russian army.

Your first secret society Salvation Union” Guards officers A.N. Muravyov, N.M. Muravyov, S.P. Trubetskoy, I.D. Yakushkin, founded in 1816. V St. Petersburg. The name was inspired by the French Revolution (Committee of Public Safety - the French government of the era of the “Jacobin dictatorship”). In 1817, P.I. joined the circle. Pestel, who wrote its Statute (charter). A new name also appeared - “Society of True and Faithful Sons of the Fatherland.” The revolutionaries planned, at the time of the change of monarch on the throne, to force him to adopt a Constitution limiting royal power and abolishing serfdom.

Based on the “Union of Salvation” in 1818 in Moscow was created “Welfare Union”, which included more than 200 people. This organization aimed to promote anti-serfdom ideas, support the liberal intentions of the government, and create public opinion against serfdom and autocracy. It took 10 years to solve that problem. The Decembrists believed that conquering society would help avoid the horrors of the French Revolution and make the coup bloodless.

The government's abandonment of reform plans and a transition to reaction in foreign and domestic policy forced the Decembrists to change tactics. In 1821 in Moscow, at the congress of the Union of Welfare, it was decided to overthrow the autocracy through a military revolution. From the vague “Union” the decision was made to move to a conspiratorial and clearly formed secret organization. IN 1821 — 1822 gg. arose “ South" And " Northern” society. IN 1823 an organization was created in Ukraine “ Society of United Slavs”, by the fall of 1825 it merged with the “Southern Society”.

In the Decembrist movement throughout its existence, there were serious disagreements on issues of ways and methods of implementing reforms, on the form government structure countries, etc. Within the framework of the movement, one can trace not only revolutionary tendencies (they manifested themselves especially clearly), but also liberal tendencies. The differences between the members of the “Southern” and “Northern” societies were reflected in the programs developed by P.I. Pestel (“ Russian truth") and Nikita Muravyov (“ Constitution”).

One of the most important questions remained the question of the state structure of Russia. According to the “Constitution” N. Muravyova Russia was turning into constitutional monarchy where executive power belonged to the emperor, and the legislative one was transferred to the bicameral parliament, - People's Assembly. The source of all state life The Constitution solemnly proclaimed the people, the emperor was only the “supreme official of the Russian state.” The suffrage provided for a fairly high voting qualification. Courtiers were deprived of voting rights. A number of basic bourgeois freedoms were proclaimed - speech, movement, religion.

By " Russian truth" Pestel Russia announced republic, power in which, until the implementation of the necessary bourgeois-democratic transformations, was concentrated in the hands of Temporary Supreme Rule. Next supreme power was transferred to the unicameral People's Assembly of 500 people, elected for 5 years by men from the age of 20 without any qualification restrictions. Supreme executive body performed State Duma(5 people), elected for 5 years by the People's Assembly and responsible to it. Became the head of Russia president. Pestel rejected the principle of a federal structure; Russia remained united and indivisible.

Second the most important question- the question of serfdom. Both N. Muravyov’s “Constitution” and Pestel’s “Russian Truth” strongly advocated against serfdom. “Serfdom and slavery is abolished. A slave who touches the Russian land becomes free,” reads § 16 of N. Muravyov’s Constitution. According to “Russian Truth”, serfdom was immediately abolished. The liberation of the peasants was declared the “holiest and most indispensable” duty of the Provisional Government. All citizens had equal rights.

N. Muravyov proposed that the liberated peasants retain their personal land “for vegetable gardens” and two acres of arable land per yard. Pestel considered the liberation of peasants without land completely unacceptable and proposed solving the land issue by combining the principles of public and private property. Public land fund was to be formed through the seizure without redemption of landowners' lands, the size of which exceeded 10 thousand dessiatines. From landholdings of 5 - 10 thousand dessiatines, half of the land was alienated for compensation. From the public fund, land was allocated to everyone who wanted to cultivate it.

The Decembrists associated the implementation of their programs with a revolutionary change in the existing system in the country. Taken as a whole, Pestel’s project was more radical and consistent from the point of view of the development of bourgeois relations in Russia than Muravyov’s project. At the same time, both of them were progressive, revolutionary programs for the bourgeois reorganization of feudal Russia.

Representatives of the “Northern” and “Southern” societies planned a joint performance in the summer of 1826. But the unexpected death of Alexander I, which occurred on November 19, 1825 in Taganrog, entailed a dynastic crisis and forced the conspirators to change their plans. Alexander I did not leave an heir, and according to the law, the throne passed to his middle brother Constantine. However, back in 1822, Constantine signed a secret abdication. This document was kept in the Synod and the State Council, but was not made public. On November 27, the country swore allegiance to Constantine. Only on December 12 did the answer come about the abdication of Constantine, who was in Poland. On On December 14, the oath to Nicholas was appointed, younger brother.

The Decembrists’ plan was to withdraw troops to Senate Square (where the Senate and Synod buildings were located) and prevent senators from swearing allegiance to Nicholas I, forcefully force them to declare the government overthrown, and issue a revolutionary “ Manifesto to the Russian people y”, compiled by K.F. Ryleev and S.P. Trubetskoy. The royal family was to be arrested in the Winter Palace. A dictator, i.e. The leader of the uprising was Colonel of the Guard, Prince S.P. Trubetskoy, chief of staff - E.P. Obolensky.

At 11 am several companies of the Moscow Regiment came to Senate Square. Governor General M.A. addressed the rebels. Miloradovich with a call to return to the barracks and swear allegiance to Nicholas I, but was mortally wounded by a shot from Kakhovsky. The number of rebels gradually reached three thousand, however, lacking leadership (Trubetskoy never showed up at Senate Square), they continued to stand waiting. By this time, Nikolai, seeing that “the matter was becoming serious,” pulled about 12 thousand people to the square and sent for artillery. In response to the Decembrists’ refusal to lay down their arms, grapeshot fire began. By 18:00 the uprising was suppressed, about 1,300 people died.

December 29, 1825. under the leadership of S. Muravyov-Apostol performed Chernigov Regiment, but already on January 3, 1826 the uprising was suppressed.

316 people were arrested in the Decembrist case. The defendants were divided into 11 categories depending on the degree of their guilt. TO death penalty 5 people were sentenced to quartering, replaced by hanging (P.I. Pestel, K.F. Ryleev, P.G. Kakhovsky, S.I. Muravyov-Apostol, M.P. Bestuzhev-Ryumin).

On July 13, 1826, the execution took place in the Peter and Paul Fortress. During the execution, the ropes of Ryleev, Kakhovsky, and Muravyov-Apostol broke, but they were hanged a second time.

Trubetskoy, Obolensky, N. Muravyov, Yakubovich, Yakushkin and others went to hard labor in Siberia. All those convicted in the courtyard of the Peter and Paul Fortress were put in a “punishment” and stripped of their ranks and noble titles (they had their swords broken, their shoulder straps and uniforms torn off and thrown into bonfire).

Only in 1856, in connection with the coronation of Alexander II, an amnesty was declared. A whole generation of young, educated active people found himself torn out of the life of the country. From the “depths of Siberian ores” Decembrist A.I. Odoevsky wrote to Pushkin:

“Our sorrowful work will not be lost,
A spark will ignite a flame..."

The forecast turned out to be accurate. Having dealt with the Decembrists, the government of Nicholas I was unable to kill the free thought and desire of the progressive part of society for change.

The message about the Decembrists will briefly tell you who the Decembrists were and in what year the Decembrist uprising took place.

Report on the Decembrists

Decembrists- these are the participants of the uprising December 14, 1825 on Senate Square, St. Petersburg.

As a rule, The Decembrists were educated, progressive nobles and military people. They fought for the abolition of serfdom in Russia, for the introduction of a constitution, limitation or complete abolition of tsarist power.

After the great Patriotic War In 1812, the future Decembrists began to create their own organization. In 1816, a secret society called the “Union of Salvation” was formed, and 2 years later another one - the “Union of Welfare”. They included 200 people.

The “Union of Welfare” in January 1821 was divided into 2 parts. The “Northern Society” began to operate in St. Petersburg, and in Ukraine “ Southern Society" The bulk were officers. Both parts of the societies were engaged in careful preparation revolutionary uprising. There's only one thing left to do: wait for the right opportunity to speak.

On November 1, 1825, Russian Emperor Alexander I, who was undergoing treatment, died in Taganrog. He did not leave behind any children, so his brothers, Nicholas and Konstantin, laid claim to the throne. According to the laws of succession to the throne, the throne was to be taken by the eldest Constantine. However, he was already the royal governor in Poland, so he abdicated the throne even before the death of Alexander I. For some reason, Constantine did this secretly, and all of Russia swore allegiance to “Emperor Konstantin Pavlovich.” He refused to come to St. Petersburg and confirmed his renunciation of the kingdom in an official letter. Then on December 14, 1825, an oath was appointed for Nicholas. Thus, a period of interregnum arose in Russia, which the Decembrists decided to take advantage of.

They came out to Senate Square on December 14 and refused to take the oath to Tsar Nicholas. The Decembrists could easily capture Winter Palace, but their indecision cost them their lives. Nicholas quickly gathered troops loyal to the government and surrounded the rebels. The uprising was suppressed.

The Decembrists were tried: they were deprived of their rights and noble titles, sentenced to indefinite hard labor and exiled to Siberia for settlement. The leaders of the uprising - P. Pestel, S. Muravyov-Apostol,

The Decembrist movement, which will be discussed briefly in the article, was the first noble action in the history of our country. It marked the beginning of a century of uprisings and popular terror.

Decembrist movement: briefly about the history of organizations

Why did the Decembrists unite in secret societies? Firstly, the emergence of Decembrist organizations was influenced by the ideas of the enlighteners of revolutionary France. Views on the structure of the state were reflected in the charters of communities. Secondly, having been on foreign campaigns after the victory over Napoleon, the Decembrists learned the European structure of life. These trips convinced them that they could live a much better life. Thirdly, during the same Patriotic War, the Decembrists became more closely acquainted with the main population of our country - the peasants. They learned better about their way of life and way of life, which led the conspirators to realize the need for change. And, fourthly, the Decembrist movement, which is briefly discussed in the article, was greatly influenced by the indecisiveness of Alexander the First in carrying out reforms.

Organizations of the Decembrists began to be created two years after the great Foreign campaigns. So, already in 1816, a secret society was created - it included guard officers who developed ideas for a new structure of the state. This society does not have its own charter and program and therefore is quickly disintegrating. Following him, the Union of Welfare is created. This organization has greater success: a clear composition of participants is determined, and its own program appears. The community exists for two years, after which it disbands. Now comes the time for the legendary Southern and Northern communities. The Decembrists were led by Pestel. Their program was called “Russian Truth” and consisted of following conditions: the overthrow of the autocracy, naturally, the abolition of serfdom, the creation of a legislative people's governing body. As for the Northern Society of Decembrists, it was less radical in its demands. The program was called “Constitution” and its author was Northern Decembrists They settled on the following demands: limitation of autocratic power and the introduction of a Constitution; they also advocated the abolition of serfdom and the creation of a parliament, but for maintaining executive power with the emperor.

The organizations carefully prepared for the main performance. On the day of the re-oath to the new emperor, they went out to However, the uprising turned out to be a failure: it all started when the leader of the Decembrists did not come to the square, and the re-oath took place before the rebels went to Senate Square. suppressed the uprising and executed its most important participants - this served as the beginning of a tightening of the tsar’s internal policy.

The Decembrist movement, which was briefly discussed in the article, is a striking phenomenon in our history. It was with him that the struggle for the liberation of Russia from autocracy began.

The whole point is that historically the Decembrists in Russia were the first who dared to oppose the power of the Tsar. It is interesting that the rebels themselves began to study this phenomenon; they analyzed the reasons for the uprising on Senate Square and its defeat. As a result of the execution of the Decembrists, Russian society lost the very best of enlightened youth, because they came from families of the nobility, glorious participants in the War of 1812.

Who are the Decembrists

Who are the Decembrists? They can be briefly characterized as follows: they are members of several political societies fighting for the abolition of serfdom and the change state power. In December 1825 they organized an uprising, which was brutally suppressed. 5 people (leaders) were executed, shameful for officers. Decembrist participants were exiled to Siberia, some were shot in the Peter and Paul Fortress.

Causes of the uprising

Why did the Decembrists revolt? There are several reasons for this. The main one, which they all, as one, reproduced during interrogations in the Peter and Paul Fortress - the spirit of freethinking, faith in the strength of the Russian people, tired of oppression - all this was born after the brilliant victory over Napoleon. It is no coincidence that 115 people from among the Decembrists were participants in the Patriotic War of 1812. Indeed, during military campaigns, liberating European countries, they never encountered the savagery of serfdom. This forced them to reconsider their attitude towards their country as “slaves and masters.”

It was obvious that serfdom had outlived its usefulness. Fighting side by side with the common people, communicating with them, the future Decembrists came to the idea that people deserve a better fate than a slave existence. The peasants also hoped that after the war their situation would change for the better, because they shed blood for the sake of their homeland. But, unfortunately, the emperor and most of the nobles firmly clung to the serfs. That is why, from 1814 to 1820, more than two hundred peasant uprisings broke out in the country.

The apotheosis was the revolt against Colonel Schwartz of the Semenovsky Guards Regiment in 1820. His cruelty to ordinary soldiers crossed all boundaries. Activists of the Decembrist movement, Sergei Muravyov-Apostol and Mikhail Bestuzhev-Ryumin, witnessed these events, as they served in this regiment. It should also be noted that a certain spirit of freethinking instilled in most of the participants Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum: for example, its graduates were I. Pushchin, V. Kuchelbecker, and the freedom-loving poems of A. Pushkin were used as inspired ideas.

Southern Society of Decembrists

It should be understood that the Decembrist movement did not arise out of nowhere: it grew out of world revolutionary ideas. Pavel Pestel wrote that such thoughts go “from one end of Europe to Russia”, even covering such opposite mentalities as Turkey and England.

The ideas of Decembrism were realized through the work of secret societies. The first of them are the Union of Salvation (St. Petersburg, 1816) and the Union of Welfare (1818). The second arose on the basis of the first, was less secretive and included larger number members. It was also dissolved in 1820 due to differences of opinion.

In 1821 there is new organization, consisting of two Societies: Northern (in St. Petersburg, headed by Nikita Muravyov) and Southern (in Kyiv, headed by Pavel Pestel). Southern society had more reactionary views: in order to establish a republic, they proposed killing the tsar. The structure of the Southern Society consisted of three departments: the first, along with P. Pestel, was headed by A. Yushnevsky, the second by S. Muravyov-Apostol, the third by V. Davydov and S. Volkonsky.

Leaders of the Decembrists: 1.Pavel Ivanovich Pestel

The leader of the Southern Society, Pavel Ivanovich Pestel, was born in 1793 in Moscow. He receives an excellent education in Europe, and upon returning to Russia begins service in the Corps of Pages - especially privileged among the nobles. The pages are personally acquainted with all members of the imperial family. Here the freedom-loving views of young Pestel first appear. Having brilliantly graduated from the Corps, he continues to serve in the Lithuanian Regiment with the rank of ensign of the Life Guards.

During the War of 1812, Pestel was seriously wounded. Having recovered, he returns to service and fights bravely. By the end of the war, Pestel had many high awards, including gold award weapons. After World War II, he was transferred to serve in the Cavalry Regiment - at that time the most prestigious place of service.

While in St. Petersburg, Pestel learns about a certain secret society (the Union of Salvation) and soon joins it. Begins revolutionary life Pavel. In 1821, he headed the Southern Society - in this he was helped by his magnificent eloquence, wonderful mind and gift of persuasion. Thanks to these qualities, in his time he achieved unity of views of Southern and Northern societies.

Pestel's Constitution

In 1823, the program of the Southern Society, compiled by Pavel Pestel, was adopted. It was unanimously accepted by all members of the association - future Decembrists. Briefly it contained the following points:

• Russia must become a republic, united and indivisible, consisting of 10 districts. Public Administration will be carried out by the People's Assembly (legislatively) and the State Duma (executively).
• In resolving the issue of serfdom, Pestel proposed to immediately abolish it, dividing the land into two parts: for peasants and for landowners. It was assumed that the latter would rent it out for farming. Researchers believe that if the 1861 reform to abolish serfdom had gone according to Pestel’s plan, the country would very soon have taken a bourgeois, economically progressive path of development.
• Abolition of the institution of estates. All the people of the country are called citizens, they are equally equal before the law. Personal freedoms and inviolability of person and home were declared.
• Tsarism was categorically not accepted by Pestel, so he demanded the physical destruction of the entire royal family.

It was assumed that "Russian Truth" would come into force as soon as the uprising ended. It will be the fundamental law of the country.

Northern Society of Decembrists

Northern society begins to exist in 1821, in the spring. Initially, it consisted of two groups that later merged. It should be noted that the first group was more radical in orientation, its participants shared Pestel’s views and fully accepted his “Russian Truth”.

Activists of the Northern Society were Nikita Muravyov (leader), Kondraty Ryleev (deputy), princes Obolensky and Trubetskoy. Ivan Pushchin played not the least role in the Society.

The Northern Society operated mainly in St. Petersburg, but it also had a branch in Moscow.

The path to uniting Northern and Southern societies was long and very painful. They had fundamental differences on some issues. However, at the congress in 1824 it was decided to begin the process of unification in 1826. The uprising in December 1825 destroyed these plans.

2. Nikita Mikhailovich Muravyov

Nikita Mikhailovich Muravyov comes from a noble family. Born in 1795 in St. Petersburg. Received an excellent education in Moscow. The War of 1812 found him in the rank of collegiate registrar at the Ministry of Justice. He runs away from home for the war and makes a brilliant career during the battles.

After the Patriotic War, he begins to work as part of secret societies: the Union of Salvation and the Union of Welfare. In addition, he writes the charter for the latter. He believes that a republican form of government should be established in the country; only a military coup can help this. During a trip to the south he meets P. Pestel. Nevertheless, he organizes his own structure - the Northern Society, but does not break ties with like-minded people, but, on the contrary, actively cooperates.

He wrote the first edition of his version of the Constitution in 1821, but it did not find a response from other members of the Societies. A little later he will reconsider his views and release new program, offered by the Nordic Society.

Muravyov's Constitution

The Constitution of N. Muravyov included the following positions:

• Russia should become a constitutional monarchy: the legislative branch is the Supreme Duma, consisting of two chambers; executive - emperor (part-time - supreme commander). It was separately stipulated that he did not have the right to start and end the war on his own. After a maximum of three readings, the emperor had to sign the law. He had no right to veto; he could only delay the signing in time.
• When serfdom is abolished, the landowners' lands will be left to the owners, and the peasants - their plots, plus 2 tithes will be added to each house.
• Suffrage is only for land owners. Women, nomads and non-owners stayed away from him.
• Abolish the institution of estates, level everyone with one name: citizen. Judicial system one for everyone. Muravyov was aware that his version of the constitution would meet fierce resistance, so he provided for its introduction with the use of weapons.

Preparing for the uprising

The secret societies described above lasted 10 years, after which the uprising began. It should be said that the decision to revolt arose quite spontaneously.

While in Taganrog, Alexander I dies. Due to the lack of heirs, the next emperor was to be Constantine, Alexander's brother. The problem was that he secretly abdicated the throne at one time. Accordingly, the reign passed to the youngest brother, Nikolai. The people were in confusion, not knowing about the renunciation. However, Nicholas decides to take the oath on December 14, 1825.

Alexander's death became the starting point for the rebels. They understand that it is time to act, despite the fundamental differences between Southern and Northern societies. They were well aware that they had catastrophically little time to prepare well for the uprising, but they believed that it would be criminal to miss such a moment. This is exactly what Ivan Pushchin wrote to his lyceum friend Alexander Pushkin.

Gathering on the night before December 14, the rebels prepare a plan of action. It boiled down to the following points:

• Appoint Prince Trubetskoy as commander.
• Occupy the Winter Palace and the Peter and Paul Fortress. A. Yakubovich and A. Bulatov were appointed responsible for this.
• Lieutenant P. Kakhovsky was supposed to kill Nikolai. This action was supposed to be a signal to action for the rebels.
• Conduct propaganda work among the soldiers and win them over to the side of the rebels.
• It was up to Kondraty Ryleev and Ivan Pushchin to convince the Senate to swear allegiance to the emperor.

Unfortunately, the future Decembrists did not think through everything. History says that traitors from among them made a denunciation of the impending rebellion to Nicholas, which finally convinced him to appoint an oath to the Senate on early morning December 14.

The uprising: how it happened

The uprising did not go according to the scenario that the rebels had planned. The Senate manages to swear allegiance to the emperor even before the campaign.

However, regiments of soldiers are lined up in battle formation on Senate Square, everyone is waiting for decisive action from the leadership. Ivan Pushchin and Kondraty Ryleev arrive there and assure the imminent arrival of the command, Prince Trubetskoy. The latter, having betrayed the rebels, sat out in the tsarist General Staff. He was unable to implement those decisive action which were required of him. As a result, the uprising was suppressed.

Arrests and trial

The first arrests and executions of the Decembrists began to take place in St. Petersburg. An interesting fact is that the trial of those arrested was not carried out by the Senate, as it should have been, but by one specially organized by Nicholas I for this case. Supreme Court. The very first, even before the uprising, on December 13, was Pavel Pestel.

The fact is that shortly before the uprising he accepted A. Maiboroda as a member of the Southern Society, who turned out to be a traitor. Pestel is arrested in Tulchin and taken to the Peter and Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg.

Mayboroda also wrote a denunciation against N. Muravyov, who was arrested on his own estate.

There were 579 people under investigation. 120 of them were exiled to hard labor in Siberia (among them Nikita Muravyov), all were dishonorably demoted to military ranks. Five rebels were sentenced to death.

Execution

Addressing the court about possible way execution of the Decembrists, Nikolai notes that blood should not be shed. Thus, they, the heroes of the Patriotic War, are sentenced to the shameful gallows...

Who were the executed Decembrists? Their surnames are as follows: Pavel Pestel, Pyotr Kakhovsky, Kondraty Ryleev, Sergei Muravyov-Apostol, Mikhail Bestuzhev-Ryumin. The sentence was read on July 12, and they were hanged on July 25, 1826. The place of execution of the Decembrists took a long time to be equipped: a gallows with a special mechanism was built. However, there were some complications: three convicts fell from their loops and had to be hanged again.

In the place in the Peter and Paul Fortress where the Decembrists were executed there is now a monument, which is an obelisk and a granite composition. It symbolizes the courage with which the executed Decembrists fought for their ideals.

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DECEMBRISTS

The origin of the movement of noble revolutionaries was determined by internal processes events that took place in Russia and international events of the first quarter of the 19th century.

Causes and nature of movement. Main reason- understanding by the best representatives of the nobility that the preservation of serfdom and autocracy is disastrous for future fate countries.

An important reason was the Patriotic War of 1812 and the presence of the Russian army in Europe in 1813-1815. The future Decembrists called themselves “children of the 12th year.” They realized that the people who saved Russia from enslavement and liberated Europe from Napoleon deserved a better fate. Acquaintance with European reality convinced the leading part of the nobles that the serfdom of the Russian peasantry needed to be changed. They found confirmation of these thoughts in the works of French enlighteners who spoke out against feudalism and absolutism. The ideology of the noble revolutionaries also took shape on domestic soil, since many state and public figures already in the 18th - early 19th centuries. condemned serfdom.

The formation of a revolutionary worldview among some Russian nobles was also facilitated by international situation. According to the figurative expression of P.I. For Pestel, one of the most radical leaders of secret societies, the spirit of transformation made “minds bubble everywhere.”

“Whatever the mail, it’s a revolution,” they said, hinting at receiving information in Russia about the revolutionary and national liberation movement in Europe and Latin America. The ideology of European and Russian revolutionaries, their strategy and tactics largely coincided. Therefore, the uprising in Russia in 1825 is on a par with pan-European revolutionary processes. They had an objectively bourgeois character.

However, the Russian social movement had its own specifics. It was expressed in the fact that in Russia there was virtually no bourgeoisie capable of fighting for its interests and for democratic changes. Wide masses were dark, uneducated and downtrodden. For a long time they retained monarchical illusions and political inertia. That's why revolutionary ideology, understanding of the need to modernize the country developed at the beginning of the 19th century. exclusively among the advanced part of the nobility, who opposed the interests of their class. The circle of revolutionaries was extremely limited - mainly representatives of the noble nobility and the privileged officer corps.

Secret societies in Russia appeared at the turn of the 18th-19th centuries. They had a Masonic character, and their participants shared mainly a liberal-enlightenment ideology. In 1811-1812 There was a group of 7 people called “Choka”, created by N.N. Muravyov. In a fit of youthful idealism, its members dreamed of founding a republic on the island of Sakhalin. After the end of the Patriotic War of 1812, secret organizations existed in the form of officer partnerships and circles of young people connected by family and friendly ties. In 1814 in St. Petersburg N.N. Muravyov formed the “Sacred Artel”. Also known is the Order of Russian Knights, founded by M.F. Orlov. These organizations did not actually undertake active actions, but had great value, since they formed the ideas and views of future leaders of the movement.

The first political organizations. In February 1816, after the return of most of the Russian army from Europe, a secret society of future Decembrists, the “Union of Salvation,” arose in St. Petersburg. Since February 1817, it was called the “Society of True and Faithful Sons of the Fatherland.” It was founded by: P.I. Pestel, A.N. Muravyov, S.P. Trubetskoy. They were joined by K.F. Ryleev, I.D. Yakushkin, M.S. Lunin, S.I. Muravyov-Apostol and others.

"Union of Salvation" is the first Russian political organization that had a revolutionary program and charter - "Statute". It contained two main ideas for reconstruction Russian society- the abolition of serfdom and the destruction of autocracy. Serfdom was seen as a disgrace and main brake for the progressive development of Russia, autocracy is like an outdated political system. The document spoke of the need to introduce a constitution that would limit the rights of absolute power. Despite heated debates and serious disagreements (some members of society ardently spoke out for a republican form of government), the majority considered the ideal of the future political structure constitutional monarchy. This was the first watershed in the views of the Decembrists. Disputes over this issue continued until 1825.

In January 1818, the Union of Welfare was created - a fairly large organization, numbering about 200 people. Its composition still remained predominantly noble. There were a lot of young people in it, and the military predominated. The organizers and leaders were A.N. and N.M. Muravyov, S.I. and M.I. Muravyov-Apostoly, P.I. Pestel, I.D. Yakushkin, M.S. Lunin and others. The organization received a fairly clear structure. The Root Council was elected - general governing body- and the Council (Duma), which had executive power. Local organizations of the Union of Welfare appeared in St. Petersburg, Moscow, Tulchin, Chisinau, Tambov, and Nizhny Novgorod.

The program and charter of the union were called " Green Book"(according to the color of the binding). Conspiratorial tactics and secrecy among leaders. Caused the development of two parts of the program. The first, related to legal forms of activity, was intended for all members of society. The second part, which spoke of the need to overthrow the autocracy, eliminate serfdom, and introduce constitutional government and, most importantly, the implementation of these demands by violent means was known especially to those initiated.

All members of society took part in legal activities. They tried to influence public opinion. For this purpose, educational organizations were created, books and literary almanacs were published. Members of society also acted by personal example - they freed their serfs, bought them from landowners, and freed the most gifted peasants.

Members of the organization (mainly within the framework of the Root Council) conducted fierce debates about the future structure of Russia and the tactics of the revolutionary coup. Some insisted on a constitutional monarchy, others on a republican form of government. By 1820, Republicans began to dominate. The means of achieving the goal were considered by the Root Government to be a conspiracy based on the army. Discussion of tactical issues - when and how to carry out a coup - revealed great differences between radical and moderate leaders. Events in Russia and Europe (uprising in the Semenovsky regiment, revolutions in Spain and Naples) inspired members of the organization to seek more radical actions. The most decisive insisted on the speedy preparation of a military coup. Moderates objected to this.

At the beginning of 1821, due to ideological and tactical differences, a decision was made to dissolve the Union of Welfare. By taking such a step, the leadership of the society intended to get rid of traitors and spies who, as they reasonably believed, could infiltrate the organization. Started new period associated with the creation of new organizations and active preparation to revolutionary action.

In March 1821, the Southern Society was formed in Ukraine. Its creator and leader was P.I. Pestel, a staunch republican, distinguished by some dictatorial habits. The founders were also A.P. Yushnevsky, N.V. Basargin, V.P. Ivashev and others. In 1822, the Northern Society was formed in St. Petersburg. Its recognized leaders were N.M. Muravyov, K.F. Ryleev, S.P. Trubetskoy, M.S. Lunin. Both societies “had no other idea how to act together.” These were large political organizations for that time, possessing well-theoretically developed program documents.

Constitutional projects. The main projects discussed were “Constitution” by N.M. Muravyov and "Russian Truth" P.I. Pestel. The "Constitution" reflected the views of the moderate part of the Decembrists, "Russkaya Pravda" - the radical ones. The focus was on the question of the future state structure of Russia.

N.M. Muravyov advocated a constitutional monarchy - political system, in which executive power belonged to the emperor (the hereditary power of the king was preserved for continuity), and legislative power belonged to parliament ("People's Assembly"). The suffrage of citizens was limited by a fairly high property qualification. Thus, a significant part of the poor population was excluded from the political life of the country.

P.I. Pestel unconditionally spoke out for the republican political system. In his project, the legislative power was vested in a unicameral parliament, and the executive power was vested in the “Sovereign Duma” consisting of five people. Every year one of the members of the “Sovereign Duma” became the president of the republic. P.I. Pestel proclaimed the principle of universal voting rights. In accordance with the ideas of P.I. Pestel, a parliamentary republic with a presidential form of government was to be established in Russia. It was one of the most progressive political government projects of that time.

In solving the most important agrarian-peasant issue for Russia, P.I. Pestel and N.M. Muravyov unanimously recognized the need for the complete abolition of serfdom and the personal liberation of peasants. This idea ran like a red thread through all the program documents of the Decembrists. However, the issue of allocating land to peasants was resolved by them in different ways.

N.M. Muravyov, considering the landowner's ownership of land inviolable, proposed to transfer the ownership of a personal plot and 2 dessiatines of arable land per yard to the peasants. This was clearly not enough to run a profitable peasant farm.

According to P.I. Pestel, part of the landowners' land was confiscated and transferred to a public fund to provide workers with an allotment sufficient for their "subsistence." Thus, for the first time in Russia, the principle of land distribution according to labor standards was put forward. Consequently, in resolving the land issue P.I. Pestel spoke from more radical positions than N.M. Muravyov.

Both projects also concerned other aspects of the Russian socio-political system. They provided for the introduction of broad democratic civil liberties, the abolition of class privileges, and significant relief military service soldier. N.M. Muravyov proposed a federal structure of the future Russian state, P.I. Pestel insisted on preserving an indivisible Russia, in which all nations were to merge into one.

In the summer of 1825, the southerners agreed on joint actions with the leaders of the Polish Patriotic Society. At the same time, the “Society of United Slavs” joined them, forming a special Slavic council. All of them launched active agitation among the troops with the aim of preparing an uprising in the summer of 1826. However, important internal political events forced them to speed up their performance.

Uprising in St. Petersburg. After the death of Tsar Alexander I, an extraordinary situation arose in the country - an interregnum. The leaders of the Northern Society decided that the change of emperors created a favorable moment for speaking out. They developed a plan for the uprising and scheduled it for December 14, the day the Senate took the oath to Nicholas. The conspirators wanted to force the Senate to accept their new program document - “Manifesto to the Russian People” - and instead of swearing allegiance to the emperor, proclaim the transition to constitutional rule.

The “Manifesto” formulated the main demands of the Decembrists: the destruction of the previous government, i.e. autocracy; abolition of serfdom and introduction of democratic freedoms. Much attention was paid to improving the situation of the soldiers: the destruction of conscription was proclaimed, corporal punishment, systems of military settlements. The “Manifesto” announced the establishment of a temporary revolutionary government and the convening after some time of a Great Council of representatives of all classes of Russia to determine the future political structure of the country.

Early in the morning of December 14, 1825, the most active members of the Northern Society began agitation among the troops of St. Petersburg. They intended to bring them to Senate Square and thereby influence the senators. However, things moved rather slowly. Only by 11 o’clock in the morning was it possible to bring the Moscow Life Guards Regiment to Senate Square. At one o'clock in the afternoon, the rebels were joined by sailors of the Guards naval crew and some other parts of the St. Petersburg garrison - about 3 thousand soldiers and sailors led by Decembrist officers. But further events did not develop according to plan. It turned out that the Senate had already sworn allegiance to Emperor Nicholas I and the senators went home. There was no one to present the Manifesto to. S.P. Trubetskoy, appointed dictator of the uprising, did not appear on the square. The rebels found themselves without leadership and doomed themselves to a senseless wait-and-see tactic.

Meanwhile, Nikolai gathered units loyal to him in the square and decisively used them. Artillery grapeshot scattered the ranks of the rebels, who in disorderly flight tried to escape on the ice of the Neva. The uprising in St. Petersburg was crushed. Arrests of members of the society and their sympathizers began.

Revolt in the south. Despite the arrests of some leaders of the Southern Society and the news of the defeat of the uprising in St. Petersburg, those who remained free decided to support their comrades. December 29, 1825 S.I. Muravyov-Apostol and M.P. Bestuzhev-Ryumin rebelled in the Chernigov regiment. Initially, it was doomed to failure. On January 3, 1826, the regiment was surrounded by government troops and shot with grapeshot.

Investigation and trial. 579 people were involved in the investigation, which took place secretly and closed. 289 were found guilty. Nicholas I decided to severely punish the rebels. Five people - P.I. Pestel, K.F. Ryleev, S.I. Muravyov-Apostol, M.P. Bestuzhev-Ryumin and P.G. Kakhovsky - were hanged. The rest, divided into several categories according to the degree of guilt, were exiled to hard labor, to settlement in Siberia, demoted to soldiers and transferred to the Caucasus in active army. None of the punished Decembrists returned home during Nicholas’s lifetime. Some of the soldiers and sailors were beaten to death with spitzrutens and sent to Siberia and the Caucasus. For many years in Russia it was forbidden to mention the uprising.

The reasons for the defeat and the significance of the Decembrists’ speech. The reliance on a conspiracy and a military coup, the weakness of propaganda activities, the insufficient preparedness of society for changes, lack of coordination of actions, and wait-and-see tactics at the time of the uprising are the main reasons for the defeat of the Decembrists.

However, their performance became a significant event in Russian history. The Decembrists developed the first revolutionary program and plan for the future structure of the country. For the first time, a practical attempt was made to change the socio-political system of Russia. The ideas and activities of the Decembrists had a significant impact on further development social thought.

What you need to know about this topic:

Socio-economic development of Russia in the first half of the 19th century. Social structure of the population.

Development of agriculture.

Development of Russian industry in the first half of the 19th century. The formation of capitalist relations. Industrial Revolution: essence, premises, chronology.

Development of water and highway communications. Start railway construction.

Exacerbation of socio-political contradictions in the country. Palace coup 1801 and the accession to the throne of Alexander I. “The days of Alexander are a wonderful beginning.”

Peasant question. Decree "On Free Plowmen". Government measures in the field of education. State activities of M.M. Speransky and his plan for state reforms. Creation State Council.

Russia's participation in anti-French coalitions. Treaty of Tilsit.

Patriotic War of 1812. International relations on the eve of the war. Causes and beginning of the war. Balance of forces and military plans of the parties. M.B. Barclay de Tolly. P.I. Bagration. M.I.Kutuzov. Stages of war. Results and significance of the war.

Foreign trips 1813-1814 Congress of Vienna and its decisions. Holy Alliance.

The internal situation of the country in 1815-1825. Strengthening conservative sentiments in Russian society. A.A. Arakcheev and Arakcheevism. Military settlements.

Foreign policy tsarism in the first quarter of the 19th century.

The first secret organizations of the Decembrists were the “Union of Salvation” and the “Union of Prosperity”. Northern and Southern society. The main program documents of the Decembrists are “Russian Truth” by P.I. Pestel and “Constitution” by N.M. Muravyov. Death of Alexander I. Interregnum. Uprising on December 14, 1825 in St. Petersburg. Uprising of the Chernigov regiment. Investigation and trial of the Decembrists. The significance of the Decembrist uprising.

The beginning of the reign of Nicholas I. Strengthening autocratic power. Further centralization, bureaucratization political system Russia. Intensifying repressive measures. Creation of the III department. Censorship regulations. The era of censorship terror.

Codification. M.M. Speransky. Reform of state peasants. P.D. Kiselev. Decree "On Obligated Peasants".

Polish uprising 1830-1831

The main directions of Russian foreign policy in the second quarter of the 19th century.

Eastern question. Russian-Turkish War 1828-1829 The problem of the straits in Russian foreign policy in the 30s and 40s of the 19th century.

Russia and the revolutions of 1830 and 1848. in Europe.

Crimean War. International relations on the eve of the war. Causes of the war. Progress of military operations. Russia's defeat in the war. Peace of Paris 1856 International and internal consequences war.

Annexation of the Caucasus to Russia.

The formation of the state (imamate) in the North Caucasus. Muridism. Shamil. Caucasian War. The significance of the annexation of the Caucasus to Russia.

Social thought and social movement in Russia in the second quarter of the 19th century.

Formation of government ideology. Theory official nationality. Mugs from the late 20s - early 30s of the 19th century.

N.V. Stankevich’s circle and German idealistic philosophy. Circle of A.I. Herzen and utopian socialism. "Philosophical writing"P.Ya. Chaadaeva. Westerners. Moderates. Radicals. Slavophiles. M.V. Butashevich-Petrashevsky and his circle. The theory of “Russian socialism” by A.I. Herzen.

Socio-economic and political background bourgeois reforms of the 60-70s of the XIX century.

Peasant reform. Preparation of reform. "Regulation" February 19, 1861 Personal liberation of the peasants. Allotments. Ransom. Duties of peasants. Temporary condition.

Zemstvo, judicial, urban reforms. Financial reforms. Reforms in the field of education. Censorship rules. Military reforms. The meaning of bourgeois reforms.

Socio-economic development of Russia in the second half of the 19th century. Social structure of the population.

Industrial development. Industrial revolution: essence, prerequisites, chronology. The main stages of the development of capitalism in industry.

The development of capitalism in agriculture. Rural community in post-reform Russia. Agrarian crisis of the 80-90s of the XIX century.

Social movement in Russia in the 50-60s of the 19th century.

Social movement in Russia in the 70-90s of the 19th century.

Revolutionary populist movement of the 70s - early 80s of the 19th century.

"Land and Freedom" of the 70s of the XIX century. "People's Will" and "Black Redistribution". Assassination of Alexander II on March 1, 1881. The collapse of Narodnaya Volya.

Labor movement in the second half of the 19th century. Strike struggle. The first workers' organizations. A work issue arises. Factory legislation.

Liberal populism of the 80-90s of the 19th century. Spread of the ideas of Marxism in Russia. Group "Emancipation of Labor" (1883-1903). The emergence of Russian social democracy. Marxist circles of the 80s of the 19th century.

St. Petersburg "Union of Struggle for the Liberation of the Working Class." V.I. Ulyanov. "Legal Marxism".

Political reaction of the 80-90s of the XIX century. The era of counter-reforms.

Alexander III. Manifesto on the “inviolability” of autocracy (1881). The policy of counter-reforms. Results and significance of counter-reforms.

International situation Russia after Crimean War. Changing the country's foreign policy program. The main directions and stages of Russian foreign policy in the second half of the 19th century.

Russia in the system international relations after the Franco-Prussian War. Union of Three Emperors.

Russia and eastern crisis 70s of the XIX century. The goals of Russia's policy in the eastern question. Russian-Turkish War of 1877-1878: causes, plans and forces of the parties, course of military operations. Treaty of San Stefano. Berlin Congress and his decisions. The role of Russia in the liberation of the Balkan peoples from the Ottoman yoke.

Russian foreign policy in the 80-90s years XIX V. Education Triple Alliance(1882). Deterioration of Russia's relations with Germany and Austria-Hungary. Conclusion of the Russian-French alliance (1891-1894).

• Buganov V.I., Zyryanov P.N. History of Russia: late XVII- XIX century . - M.: Education, 1996.