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Longman History of Russia
Russia in the Age of Reaction and Reform 1801-1881
Book by Saunders, David
386 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1992
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 5, 2018
Nicholas I not as reactionary as advertised. Alexander II not as progressive as advertised.
May 15, 2026
For being under 400 pages, this is an incredibly long, tough book to consume with miserably long paragraphs that hid considerable information on this complex time period for Russia. As someone who reads truly nerdy books, I had to push hard to finish this book. It made a complex issue truly more difficult to comprehend. Of all the books on Russia I’ve read, this was my least interesting while being the most miserable to finish. Still, it contained important information; the author raised a significant point that what is on paper regarding reform often is not, in reality, realized history. Repeatedly throughout the book, the author spoke about how various Czars did not accomplish the reforms promised or were pulled into wars they did not start, despite the view of some that they were war hungry. Clearly Czar Nicholas I was not as evil as he is painted, and Czar Alexander II did not follow through with much of his progressive talk.
This period of Russian history spoke about too many wars, too little reform, and a zigzagging of decisions that sounded like Russia during the end of the last century. As with other books on Russian history during the 1800’s, it also spoke about how it flirted with Europe and had short-term relationships with various countries, invaded others, and was pulled into wars with still others. The author spoke a little about life of Russians but, like too many other history books, did not illustrate what life was like for the various classes of people. With as well documented this book was, that was a disappointing take away from this book.
The book also illustrates how long it takes to make true change, especially the emancipation of the Serfs; it was considered and talked about but did not occur until 1861 and, even then, life did not improve as much for the people was one would think considering the headline. Serfs were freed with some land, but payments were too high to have true freedom. Still, during this time, education was strengthened even beyond population growth, some limited rights were given to women, independent courts were founded, and some independent governances were granted to local governments.
Much like Russia of today, the police state established by Czar Nicolas I along with his increasingly repressive censorship kept people in line. The iron fist held back progress, stopped any attempt at a more democratic nation, and triggered the Decembist Revolt in 1825 only to be crushed by the harsh repression of the Czar. It was probably the rise of education rather than the economic conditions that triggered most of the push back. While reading about the Decembist Revolt, Land & Liberty, and the later People’s Will, I could not stop imagining how people who were gifted organizers could have changed Russia earlier than we witnessed at the close of the last century. The author also pointed out that these movements were not large nor were they democratic; they were often led by people who did not listen to those they were leading and were mighty small in size.
With what has occurred during the past decade, it was again especially interesting to read how Russia’s quest for Crimea hurt their relationship with Europe and left the country isolated. Like with other books on Russia, the unique relationship with Ukraine was an interesting perspective. At first, the Czar was not alarmed when Ukrainians wanted to celebrate their traditions but later saw that this awakening threated the Russian deed to this vast land. Finally, it was amazing to read about the torturous attempt for Poland to continue to have their independence, including the Polish rebellion of 1863 until 1870. Russia’s heavy hand brought an end to Russia’s relationship with France while causing Russia to improve their relationship with the United States. The Czar attacked Ukrainians, Poles and Jews in such a draconian manner during the 1830’s.
The author also shares how, like much of the rest of the developed world, citizens were moving from rural life to cities. At the start of this book, only 8% of the Russian population lived in a town or city. That changed – and continued to change – as the turn of the century took place. The author points out that, again like other developing powerhouse nations, large scale industry made city life more popular, although city life was unhealthy and conditions were poor. It was surprising to read that women realized a better life with more education in Russia than in the United States during these years.
Strong leadership, utilizing the ideas and innovation that literacy permitted, avoidance of wars, and adoption of more European approaches would have placed Russia on a stronger course that would have made it a different country today.
This period of Russian history spoke about too many wars, too little reform, and a zigzagging of decisions that sounded like Russia during the end of the last century. As with other books on Russian history during the 1800’s, it also spoke about how it flirted with Europe and had short-term relationships with various countries, invaded others, and was pulled into wars with still others. The author spoke a little about life of Russians but, like too many other history books, did not illustrate what life was like for the various classes of people. With as well documented this book was, that was a disappointing take away from this book.
The book also illustrates how long it takes to make true change, especially the emancipation of the Serfs; it was considered and talked about but did not occur until 1861 and, even then, life did not improve as much for the people was one would think considering the headline. Serfs were freed with some land, but payments were too high to have true freedom. Still, during this time, education was strengthened even beyond population growth, some limited rights were given to women, independent courts were founded, and some independent governances were granted to local governments.
Much like Russia of today, the police state established by Czar Nicolas I along with his increasingly repressive censorship kept people in line. The iron fist held back progress, stopped any attempt at a more democratic nation, and triggered the Decembist Revolt in 1825 only to be crushed by the harsh repression of the Czar. It was probably the rise of education rather than the economic conditions that triggered most of the push back. While reading about the Decembist Revolt, Land & Liberty, and the later People’s Will, I could not stop imagining how people who were gifted organizers could have changed Russia earlier than we witnessed at the close of the last century. The author also pointed out that these movements were not large nor were they democratic; they were often led by people who did not listen to those they were leading and were mighty small in size.
With what has occurred during the past decade, it was again especially interesting to read how Russia’s quest for Crimea hurt their relationship with Europe and left the country isolated. Like with other books on Russia, the unique relationship with Ukraine was an interesting perspective. At first, the Czar was not alarmed when Ukrainians wanted to celebrate their traditions but later saw that this awakening threated the Russian deed to this vast land. Finally, it was amazing to read about the torturous attempt for Poland to continue to have their independence, including the Polish rebellion of 1863 until 1870. Russia’s heavy hand brought an end to Russia’s relationship with France while causing Russia to improve their relationship with the United States. The Czar attacked Ukrainians, Poles and Jews in such a draconian manner during the 1830’s.
The author also shares how, like much of the rest of the developed world, citizens were moving from rural life to cities. At the start of this book, only 8% of the Russian population lived in a town or city. That changed – and continued to change – as the turn of the century took place. The author points out that, again like other developing powerhouse nations, large scale industry made city life more popular, although city life was unhealthy and conditions were poor. It was surprising to read that women realized a better life with more education in Russia than in the United States during these years.
Strong leadership, utilizing the ideas and innovation that literacy permitted, avoidance of wars, and adoption of more European approaches would have placed Russia on a stronger course that would have made it a different country today.
May 30, 2011
text in russian history class. enjoyed reading it.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews