Siberian nationalism

Siberian nationalism was an ideology and socio-political movement that existed in Russia from the mid-19th to early 20th centuries, advocating for the federalization of the country and granting Siberia broad regional autonomy with the establishment of the Siberian Regional Duma as a representative body.

Ideology

Siberian nationalism was based on the idea of federalizing Russia and securing autonomy for Siberia. Its proponents viewed Siberia as a colony of the central government and campaigned for its economic and cultural development. They emphasized the distinct identity of the Siberian people, which they believed had emerged from the intermingling of Russian settlers with the indigenous peoples of the region.

History of the Movement

Emergence of Siberian Nationalism

Siberian nationalism emerged in the mid-19th century among the Siberian intelligentsia. Its development was driven by the growth of urban centers and education in Siberia, as well as the influence of revolutionary democratic ideas from figures such as A. I. Herzen and N. G. Chernyshevsky. Key figures in the movement included G. N. Potanin, N. M. Yadrintsev, and S. S. Shashkov.

In the 1860s, Siberian nationalists developed a program that highlighted Siberia’s colonial status and theoretically entertained the possibility of its secession through armed uprising. In 1865, the "Case of the Siberian Separatists" occurred, leading to the arrest and conviction of the movement’s leaders.

Late 19th Century

In the late 19th century, Siberian nationalism continued to evolve. Its adherents made significant contributions to science, periodical press, and the formation of civil society in Siberia, publishing newspapers such as Vostochnoye Obozreniye (Eastern Review) and conducting research on the region.

Turn of the 19th–20th Centuries

At the turn of the century, Siberian nationalists further developed their ideology, collaborating with liberals and socialists while continuing to advocate for Siberian autonomy.

First Russian Revolution

During the First Russian Revolution (1905–1907), Siberian nationalists engaged in political activities, demanding zemstvo self-governance and the creation of a Siberian Regional Duma. They established the Siberian Regional Union to unite the region’s progressive forces.

Inter-Revolutionary Period

Between the revolutions, Siberian nationalism faced a crisis but maintained its activity, participating in the State Duma through the Siberian Parliamentary Group.

Revolution and Civil War

During the 1917 Revolution and the subsequent Civil War, Siberian nationalists established an independent Siberian state that existed from June to November 1918. The government of this state consisted of various socialist groups, including Siberian socialists (oblastniks) and representatives of Siberia’s ethnic minorities. It included no liberals or monarchists, being composed solely of leftist forces. After the state’s collapse, many Siberian nationalists opposed the Bolsheviks, but the movement ultimately suffered defeat.

In Emigration

Following the Civil War, Siberian nationalism persisted in exile until the mid-20th century, with its supporters continuing to promote the idea of Siberian autonomy.

Assessments and Reception

Siberian nationalism has been interpreted in various ways. Marxist contemporaries and Soviet historians regarded it as a form of liberalism reflecting the interests of the Siberian bourgeoisie. Modern researchers view it as a foundation of Russian regionalism and recognize its contributions to the science and culture of Siberia.

Interesting Facts

• Siberian nationalists claimed that Siberians emerged as a distinct people through the intermingling of Russians with local indigenous groups. This hypothesis remains a subject of debate among ethnologists.
• In the 1990s, exhibitions in Siberia combined ancient artifacts with works by contemporary artists, signaling a renewed interest in Siberian culture.