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Russia's legacy of serfdom, autocracy and geography is evident

Reader comment on item: National Character, Odds and Ends

Submitted by Dave (United States), Dec 16, 2022 at 12:24

Serfs, essentially Russian slaves, numbered about 42 million in 1861, roughly 38% of the population (at its height, southern slaves at four million were about 12% of the US population). Serfdom left a legacy of class resentment, a major factor in the 1917 revolution. A psychology of passivity also developed, due to a cruel top-down system of absolutism from the Tsar to the rich landlords, to the serfs, forming a patina of obedience on a hated system. Communism merely continued that tradition in a different form.
In addition, Russia's vast, frozen landmass stunted modernization and cultural development as Russia lacked the advantages of geographical accessibility available to western Europe.
Thus, we see a largely backward culture of resentful, but obedient citizens striking out at imaginary enemies in Ukraine, dying like flies on the battlefield as their country limps along due to international sanctions. Vladimir Putin's madness resonates beautifully with his country's many pathologies.

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Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".

Reader comments (5) on this item

Title Commenter Date Thread
Correction: it was 23 million Russian were serfs in 1861 [1 words]DaveDec 16, 2022 13:47289786
Russia's legacy of serfdom, autocracy and geography is evident [153 words]DaveDec 16, 2022 12:24289784
Europe as Ancient Target [357 words]M ToveyJun 14, 2022 13:15282555
Remembering the Collapse of the Soviet Empire Differently - Perstroika and Glasnost Not Fondly Remembered by Modern Russian Perceptions [159 words]M ToveySep 1, 2022 14:47282555
Modern Nationalist Endeavors to Recreate Lost Empires - Rediscovering Ancient Pathways [102 words]M ToveyNov 14, 2022 12:29282555

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Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".

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