Николай ПЛАТОШКИН | ДЕКАБРИСТЫ — иностранные агенты? Кто на самом деле предавал РОССИЮ?

About this video

• Video Title: Николай ПЛАТОШКИН | ДЕКАБРИСТЫ — иностранные агенты? Кто на самом деле предавал РОССИЮ?
• Channel: KRASNOE РАДИО 7.0;
• Speakers: Николай Платошкин (narrator)
• Duration: 00:40:39

Overview

This video debunks the narrative that the Decembrists were traitors or foreign agents, arguing they were patriotic officers who fought for the liberation of the Russian people from serfdom and autocracy. The speaker details the dire state of Russia in 1825, characterized by economic ruin and widespread serfdom, and explains the Decembrists' goals of abolishing serfdom, establishing free elections, and ensuring personal freedom and inviolability. The video also critiques the Romanov dynasty's origins and its reliance on foreign influence, contrasting it with the Decembrists' genuine patriotism.

Key takeaways

• Decembrists as Patriots, Not Traitors: The video argues that those who oppose autocracy are often labeled as foreign agents or villains, including historical figures like Lenin and the Decembrists. The speaker asserts the Decembrists were genuine patriots seeking to improve Russia.
• Russia's dire state in 1825: The country was bankrupt, with state revenues significantly lower than its foreign debt. 90% of the population were serfs, subjected to harsh conditions, including being bought, sold, or gambled away.
• Critique of the Romanov Dynasty: The speaker highlights the foreign origins of the Romanovs, particularly from Catherine the Great onwards, and points to the family's involvement in assassinations and betrayals, such as Alexander I's alleged complicity in his father Paul I's murder orchestrated by British intelligence.
• Decembrists' Goals: Their primary aims included the abolition of serfdom, establishment of free elections for all social classes, and guaranteeing personal freedom and inviolability, reflecting principles found in modern constitutions.
• The Succession Crisis of 1825: The death of Alexander I without an heir led to confusion over succession between his brothers Constantine and Nicholas. Constantine, popular due to his association with Suvorov and his time in Poland (where serfdom was less severe), was initially believed to be the heir. However, he had secretly abdicated.
• The "Uprising" as a Movement: The events of December 14th are presented not as a fully planned rebellion but a movement that capitalized on the succession uncertainty. The Decembrists aimed to use the moment of oath-swearing to Constantine to their advantage, demanding a Zemstvo Sobor (assembly) to address the country's issues.
• Heroism of the Decembrists: The leaders, including Pavel Pestel and Prince Trubetskoy, were decorated military heroes of the Napoleonic Wars, with the oldest participant being 43. They were motivated by seeing better living conditions in Europe compared to Russia.
• The Events of December 14th: Around 3,000 soldiers and sailors gathered on Senate Square. They did not initiate violence but chanted "Long live Constantine!" Their loyalty was to the oath they had already sworn.
• Suppression and Aftermath: Nicholas I ordered the square to be cleared with artillery. Hundreds died, mostly civilians. The subsequent investigation saw no confessions of wrongdoing from the Decembrists, who believed they acted for the country's good. Five were executed, and hundreds were exiled to Siberia, where they contributed to Siberian development.
• Legacy of the Decembrists: Despite the brutal suppression, their ideals of freedom and justice are seen as seeds that grew into later movements, culminating in the 1917 revolution.