Predecessors of The "Russian Soul"
It is fair to say that Russia has struggled to define itself throughout its history, but the 19th century in particular saw a slew of attempts to delineate what Russia was and could be. Ever since Peter I’s reign the Russian people had been split between those in favor of Westernization and those who wished to return to pre-Petrine customs. As the 18th century dawned, Slavophilism was gaining support, in spite of (or in response to) the progressive reforms of rulers such as Catherine II and Alexander I. Many Russians feared the pollutive effects of Industrialization that they saw in the West, and wished to retain a Russian identity apart from the rest of Europe. Inspired by such sentiments and in an attempt to strengthen Russia as a world power, Emperor Nicholas I instituted (by way of his minister of education Count Uvarov) the policy of “Official Nationality.” The policy comprised three components - Orthodoxy, autocracy, and nationality - and in short it emphasized the uniqueness of Russia and the danger of swaying toward foreign influence. Official Nationality appealed to Slavophilic concerns by turning to Russia’s past for guidance and strength.
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