Why <i>the finest of Russians</i> did not condemn the anti-Jewish pogroms

Abstract

The article considers the plight of the ‘Jewish tribe' in imperial Russia in the context of the historical events of 1881 and 1882 as perceived and acted on by Ivan Turgenev. Based on copious documentary evidence, this study offers an answer to the question of why one of the most compassionate and cultured of Russian intellectuals did not condemn the pogroms. The author analyses the political situation in the wake of the assassination of Tsar Alexander II and describes the persistent but fruitless efforts by Turgenev and his followers to convince the new regime of the importance of continuing with the reforms. Also presented are documents confirming Turgenev's interest in the Jewish problem of the years 1881-1882 and the reasons why, despite his sympathy for victims of the pogroms, Turgenev never denounced the mob violence. Lastly, the article examines Turgenev's routine of ‘small actions,' when the writer provided active and effective support to vast numbers of people, including those directly impacted by the events of 1881. The article debunks the myths about Turgenev's apolitical stance and his siding with the official ideology and policy on ethnic issues.