Overview

Russian Rightists and the Revolution of 1905 examines the emergence of right-wing organisations in Russia during the political crisis of 1905-1907. In the first comprehensive account of rightist activity throughout the country, it focuses not only on such nationally prominent parties as the Union of the Russian People, but also on provincial organisations. Professor Rawson demonstrates how the rightists attempted to resolve the impasse between autocracy and constitutionalism that Russia had reached by the end of 1905. These defenders of the old order sought to counter the liberal and radical forces arrayed against the autocracy, sometimes by force, more often by campaigning in elections to the State Duma. The study concludes that the rightist organisations, while never a match for the opposition parties, mobilized a substantial segment of public sentiment and helped induce the autocracy to reassert its authority.

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Professional Reviews