RUDN Journal of Russian History (Dec 2014)
AUTHORITIES AND UPPER CLASS OF RUSSIAN EMPIRE DURING REFORM PERIOD: PROBLEMS OF INTERACTION
Abstract
The article reveals the problems of interaction between the authorities and the upper class of the Russian Empire during the period of the 60-70s of the XIXth century. The author considers the changing attitude of the nobility to the government policy from the emancipation of serfs till the end of Alexander II’s reign, examines the way of the government reacting to the signals of the upper class. Actively involving the nobility in the implementation of the reforms in the regions, the authorities for a long time refused to consider the issue of its participation in the establishment and functioning of the central representative authority. At the same time, the nobility couldn’t rely on its own independent efforts to remain in the position of the first class. It asked the authorities for support and help. From then on, the nobility no longer played the role of an active subject of policy in its relations with the supreme power, and soon became an object of government action and care.
