Citizen Kuzma Minin: Political struggle around the image of patriotic sacrifice during the First World War and the Revolution of 1917

Abstract

This article presents an analysis of the use of the Kuzma Minin’s image in the context of the First World War and the Russian Revolution of 1917. In the political texts of this time, he served as a symbol of patriotism and the sacrifice of the civilian population. The author explores conflicting interpretations of this image by different political groups for patriotic mobilization and influence on public opinion. During the First World War, monarchists and liberals contested each other’s right to be considered the «descendants» of the famous figure from Nizhny Novgorod. During the revolution, the organizer of the Second People's Militia became a symbol of active citizenship, with his image being used for agitation in support of various patriotic initiatives. Various political figures could be called modern Minin, and his name was used by social groups to justify their activities. At the same time, Minin’s image became a tool for criticizing insufficient public activity and patriotism. Conservative and liberal newspapers accused the lower classes of «class egoism», while the socialist press criticized entrepreneurs for their unwillingness to sacrifice for the good of the country. As a result, Minin’s image transformed, reflecting deep class divisions and disappointment in the unwillingness of various social strata to actively participate in the defense of the country.