Roxanne Easley – författare

In the wake of the disastrous Crimean War, the Russian autocracy completely renovated its most basic social, political and economic systems by emancipating some 23 million privately-owned serfs. This had enormous consequences for all aspects of Russian life, and profound effects on the course of Russian history. This book examines the emancipation of the serfs, focusing on the mechanisms used to enact the reforms and the implications for Russian politics and society in the long term. Because the autocracy lacked the necessary resources for the reform, it created new institutions with real powers and autonomy, particularly the mirovoi posrednik, or 'peace arbitrator'. The results of this strategy differed in practice from the authorities’ original intentions. The new institutions invigorated Russian political life, introduced norms that challenged centuries-old customs and traditions, and fostered a nascent civil society, allowing Russia to follow the basic trajectory of Western European socio-political development.

In the wake of the disastrous Crimean War, the Russian autocracy completely renovated its most basic social, political and economic systems by emancipating some 23 million privately-owned serfs. This had enormous consequences for all aspects of Russian life, and profound effects on the course of Russian history. This book examines the emancipation of the serfs, focusing on the mechanisms used to enact the reforms and the implications for Russian politics and society in the long term. Because the autocracy lacked the necessary resources for the reform, it created new institutions with real powers and autonomy, particularly the mirovoi posrednik, or 'peace arbitrator'. The results of this strategy differed in practice from the authorities’ original intentions. The new institutions invigorated Russian political life, introduced norms that challenged centuries-old customs and traditions, and fostered a nascent civil society, allowing Russia to follow the basic trajectory of Western European socio-political development.

Modern Russian History: The Search for National Identity and Global Power exposes readers to the rich history of Russia, emphasizing the major forces and factors that shaped its development as a nation and an empire. Students are encouraged to draw connections between influential forces and factors, both historical and contemporary, to better understand Russia's past and current strategic goals, as well as the Russian sense of identity and place in global society.The opening chapter introduces key themes and factors of Russian history, including the physical setting; the role of the autocratic state; the institution of serfdom; the multinational empire; and the West, each of which represent challenges and opportunities the Russian people and the nation's rulers have encountered over time. The book features five distinct parts, which proceed in chronological order and cover late imperial Russia, the 1917 Russian revolutions, the creation of the USSR, the Cold War and tensions with the United States, and post-Soviet Russia and modern events.Modern Russian History is part of the Cognella History of Europe Series, a collection of textbooks that help students discover the power, influence, and dynamic nature of European countries and their histories.