The life of the Cossacks in the Russian Empire differed significantly from the existence of peasants, petty bourgeois and other classes. Free temper and courage aroused envy and some fear among ordinary plow and plow workers.
Instructions
Step 1
Multiculture of the Cossacks
Since the Cossacks were not exclusively a Slavic ethnos, their culture and way of life were different from the existence of the rest of the population of the Russian Empire. From birth, young warriors absorbed particles of the Slavic-Russian, Tatar-Turkic and Cossack culture proper. This was reflected in everyday life, clothing, language and a special system of values.
Step 2
Military factor
The Cossacks were a paramilitary class. Initially, the Cossack settlements in most of the outskirts were independent and independent. But over time, they accepted Russian citizenship, while retaining a significant part of their independence. Cossacks took part in all military campaigns of the Russian Empire, be it the war with Napoleon, or the Russian-Turkish confrontation. Due to the fact that the Cossacks lived in the border areas, they were the defenders of the borders of the empire.
Step 3
Development of new lands
The Cossacks were not only a military force. They were often pioneers in new territories. The conquest of Siberia by Yermak was carried out by the Cossacks, to whom Yermak Timofeevich himself belonged. The development of the lands of the North Caucasus, the Far East and North America also took place with the participation of the Cossack army.
Step 4
Free choice
The Cossacks obeyed the ataman and two esauls. They were chosen before each campaign in the military circle by a majority of votes. During the elections, everyone was equal, and any Cossack could be elected head of the army. Former chieftains were sent to the general formation.
Step 5
Cossacks in peacetime
When there were no hostilities, the Cossacks, like ordinary peasants, were engaged in agriculture, but at the very first need they were ready to engage in battle with the enemy. A high degree of everyday culture and morality is characteristic of the Cossacks.
Step 6
Women among the Cossacks are equal members of society, they were the keepers of the hearth and educators of children. During military campaigns, the entire household was shifted onto the shoulders of women. A family of several generations of Cossacks often lived under one roof.
