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The Cambridge History of Russia
Chapter 16
The 1645 Revolution
Following the epic victory over Ottoman forces in the battle of the Karsk lowlands, the Russian Princedom was transformed. The official reason for these changes were that Prince Igor willed it. However, historical sources has shown a drastically different picture, one of internal strife and conflicts between two extremely powerful personalities.
Brigadier-General Yussuf ibn Volukovich, the son of a muslim shoemaker in Moscow, enrolled in the Military Academy and graduated with the highest distinctions. During his time in training, like many other cadets he read extensively about foreign philosophy on matters of self-government and individual freedom. Byzantine sources predominated, but also Indian, English and other great thinkers were studied alongside Machiavellskij and other Russian authors. His many letters to friends from the Military Academy following graduation show a vibrant interest in political matters and philosophy. Some of these letters are among the compulsory reading in many philosophy classes as well as in the Military Institute.
Graduating with the highest honors possible, the free-thinking radical believed Russia needed to change drastically if it were to develop sufficiently to compete with other nations. Being a military man of a poor family, he failed to achieve the ear of the upper castes, and failed to appeal to the lower. However, within the military he became through his writings of textbooks, his charismatic personality and his ferocious determination, a popular and renowned figure.
The buildup to a coup in the 1620's (detailed in chapter 13), caused official attention upon the Brigadier-General who decided it was safest to flee Moscow to avoid arrest. According to historical sources Volukovich who was a muslim by birth believed he could easily initiate a coup in Arabia by military force, solely with his division of loyal elite Grenadiers. As he was crossing the al-Jazeera channel, the 2nd Russo-Ottoman war erupted, causing the Brigadier-General to return home. Landing near Rostov his troops marched to the front lines where he took command of the defences. The details of the 2nd Russo-Ottoman war are covered in chapter 14.
In the wake of his brilliant victories, the lower castes, the troops, and people throughout the Russian dominions wildly admired the recently promoted Field Marshal Volukovich. His popularity, especially among the troops, outweighed even that of Prince Igor himself. It was under these circumstances that the two men met.
Chapter 16
The 1645 Revolution
Following the epic victory over Ottoman forces in the battle of the Karsk lowlands, the Russian Princedom was transformed. The official reason for these changes were that Prince Igor willed it. However, historical sources has shown a drastically different picture, one of internal strife and conflicts between two extremely powerful personalities.
Brigadier-General Yussuf ibn Volukovich, the son of a muslim shoemaker in Moscow, enrolled in the Military Academy and graduated with the highest distinctions. During his time in training, like many other cadets he read extensively about foreign philosophy on matters of self-government and individual freedom. Byzantine sources predominated, but also Indian, English and other great thinkers were studied alongside Machiavellskij and other Russian authors. His many letters to friends from the Military Academy following graduation show a vibrant interest in political matters and philosophy. Some of these letters are among the compulsory reading in many philosophy classes as well as in the Military Institute.
Graduating with the highest honors possible, the free-thinking radical believed Russia needed to change drastically if it were to develop sufficiently to compete with other nations. Being a military man of a poor family, he failed to achieve the ear of the upper castes, and failed to appeal to the lower. However, within the military he became through his writings of textbooks, his charismatic personality and his ferocious determination, a popular and renowned figure.
The buildup to a coup in the 1620's (detailed in chapter 13), caused official attention upon the Brigadier-General who decided it was safest to flee Moscow to avoid arrest. According to historical sources Volukovich who was a muslim by birth believed he could easily initiate a coup in Arabia by military force, solely with his division of loyal elite Grenadiers. As he was crossing the al-Jazeera channel, the 2nd Russo-Ottoman war erupted, causing the Brigadier-General to return home. Landing near Rostov his troops marched to the front lines where he took command of the defences. The details of the 2nd Russo-Ottoman war are covered in chapter 14.
In the wake of his brilliant victories, the lower castes, the troops, and people throughout the Russian dominions wildly admired the recently promoted Field Marshal Volukovich. His popularity, especially among the troops, outweighed even that of Prince Igor himself. It was under these circumstances that the two men met.
Prince Igor realized that if he moved against the popular General, he would easily have a dangerous rebellion on his hands, with The Grand Army splitting into two factions. Volukovich's military genius would then be turned against the Prince, and with the growing popularity of the ideas of self-government and individual freedom, the Prince decided to commence secret discussions with Brigadier-General Volukovich.
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