Russian Rightists and the Revolution of 1905 examines the emergence of right-wing organisations in Russia during the political crisis of 1905â"1907. In the first comprehensive account of rightist activity throughout the country, it focuses not only on such nationally prominent parties as the Union of the Russian People, but also on provincial organisations. Professor Rawson demonstrates how the rightists attempted to resolve the impasse between autocracy and constitutionalism that Russia had reached by the end of 1905. These defenders of the old order sought to counter the liberal and radical forces arrayed against the autocracy, sometimes by force, more often by campaigning in elections to the State Duma. The study concludes that the rightist organisations, while never a match for the opposition parties, mobilized a substantial segment of public sentiment and helped induce the autocracy to reassert its authority.
Industry Reviews
"Students of modern Russian political history will welcome Dr. Rawson's monograph on the Russian right as a valued addition to a field which until recently was largely ignored by western and even Russian scholarship...an excellent study. Readers can enjoy a well-written, clearly organized, and accessible book, with a useful map, a reliable index, numerous charts and tables, several photos, but most importantly a helpful bibliography of archival and primary sources, national and provincial newspapers, and secondary sources. Specialists and general readers will benefit from Dr. Rawson's book which offers new views and insights." Canadian Journal of History "This is a pioneering work that deserves wide attention. Certainly this book should be required reading for graduate students in Russian history; many advanced undergraduates would also profit from reading it...Rawson provides excellent concise descriptions of the most important rightist groups and parties and follows the general thesis that, in fact, the rightists were doomed to failure by the very nature of their politics...this book should be read by both specialists and all those interested in the politics and society of late Imperial Russia." Theodore Weeks, The Russian Review "Rawson provides the serious student of 1905 a concise analysis of the membership and tactics of the various rightist groups. Buttressed by forty-plus pages of election results, Rawson's work will point the way for subsequent research. Libraries with extensive Russian collections will want to add the book, which is intended for the informed scholar." W.J. Lavery, History "In this lucidly written and cogently argued book, Don Rawson examines the formation of right-wing political parties during the revolutionary crisis of 1905...Rawson illuminates an important chapter of the waning years of the Romanov dynasty and offers insights into the political challenges confronting Russian society at the turn of the twentieth century." Slavic Review "...an interesting and valuable book..." Scott J. Seregny, American Historical Review "...a series of readable and interesting sketches...Rawson's book is an accessible and informative overview of the Russian right during the very brief period of its political significance." Elise Kimerling Wirtschafter, Nationalities papers
