History of Russia in the 19th Century. 1837 — 1855. Volume 4

The fourth volume is dedicated to the middle and conclusion of the reign of Emperor Nicholas I. Step by step, Nikolai Pavlovich abandons the implementation of the reform projects bequeathed to him by Alexander I for the transition from absolutism to constitutional representative government. Despite the paper activity of numerous secret committees, serfdom was neither abolished nor even significantly restricted. Gymnasium and university education becomes the prerogative of the higher classes, and even for them, it is increasingly limited by the ever-harsher censorship and the cessation of international cultural contacts. The bureaucracy, lacking oversight from society, is drowning in corruption and is unable to direct Russia on the path of rapid economic development, the industrial revolution, which the Nikolai Empire is completely lagging behind. But the Tsar, remaining confident in the military might of "his country," embarks on new foreign political adventures, generously spending the blood of Russian soldiers and the people's money on them. This long reign ends with the unnecessary Crimean War and a disgraceful defeat in it.