The Image of the Russian Rulers in the Assessments of British Journalists in 1815—1825 (based on the Articles of the Periodical “The Quarterly Review”)

After the end of the Napoleonic Wars, the powers that inflicted a crushing defeat on Bonaparte began to play a leading role in stabilizing international relations. Among them, the Russian Empire and Great Britain emerged as leaders, although during the years of confrontation with France, due to circumstances, they could formally occupy opposing sides. The actions of yesterdays military ally on the world stage attracted the attention of the UK public, which was reflected in press publications in the first post-war decade. Among the various magazines, the Tory literary and critical periodical “The Quarterly Review” was popular with the reading public. Its authors were not only writers and prominent intellectuals of the age, but also representatives of the countrys political establishment. They followed with interest the current politics of the St. Petersburg Court and had extensive knowledge of Russian history. Although the journals materials regularly attract research attention, the significant volume of articles and their thematic diversity provide an opportunity to formulate new research objectives. Reviewing literature of various genres, the magazines contributors reflected on the nature of the power of Russian rulers, the results of their reforms, and the specifics of their relationships with neighbors. Assessing the actions of the princes and tsars of the past, they raised questions about the specifics of the historical process and the results of the ambitious plans of the monarchs. In this regard, critics were particularly interested in Peter the Great and his grandiose reforms. Opinions about the policies of the Russian rulers, which were found on the pages of the review, created a historical context for assessments of the reign of the current emperor of Russia — Alexander I.