The Past: Alive.

Although I didn't have any classes over the summer break and I did not do nearly as much reading as I wanted to or should have, I did not take the summer off entirely. Throughout the break between the Spring semester and the upcoming Fall semester, I've been accumulating multiple books, articles and research papers … Continue reading The Past: Alive.

Historical Reflections

When I say that I'm a history nerd, I mean it. I just finished my third term of Graduate school, and for the first time since I started my undergraduate classes in 2013, I'm facing a summer off from school and I'm already itching for my next project. I don't know what to do with … Continue reading Historical Reflections

The Military Revolution?

Michael Roberts’ Military Revolution thesis states that although the period between 1560 & 1660 is often overlooked by military historians, it is a period of profound significance on European history and “stands like a great divide separating mediaeval society from the modern world.”[1]  Roberts’ revolution centers on one primary innovation – one concerning tactics, that … Continue reading The Military Revolution?

Russian Peasantry

The relationship between the Tsar and the peasantry of Russia was a complicated one, which hearkened back to medieval Europe yet survived until late in Romanov history.  The overwhelming majority of Russians were peasants – between 80-90% - and were still peasants into the midst of the 20th century.[1]  One of the biggest challenges faced … Continue reading Russian Peasantry

Russian Nobility

Russian nobility, from before the foundation of the traditional “Russia” known today through the assassination of Tsar Nicholas II had a peculiar yet somewhat familiar relationship not only with the peasant class under them but to the Tsars above them.  Initially, Russian elite saw themselves in much the same way that peasants saw the ruling … Continue reading Russian Nobility

Russian Aristocracy

According to tradition since the establishment of the Russian state, harmony between the tsar and his people was of utmost importance.[1]  The tsar was expected to be a strong and central leader while consulting and heeding the advice of his powerful, elite subjects – the boyars.[2]  In turn, the boyars were expected to serve and … Continue reading Russian Aristocracy