Issues of Primary and Secondary Education in the Activities of the State Duma of the Russian Empire (1906—1917)

Abstract

The role of the first Russian parliament in the formation and development of the education system in the country is considered. The activity of deputies on the solution of the most pressing issues in the period from 1906 to 1917 is analyzed. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the consideration of the State Duma as the most important legislative body in the creation of the educational system in Russia. The discrepancy between the interests of the authorities and society, their different understanding of the goals and objectives of objectively overdue transformations, which is reflected in the legislative activity of the State Duma is revealed. It is indicated that a significant place in the national policy of the state was occupied by issues of education and the status of national languages. It is shown that as a result of active legislative initiative and the position of deputies in the development of bills “On the introduction of universal education”, “On the reform of secondary schools”, government spending on secondary and primary education increased several times. It is noted that as a result of the activities of the deputies of the State Duma of the III convocation, significant amendments and additions were made to the bill “On higher primary schools”, which was adopted in 1912.