The Interregnum and the Saint Petersburg revolt of the Decembrists in the mirror of post-Soviet historiography

Abstract

The review is devoted to scientific and historical-journalistic works of the late Soviet and post-Soviet periods, which formulate the original versions of the events of the Interregnum of 1825 and the revolt of the Decembrists. The elimination of the ideological framework of Soviet Decembrists’ studies emancipated scientific research and made it possible to put forward previously impossible concepts and hypotheses. On the other hand, this same circumstance contributed to the appearance of Conspiracy theories and other quasi-scientific or not at all scientific versions that are not based on the necessary documentary base and objective scientific basis, but are clothed in an attractive form for a wide range of readers. As a result, modern literature has developed a contradictory variety of conceptual models of different levels and quality, claiming to explain the events of 1825. This review offers an experience of understanding the existing range of concepts, versions and hypotheses in post-soviet historiography. It focuses on the main discussion topics: about the circle of contenders for the throne (whether it was limited to grand dukes or included the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna); about the position and role of the capital's Governor-General Miloradovich and the existence of  a general opposition or a conspiracy of generals who supported the transfer of the throne to Grand Duke Constantine; about the role of the secret society of the Decembrists and the officer conspiracy initiated by him in the Guards Corps; about other influential political forces (the Russian–American Company, the «German party», etc.) the accession of Grand Duke Nicholas.

Keywords:

secret societies, interregnum of 1825, Decembrist revolt, modern historiography, conspiracy theories