A Case Study of Historical Accounts in Contemporary Russian History Textbooks

What is it about?

This paper examines contemporary accounts of major events in Russian history textbooks. The events include: Russia’s actions in the First World War; the conclusion of the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact; the initial days of the Great Patriotic War; the growth of communism in Eastern Europe; and the recent incorporation of the Crimean Peninsula into the Russian Federation.

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Why is it important?

An analysis of current narratives in Russian history textbooks leads the author to argue that an approved historical narrative aims to form patriotic students, the New Russian Citizens, who have immense pride in their heritage and who consequently will develop unwavering support for a strong Russia on the global stage.