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The Difficulties of Tsarist Russia's Integration: Viking Blood, Byzantine Glory, Mongol Shadow
In the vast plains of Eastern Europe, a vast empire quietly emerged, and its name was Tsarist Russia. However, the empire, despite its close ties to the European continent, has always struggled to fully integrate into it. The reason for this is closely related to its unique historical background and cultural traditions - the core of the Vikings, the beliefs of the Eastern Romans, and the hobbies of the Mongols, together constitute the complex and unique identity of Tsarist Russia.
1. The core of the Vikings
In the old legends of Tsarist Russia, there was a prince named Vladimir. He lived in the late ninth century, when Tsarist Russia was still a barren land with tribal strife. In search of a strong ally and an advanced culture, Vladimir decided to learn from the Vikings in the West.
He sent messengers through vast snowfields and forests to finally reach the territory of the Vikings. There, he saw the Vikings' strict discipline, strong combat effectiveness, and advanced shipbuilding technology. Vladimir was so shaken that he decided to introduce the culture and institutions of the Vikings in order to transform his country.
So, at the initiative of Vladimir, Tsarist Russia began to imitate the political system and military organization of the Vikings. The nobles began to establish their own fiefdoms and armies, while the soldiers were rigorously trained and equipped. Tsarist Russia's military strength has been greatly enhanced, and it has become a force to be reckoned with.
However, this imitation also poses problems. Although Tsarist Russia had great military power, it lacked the adventurous and innovative spirit of the Vikings. The nobility of Tsarist Russia began to indulge in the pursuit of power and wealth, forgetting the long-term interests of the state. This lack of culture made it very difficult for Tsarist Russia to integrate into Europe.
2. The Faith of Eastern Rome
In the history of Tsarist Russia, there is another important cultural source, and that is the belief in Eastern Rome. At the end of the ninth century, missionaries from the Byzantine Empire came to Tsarist Russia, bringing with them the teachings and culture of the Orthodox Church. The nobility of Tsarist Russia, attracted by this mysterious and solemn religion, converted to Orthodox Christianity.
The introduction of Orthodox Christianity had a profound impact on the culture and society of Tsarist Russia. It became the state religion of Tsarist Russia, influencing people's beliefs, morals, and daily lives. The aristocrats of Tsarist Russia began to imitate the architectural style, artistic style and ceremonial system of the Byzantine Empire, so that the culture of Tsarist Russia gradually converged with Europe.
However, this convergence also poses problems. Although Tsarist Russia accepted the teachings and culture of the Orthodox Church, it did not fully understand its essence. The aristocrats of Tsarist Russia began to indulge in lavish court life and religious ceremonies, forgetting the true meaning of religion. This cultural glitz and emptiness made it more difficult for Tsarist Russia to integrate into Europe.
3. Mongolian hobbies
In the history of Tsarist Russia, there was another influence that could not be ignored, and that was the Mongol hobby. At the beginning of the thirteenth century, the Mongol Empire's iron cavalry trodden all over Eurasia, and Tsarist Russia was not spared. The Mongols ruled Tsarist Russia for more than two centuries and had a profound impact on the politics, economy, and culture of Tsarist Russia.
The Mongols ruled in a simple, brutal but effective manner, and through a strict system of taxation and conscription, the nobility of Tsarist Russia had to submit to their rule. At the same time, the Mongols also brought their own culture and customs, such as life on horseback and the customs of nomads. These cultures and customs gradually became integrated into the culture of Tsarist Russia, making the culture of Tsarist Russia more diverse and complex.
However, this convergence also poses problems. The aristocrats of Tsarist Russia began to imitate the Mongol way of life and rule, which gradually made the political system and social structure of Tsarist Russia gradually ossify. At the same time, the Mongol conquest also brought deep trauma and humiliation to Tsarist Russia, which made Tsarist Russia even more inferior and exclusionary in the process of integrating into Europe.
epilogue
Tsarist Russia's difficulty in integration stems from its unique historical background and cultural traditions. The core of the Vikings, the beliefs of the Eastern Romans, and the hobbies of the Mongols all together constitute the complex and unique identity of Tsarist Russia. However, it was precisely this complexity and uniqueness that made it difficult for Tsarist Russia to integrate into Europe.
So, in the face of such a dilemma, how should Tsarist Russia respond? Do you continue to stick to your own cultural traditions, or do you abandon your own identity to cater to European culture? This is a question worth pondering. For Tsarist Russia, perhaps only by actively absorbing the cultural essence of Europe while maintaining its own cultural characteristics can it truly achieve integration and common development with Europe. As far as we are concerned, we should also learn from this experience, respect and protect our own cultural traditions, and at the same time actively absorb excellent foreign cultures to achieve cultural diversity and prosperity.