The Volga city in capital and local press in the early 1860s (by the publications of V.G. Varentsov)

Abstract

Background. The study analyzes the insufficiently studied information of the publications by V.G. Varentsov in the capital and local press about Samara at the beginning of the reign of Alexander II. Their role in creating a positive image of the young provincial center as one of the leaders in the implementation of social and cultural transformations in the Russian province is determined. Materials and methods. The study was carried out on the basis of modern approaches to the study of social thought and periodicals. The source characterization of the publications is given, including to establish their authorship, the nature of the articles, the list of publications, and the readership. Results. The main task has been solved – to determine the role of representatives of the local intelligentsia, they played through the press in awakening public interest in the problems of urban life in the Russian provinces. Conclusions. Articles about Samara in the era of the preparation and implementation of the Great Reforms arouse the interest of the modern reader and are included in the scientific circulation as valuable historical sources.

Keywords

• russia in the 19th century
• history of the volga region
• cultural history
• public education
• periodicals
• source study