"Zubatovshchina" is ... What is "zubatovism" in history?

In the history of the development of the Social-Democratic movement in Russia, the "Zubatovism" played a very important role. What it is? How did it come about? How long did it last? These are the three main issues that influenced the further development of revolutionary sentiments in the then monarchical state.

The very concept of "Zubatovism" is briefly defined as the operation of the tsarist regime in relation to the working question that arose in Russia at the beginning of the twentieth century. It was aimed at distracting huge masses of people from political struggle against monarchical power and transforming this movement into making only economic demands to the government. Where did the "zubatovism" come from, what is it and what are its prerequisites? You can learn about this from our article.

Definition

First of all, it is necessary to understand the very concept. So, "Zubatovism" is a kind of struggle against tsarism in 1901-1903. Its initiator was, oddly enough, the head of the security department of the city of Moscow, S. V. Zubatov, with the support of official authorities.

In addition, Zubatovism is a provocative attempt by the government of tsarist Russia to distract people from the revolutionary struggle against autocratic politics. The people tried to draw in artificially created monarchist workers' organizations.

Also, "Zubatovism" is a special form of struggle, with the help of which the Russian Empire tried to suppress the growing influence of the Social Democrats on the working class.

Detection

At the very beginning of the twentieth century, the head of the security department of Moscow was a certain Zubatov Sergey Vasilievich. It was thanks to him that many of the revolutionary organizations that existed at the time were uncovered and destroyed. In 1896, members of the security department discovered one of the first societies of a social democratic type, called the "Moscow Workers' Union", which was created through the unification of several political circles.

As a result of the interrogations of the arrested conspirators Zubatov first encountered one unusual phenomenon. The fact is that all the detainees could be divided into two groups. One included intellectuals-revolutionaries, and in the other - ordinary workers. They all saw what was happening around them in different ways. Thus, the intelligentsia was aware of why they were brought to justice. But the workers could not figure out in what way they were accused. They did not see the political underpinnings in their actions.

The beginning of the Social-Democratic movement

To understand the whole Zubatov helped special literature. It can be said that at this moment he first discovered the existence of a Social-Democratic movement. He found out that starting from the 1890s, many organizations began to adopt the principles of German conspirators.

The German Social-Democrats were able to unite the political components of the revolution into one with the economic needs of the workers. Their teaching was that they could achieve their demands only by carrying out a social revolution. They conducted skilful propaganda in the working environment. The goal of the Social Democrats was to attract as many people as possible from among the urban proletariat, who later would become a powerful revolutionary army.

The idea of Zubatov

After studying the special literature and realizing the danger inherent in the principles of social democracy, the chief of the security department understood the main thing: one can not achieve anything by repressive measures. Zubatov was sure that it would be possible to weaken this movement only if its main component, the working class, was removed. And in order to achieve this goal, it was necessary that the acting authorities themselves should go over to the side of people and support their struggle for economic interests.

Therefore, in April 1898, Zubatov himself compiled and immediately presented to the chief policeman D. F. Trepov a note. In it, the program of measures to improve the situation of the workers was described in some detail.

Then the note came in the form of a report on the table of the governor-general of Moscow, which was the Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich. He liked Zubatov's idea, and he gave permission to conduct explanatory classes for workers.

The essence of the idea

While interrogations of the detainees were being held, Zubatov tried to prove that the power in itself is not an enemy to them, that even under the monarchical system it is possible to satisfy all of its economic demands. But for this it is necessary to understand the difference between the revolutionary and workers' movements. If in the first case there are ideological interests, then the second purpose is money.

Such an explanation Zubatov had success. Convinced by his words, people began to conduct agitation in their midst, and after a while the first petition for the creation of a workers' society was received.

Basic Provisions

Thus, the Russian Empire began to fight the Social-Democratic organizations on its territory by a method that later became known as "Zubatovism". Briefly it can be stated in several paragraphs.

● Replacement of the revolutionary for evolutionary teaching. If the first presupposes an armed overthrow of power, the latter does not accept violence in any of its forms or species.

● Propaganda of all the advantages of autocracy concerning social relations. The main criterion was put forward that the monarchy itself is prone to justice, it is alien to all violent actions.

● Strong conviction that amateur performance completely ends up where the rights of power come into force, that is, the transition for this line is inadmissible self-will. All changes in the country must come from the government and exclusively through it.

● Clarification of the existing difference between revolutionary and professional movements. The former is engaged in violent reform of all classes, and the second - only with his vital interests.

Movement development

In the spring of 1901, with the permission of the Chief Police Officer Trepov, a group of Moscow activists created the Society for Mutual Assistance of Mechanical Workers. Zubatov provided them with special brochures. They spoke of a professional labor movement.

In addition, in the same year in Moscow, began to conduct lectures for the people, who enjoyed great popularity. All meetings were held under the supervision of Zubatov's agents, who were aware of all the events taking place in the city.

At that time, a special workers' council was created, which accepted complaints from people, and also defended their interests in cases of any attempts of oppression on the part of the manufacturers. Thus, Trepov and Zubatov supported the Council. In addition, they also put pressure on the manufacturers. The result of their work was a strike organized on a silk manufactory, lasting for a whole month.

Such a stunning success of the Society, which defends the interests of the workers, began to acquire truly legendary features. After this, the Zubatov movement made the existence of any Social-Democratic propaganda in Moscow practically impossible.

Elimination of

Initially, the activities of the Society were very successful, many workers attended these meetings. But by 1902 the Social Democrats understood the danger that the Zubatov movement concealed in itself. They let out a rumor that the Society is just a police trap, created for the sole purpose of revealing those who are dissatisfied with the monarchical order. Workers who collaborated with Zubatov gained the status of enemies, and "zubatovism" - the definition of "provocation".

The propaganda of the Social Democrats turned out to be very effective, and the new Society was discredited. Now the professors refused to give lectures at meetings, as they were warned that, if agreed, they would be nailed to the pillory.

In the spring of 1903, mass strikes began in the south of the country, accompanied by political demonstrations. The influence of the Social Democrats began to grow rapidly. In the summer of the same year, a wave of demonstrations reached Odessa. In the excitement took part and "Zubatov".

Against the backdrop of the growing strikes and the discontent of the manufacturers, government intervention in their relations with the workers, the government decided to abandon its policies. As a result, in the summer of 1903, all the Zubatov organizations ceased to exist. The initiator of this movement was suspended from work and soon sent into exile.

So what is "zubatovism" in history? This is the policy of so-called police socialism. Its main goal was to undermine the workers' political movement by creating legal organizations struggling only to achieve economic preferences. And, in addition, "zubatovshchina" is just a demonstrative protection of people under strict control of police authorities and authorities.