N.E. Markov During the World War Ii:unknown Pages of Biography

The article examines the biography and political views of N.E. Markov (Markov the Second), the former leader of the Union of the Russian People, deputy of the State Duma of the Russian Empire, and chairman of the Supreme Monarchist Council in exile, during the period of the World War II. Th e reconstruction of his political biography from 1939 to 1945 is being undertaken in historical science for the fi rst time. Using methods of historicism, scientifi c objectivity, aggregation, historical reconstruction and interpretation, the author attempts an impartial analysis of Markov’s stance towards Nazi Germany, the USSR, Soviet leadership and the Russian people. Th e research is based on previously unknown journalistic works by Markov, materials from émigré periodicals and foreign archives. A signifi cant portion of these sources is being introduced into scholarly circulation for the fi rst time. Emphasis is placed on the fact that, while Markov entered into a deal and cooperation with the German Nazis, he remained a supporter of an Orthodox autocratic monarchy. Not sharing the neopagan views of the Nazis and viewing fascist dictatorships only as a stage on the way to a traditional monarchy, Markov nevertheless became a staunch supporter not only of the German invasion of the USSR but also of Germany’s victory with the subsequent establishment of German infl uence over Russia. His uncompromising fi ght against communism, his anti-Semitism, masonic phobia, hatred of the USSR and its leaders led him, who throughout the life identifi ed himself as a champion of Russia’s and Russians’ interests, into the camp of enemies of his own country and people. By supporting the German aggression against the USSR in 1941, Markov continued to work for the Reich until the end of the Great Patriotic War. He viewed the political and ideological changes occurring in the Soviet Union (the offi cial national-patriotic rhetoric, the revival of church life, and the return of historical continuity) exclusively as a tactical move by the Bolsheviks, not an evolution of the Soviet system. Th e article also provides clarifi ed information about his last years and circumstances of his death.