Historiography of Russian history

Historiography of Russian history is a multifaceted and ambiguous concept. This is not only a descriptive part of the historical process, but also a science that studies the formation of historical knowledge for many years. This science has its subject, tasks, sources, principles and methods. Domestic historiography has its own rich schools and traditions, trends and trends, which, undoubtedly, have enriched world historiography, have brought about radical changes in the history of science as a whole.

Historiography is divided into several periods. The first of them is pre-scientific. In this period it is worthwhile to study medieval philosophy, the perception of time, traditions, and functions of history by man . Note that during this period, which lasted until the beginning of the 18th century, the main forms of historical narrative were formed, such as the annals-keeping records by years. It was this source that became the main one, it was he who studied the historiography of Russian history. When studying the annals, it is necessary to pay attention to the principles by which they were written, the forms and style in which the works were kept. Especially important is the principle of chronography, which allows you to compare events, refer them to certain dates, to associate in the concept "earlier" - "later". The second source in this period, which was occupied by historiographers, is the lives of saints. Here it is important to note that the lives of saints have stronger subjective shades than chronicles - they turn into a kind of story and story. Another form of expression of historical consciousness, which scientists are interested in, is folklore. It is from him that one can learn about the people's ideas about their heroes and enemies. Due to the fact that there are few reliable documents in the pre-scientific period, the question of the origin of the Slavs, the emergence of statehood, the struggle against the invaders of the Russian land remains debatable for many years.

The second period historiography of the history of Russia begins in the eighteenth century and lasts until the beginning of the twentieth century. This time has reflected qualitatively on the formation of history as a science and the study of the source base. This includes such changes as the secularization of science and the development of non-ecclesiastical, and secular education. For the first time, translated sources brought from Europe are being processed, historical studies as such are singled out independently, and at the same time - auxiliary disciplines are being formed that help to study history. A qualitatively new stage in this period is the beginning of the publication of primary sources, which in many respects has changed the attitude towards the history of our country, and primarily for the Russian intelligentsia.

It is she, the intelligentsia, who initiates historical expeditions and studies. Under the influence of Western currents and philosophical foundations, history turns into a full-fledged science. Among the works worth mentioning are the works of F. Prokopovich, A. Mankiev, P. Shafirov, B. Kurakin, V. Tatishchev, G. Bayer, G. Miller, A. Schlesser, M. Scherbatov, I. Boltin, M. Lomonosov. These scientists are studying the problems of politogenesis, the participation of the Varangians in the formation of the ancient Russian state , etc.

Another stage is the development of historiography in the second third of the nineteenth century. Here we study such problems as the relations between the Russian state and Western countries, the first concepts of the development of national history arise.

The fourth stage - the second half of the nineteenth - the beginning of the twentieth century. At that time, the methodological foundations of historiography are being formed. Historiography of Russian history feels on itself and positivism, and materialism, and neo-Kantianism. The spectrum of research is expanding, especially attention is paid to socio-economic problems in history. At the fourth stage, the question arises about the professional training of historical personnel.

The last fifth stage is the Soviet historiography of Russian history, which is based on a class approach to the development of society, which, in turn, is reflected in the scientific approach. Overcoming the Soviet legacy is the main goal of the modern historical school.