04.11.2024
On November 4, our National Unity Day, we remind ourselves of the importance of unity, mutual understanding and respect for the traditions of our country. Russia is a multinational country, and each of its peoples carefully preserves their history, customs and traditions, thus making our state one of the richest in ethnic and cultural diversity. RSUH experts talk about historical events associated with the memorable date.
Pavel Alipov
Associate Professor, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of History of the Institute of History and Archives of the RSUH
“On November 4, we recall the liberation of Moscow from the Polish-Lithuanian invaders in 1612. Four centuries ago, the people's militia led by Dmitry Pozharsky and Kuzma Minin drove the enemy out of Moscow. Therefore, on this day we talk about the freedom of Russia, about its sovereignty, which is achieved exclusively by the unity of all the peoples that make up our vast country, in the face of the spate of conquerors who have repeatedly tried to make it their own. Today we are witnessing unprecedented historical events. Our Motherland is regaining unity with its regions that were torn away in the recent past. Residents of Crimea and Novorossiya have returned to the common Russian family! And this once again proves that our strength is in unity!"
Alexander Bezborodov
Professor, Chair of the Department of Modern Russian History, RSUH
"The turn of the 1990s - early 2000s was marked by significant events in the history of Russia, including the end of the military phase of the Russian-Chechen conflict. This is inextricably linked with Vladimir Putin coming to power. How was it possible to extinguish such an acute international conflict through the efforts of a person who had just taken the helm of the country? Firstly, the new leadership was trusted by the population. Secondly, there was a consolidation of the Russian elites. After all, the root of the conflict consisted, among other things, of disagreements among the elites over the scenarios for its completion. And the political consolidation of society and the ruling class is very sensitively felt by the army and the army leadership. That is why the Russian armed forces operating in the Chechen direction began to act more decisively, with greater dedication and understanding of their highest patriotic calling. The unity of views and trust in the new leadership of the country led to faith in victory, to an understanding of the high patriotic significance of the army duty."
Alexander Gushchin
Associate Professor, Senior Researcher at the Institute of Eurasian and Interregional Studies of RSUH
"Novorossiya was a powerful industrial, agricultural, port base for both the Russian Empire and the USSR. It was often the cradle of very bold innovations that had a significant positive impact not only on the fate of the region itself, but also found recognition on a national scale.
Today, looking at the history of Novorossiya, we clearly recognize it as the most important component of Russian civilization, we understand that its scientific, technological, social, humanitarian development is in many ways the key to the success of our entire country".
Efim Pivovar
Academic Director of RSUH, Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Director of the Institute of Eurasian and Interregional Studies of RSUH
"Nowadays, this holiday symbolizes the importance of consolidating and mobilizing society to overcome the challenges and threats of our time. The very history of the heroic days of the Time of Troubles shows that society can overcome a deep economic, social, political and state crisis only by uniting all its forces thereby ensuring the progressive development of the country for many centuries to come.
I would not say that we are now experiencing a period of peace in our development. The conditions of the Military Operation predicate the need to mobilize public forces, which is precisely what is happening in the country. However, as in the years of the Great Patriotic War, the unity of the people is extremely important and it is what will ensure our Victory".
