Past: "We thought you were a bourgeois. But when we found out you were a professor, then..."

Content:

• Context

On a cold winter evening, after a long lecture at the university, I was working my way home. The journey from the educational institution to my home was long and tiring. Walking was the only option, as neither trams nor cabbies appeared on the deserted streets of that December evening. I didn't have a penny, and even if a cabbie miraculously appeared, I wouldn't have anything to pay him with. I owned nothing of value. My wife and I lived in a basement, and my bed was made from old newspapers that I had used to make a mattress.

The journey to the basement was difficult. That day, I felt exhausted, as our diet consisted of small portions of potatoes boiled on a stove, which we ate without salt. This made the journey difficult and exhausting.

I approached the house where my room was located. The streets were deserted and quiet. People liberated from tsarism went to bed early, covering themselves with anything that could keep them warm. Night had fallen over the city, and a silence hung in the air, emphasizing the changes that had befallen society. At such moments, a special atmosphere was felt, as if everyone was seeking shelter and peace within their own four walls.

I turned from one street to another and suddenly came across three young men in black. They surrounded me, and one of them quickly drew a revolver and pointed it at my forehead. They searched my pockets, turning out my weapons, and, having confirmed the absence of a weapon, took away my coat, which they probably found unattractive. They threw it on the pavement, and then took off my jacket. The bandits began to curse among themselves. Overcome by fear, I tried to negotiate with them.

Are you aware that you are buying my last jacket?

They cursed me masterfully. However, one of the aggressors began to doubt it.

Who are you really?

I explained that I was a professor and was heading home after classes.

A conflict broke out between the bandits. I stood to the side, watching what was happening. Soon, they quickly put the confiscated jacket on me and picked up the coat, which I clutched tightly in my hands. Then the unexpected happened: one of them made an offer that changed the course of events.

We will escort you home to protect you from possible attacks and robberies. Your safety is important to us, and we will do everything possible to make you feel protected.

I accepted their offer and we continued our conversation in a calm atmosphere.

Why did you first attack me and now you're escorting me?

We assumed that you belonged to the wealthy class, but when we learned that you were a professor, our attitude changed. Now you have become a source of knowledge for us, and we look forward to your lectures.

Who are you really?

We are revolutionaries striving to destroy the foundations of bourgeois society. However, professors are not on our list of targets, as we recognize their value. Perhaps in the future, we ourselves will become their students to deepen our knowledge and views.

We said goodbye at the house where I was staying, and I expressed my gratitude to my guides for their help.

The memoirs of a law professor about the situation in Soviet Russia from 1918 to 1921 are a valuable historical source. These notes, published in the collection "Chronicles of Life in Soviet Russia. 1917-1921", were prepared under the editorship of M. A. Erokhov and are kept in the State Archives of the Russian Federation. This work illuminates key events and changes in the legal system, social structure, and public life, allowing for a deeper understanding of the complex processes occurring in the country during this turbulent time. The professor's memoirs serve as an important illustration of the historical context and personal experiences, making them indispensable material for studying the history of Russia in the early 20th century.

Context

The State Archives of the Russian Federation contains anonymous memoirs that have attracted the attention of researchers. The compiler of the collection assumes that the author of these notes is Pyotr Petrovich Migulin, professor of financial law at Kharkov University. These memoirs represent a valuable source of information that can aid in the study of the history of financial law and educational traditions in Russia.

The situation described in the text is characteristic of cities that were part of the former Russian Empire in 1919. Hunger, cold indoors, devaluation of currency, and rising crime rates became everyday realities. Surprisingly, classes continued at universities under these conditions. Moreover, several new institutions of higher education opened during this time. However, attendance left much to be desired: teachers were often unable to get to their workplaces, and students were frequently absent from lectures. The student body was not stable. Some of the former students left Russia, others did not survive the difficult times, and still others no longer had the strength to study. Nevertheless, new students also arrived—and in significant numbers. The words of the "caring raiders" in this tragicomic story, about their future potential as students of the professor they attacked, could well have come true. The Bolsheviks, who came to power, temporarily abolished competitive admission to universities, opening the door to many who lacked the necessary preparation. However, at this time, proletarian origin and social status became new selection criteria, becoming more important than knowledge and ability. This created additional difficulties for teachers until special preparatory faculties for such applicants—workers' faculties (rabfaks)—were established. The rabfaks played a vital role in the educational system, providing training for students who had potential but needed the basic knowledge to succeed at universities. Professors continued to work under difficult conditions for several reasons. The author of the memoirs notes that dedication and a desire for knowledge were the main driving forces. They understood the importance of their contribution to education and scientific development, which gave them strength during difficult times. Furthermore, their connections with students and colleagues, as well as their desire to pass on their experience to future generations, contributed to their perseverance. These factors highlight the true value of the profession and show that even in the most challenging situations, the pursuit of learning and development remains a priority for many educators.

Despite all the difficulties, we professors continued to teach lectures and strove to preserve the university, which had attracted new students from working and peasant backgrounds. These students often faced insufficient preparation and struggled to master the disciplines, which often led to their leaving the university due to hunger and cold. At times, we felt complete despair and considered discontinuing classes, knowing that such a step could lead to criminal charges.

At one of the faculty meetings, an interesting dialogue took place between young faculty and an experienced professor. The young specialists proposed canceling classes, but the older professor argued convincingly. He emphasized that their duty was to contribute to the country's cultural development, regardless of current conditions. According to him, new cultural forces are especially needed now.

Vsevolod Viktorovich Stratonov, dean of the Physics and Mathematics Department at Moscow State University since 1920, shared his experience in preserving the university in his memoirs. The teachers made every effort to protect academic traditions and values ​​in difficult times.

Read also:

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• How revolutionary pride served as a special motivation for study
• The history of the abolition of grades as the damned legacy of the bourgeoisie
• How the institutes of the red professors were opened and closed