Northern Society of the Decembrists

Quick Facts: Who was Northern Society of the Decembrists?

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Northern Society of the Decembrists

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A revolutionary political society in St. Petersburg advocating for constitutional reform.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Northern Secret Society (Russian: Северное тайное общество, romanized: Severnoye taynoye obshchestvo), also called the Northern Society of the Decembrists or the Decembrists, was formed in St. Petersburg after the dissolution of the Union of Prosperity. Its members participated in the Decembrist revolt. The Northern Society was formed in St. Petersburg in 1822 from two Decembrist groups headed by Nikita Muravyov and Sergei Trubetskoy. When the Union of Prosperity was dissolved at the Moscow Congress of its leaders in January 1821, it was decided to create a new organization with four boards, one each in Moscow, Petersburg, Smolensk and Tulchin. However, none of them were created.

Career & Major Achievements

Some future Decembrists, headed by Pavel Pestel, did not recognize the decision of the Moscow Congress and entered the Southern Society in March 1821. In St. Petersburg, the Northern Society appeared, and its organizational structure was formed in 1822. Members of the society were divided into "convinced" (full-fledged) and "agreeable" (unequal). The governing body was the "Supreme Duma" of three people (originally Nikita Muravyov, Nikolay Turgenev and Yevgeny Obolensky, later - Sergei Trubetskoy, Kondraty Ryleyev and Alexander Bestuzhev). At the beginning of 1825, Ryleyev attracted Pyotr Kakhovsky, who was extremely negative towards the Tsarist autocracy.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The guards officers Ivan Gorstkin, Mikhail Naryshkin, and naval officers Nikolai Chizhov, Boris and Mikhail Bodisko also took an active part in the Northern Society. The program document of the "northerners" was the "Constitution" of Nikita Muravyov. The Northern Society was committed to more moderate goals than the Southern Society, intending to overthrow the monarchy and proclaim a constitutional state. Other ideas led by, Nikita Muravyov, wanted a constitutional monarchy and a legislature elected on a property-based franchise. However, the influential radical wing headed by Kondraty Ryleyev, Alexander Bestuzhev, Yevgeny Obolensky, Ivan Pushchin shared the ideas of Pavel Pestel's Russian Truth.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1821: 1821 Milestone — When the Union of Prosperity was dissolved at the Moscow Congress of its leaders in January 1821, it was decided to create a new organization with four boards, one each in Moscow, Petersburg, Smolensk and Tulchin.
2. 1822: 1822 Milestone — Petersburg in 1822 from two Decembrist groups headed by Nikita Muravyov and Sergei Trubetskoy.
3. 1825: 1825 Milestone — At the beginning of 1825, Ryleyev attracted Pyotr Kakhovsky, who was extremely negative towards the Tsarist autocracy.

Notable Quotes by Northern Society of the Decembrists

“[...] the purpose of our conspiracy was to change the government, some wanted a republic in the image of the United States; others a constitutional king, as in England...”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Northern Society of the Decembrists

True or False: “The Northern Society exclusively advocated for establishing a full-fledged republic modeled after the United States.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While some members desired a republic, the society's goals were varied, encompassing both constitutional monarchy and republican ideals.

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