The Russian Revolution is often placed in the context of a political revolt by a small minority of radical extremist with the Bolsheviks. In considering the broader cultural environment of Russia at the turn of the 19th century you have been challenged to see what other forces were in play to bring about the destruction of Tsarist power and the end of the Romanov dynasty. The underlying question of whether or not art inspires or imitates life is in full play here. Is the Mir Iskusstva movement of the Silver Age merely reflection of the social unrest of a modernizing Russia or is it further instigation to change, highlighting the insufficiencies of a decrepit political and economic regime?
How does the Silver Age of Russian Culture contribute to Russia's increasing foment at the turn of the century? Is there more in play than radical political and econmic ideologies? How do the visual arts, literature, music, dance, etc. move Russia to a new future? How does the Silver Age help discredit the Tsar? Looking ahead, why do many of the artist from this period break from the revolutionaries of the Bolsheviks?
Another way to think about this historic episode is a test of Charles Tilley's thesis regarding the relationship between modernization and revolution. [See Class Handout] "Does modernization breed revolution?"
