N.A. SERNO-SOLOVYEVICH: A SHORT WAY FROM THE LIBERAL REFORMER TO THE REVOLUTIONARY RADICAL IN THE «ERA OF GREAT REFORMS»

Abstract

The paper gives an interpretation of N.A. Serno-Solovievich’s views on the reform process in Russia at the end of the 1850s and his ideas of the preparation of the peasant reform, and traces the evolution of his social views. The works of historians mainly study his revolutionary activities in the organization «Land and Freedom», they do not sufficiently investigate the motives of his participation in the preparation of the peasant reform and the rejection of this activity. The novelty of the research lies in the analysis of the ideological and value-based, social and political reasons for the evolution of N.A. Serno-Solovievich’s views for four years (1857-1860), when he worked in various committees for the preparation of the peasant reform, and then left the service and chose the revolutionary path of activity. The main sources of the research are N.A. Serno-Solovievich’s publicistic articles and letters. They make it possible to determine the value attitudes of their author, the features of his cultural memory and his perception of the interests of different social forces. The topic is studied in the context of the social-activity approach, personal history. The evolution of views and the change in the orientation of activities under the influence of the social practice of Serno-Solovievich are analyzed. The study led to the conclusion that the second half of the 1850s was a special time in the history of Russia when government policy gave hope to liberal-minded youths to participate in transformations for the benefit of all social groups. It is proved that Serno-Solovievich before 1860–1861 was known for his liberal opinions and believed in the possibility of harmonizing the interests of different forces on the basis of the ideas of freedom, equality and justice. The interaction of liberals in practice with conservatives convinced the former that it was difficult to influence committed planters to take into account the interests of the people. Serno-Solovievich was not satisfied with the peasant reform project. He himself defined the dilemma – either to agree to moderate reforms, or to induce the peasants to begin armed struggle. He deliberately left the legal space of his life, underestimating the possibilities of influencing the government and his participation in upholding the liberal principles of the peasant reform.