Rabow-Edling released this book in 2025 for the 200th anniversary of the Decembrist Revolt. My knowledge about this event was limited to the page or two that would be covered in Russian history books that spanned centuries. I got this book from the library and looked forward to learning more.
She began by writing about the current view of the Decembrists in Russia today and how their ideals are antithetical to the current ruling class. The Decembrists were members of the aristocracy. They had lands and titles. They also fought in the Napoleonic wars. They traveled across Europe and saw the differences between those countries and their own. Russia still practiced serfdom.
These men longed for liberty. Rabow-Edling writes about how they believed in heroic sacrifice. She also notes several times how the Decembrists were unique because they acted against their own self interest. They were wealthy, well educated, and had a bright future. Yet they were disillusioned with the Russian government. They had read from the great thinkers like Grotius, Pufendorf, and Locke and wanted to see Russia embrace liberty.
They hoped that Tzar Alexander I would usher in reforms. He at first seemed open to the idea. However reforms never materialized and the Decembrists formed secret societies where they dreamed of liberty. Two competing ideas for constitutional reform were developing. One in St. Petersburg and the other in the Ukraine. Documents were written explaining the reforms that they wanted implemented. Eventually they decided that when the Tzar died they would revolt.
They figured they would have years or decades to plan. Alexander I was in his mid forties. Then he unexpectedly died in Taganrog. The Decembrist decided to act even though they were not fully prepared. Rabow-Edling describes the revolt in St. Petersburg and the secondary revolt in Ukraine a few weeks later. Then she spends the remainder of the book on the trials and exile of some of the Decembrists.
I would give this book 5 stars for the subject matter but 3 stars for the writing. It seems abrupt at times. A chapter will end when it feels like there is more information to convey. It almost feels like the author was writing to meet a deadline and as a result sacrificed some content to make sure it happened. Overall I give this book 4 stars.
Thomas Aquinas is credited as one of the greatest proponents of natural law. During his time in Cologne he was taught by Albertus Magnus. Magnus used the teachings of Aristotle in his mentorship of Thomas Aquinas.
Samuel Adams believed in American Independence from Great Britain. He is one of the most well know Son's of Liberty. On August 1, 1776 he gave a speech to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia.
This month this community will focus on Natural Law. What is Natural Law? How is it applied in real world situations? What are the alternatives to Natural Law? These are some of the issues that will be discussed this month.
“If any ask me what a free government is, I answer, that, for any practical purpose, it is what the people think so,and that they, and not I, are the natural, lawful, and competent judges of this matter.”
Edmund Burke
