“The White Tsar-Warrior”: Perception of the Russian Empire and its Ruler by the Peoples of Asia and Africa in the Late Nineteenth – Early Twentieth Century

Abstract

Strengthening of the ties between different parts of the world, intensification of the colonial policy of Western powers increased in the late nineteenth – early twentieth century the interest of the peoples of Asia and Africa to Russia and its ruler. The latter was often perceived in the mythologized way, as a defender of all the weak and oppressed who relied on colossal military power and spiritual unity with his people. The formation of such image was facilitated by the stories of Russian diplomats and travelers, and by the trips of the people from distant countries to the “empire of tsars”. The strengthening of the ties with the peoples of Asia and Africa was also stimulated by the widespread ideas in the Russian society that Russia had a moral debt, an obligation to help the oppressed. The defeat of Russia in the war against Japan and the socio-political upheavals associated with the revolution of 1905–1907 dealt a heavy blow to such ideas and the policy pursued by Russia.