Former People: The Final Days of the Russian Aristocracy | Douglas Smith

How can life continue despite immense hardship and upheaval? In "Former People: The Final Days of the Russian Aristocracy," award-winning author and historian Douglas Smith examines the lives and stories of Russian aristocracy caught in the tumult of the Russian Revolution. Chronicling the fate of two great aristocratic families - the Sheremetevs and the Golitsyns - it reveals how even in the darkest depths of the terror, daily life went on. This presentation is part of the "Second Saturday" online lecture series presented by the Russian History Museum in Jordanville, NY.
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Timestamps
00:00-2:10- Welcome! Introducing Douglas Smith
02:39- Douglas Smith's presentation
42:42- Thank you for your support!
46:41- Q&A, concluding remarks
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#DouglasSmith #RussianRevolution #Nobility #EuropeanHistory #RussianHistory

[@Blonde111]

Great lecture… I grew up w grandparents that escaped Russia in 1917, however they were peasants. Remember hearing about the “ intelligentsia” during dinner conversations.

[@RussianHistoryMuseum]

Helene, thank you for watching. We are glad to connect you with this history!

[@juliusskoolafish9672]

Really great lecture. Forgiveness ... (from The Romanov Roya Martyrs) ... written in the hand of Olga on behalf of her father ... "Grant us Thy patience, Lord, In these our woeful days, The mob’s wrath to endure, The torturer’s ire; Thy unction to forgive Our neighbors’ persecution And mild, like Thee, to bear A bloodstained Cross. And when the mob prevails And foes come to despoil us, To suffer humbly shame, O Savior aid us! And when the hour comes To pass the last dread gate, Breathe strength in us to pray, Father forgive them!"

[@laurasalo6160]

It's beautiful.

[@paulyrevere1097]

❤

[@darcyissues]

I read it 5 years ago and it was a tour-de-force, at points I was really angry at the book, but mostly at the soviets, honestly, there is no happy ending there. Still, a very good book albeit a sad one.

[@RussianHistoryMuseum]

We hope that you will join us for future programs, darcyissues: www.russianhistorymuseum.org/events/

[@khalidalali186]

I stumbled upon the book three years ago, by sheer coincidence, in a Japanese bookstore of all places, in my hometown of Abu Dhabi. I vividly recall reading it thrice consecutively. A must-read page-turner, that’s for sure. Thank you!

[@shelleyscloud3651]

I looooooooved. Really loooooooved that book. Read it years ago but it’s stuck with me and I’ve even gifted it a few times.

[@RussianHistoryMuseum]

Thank you, Shelley! Check out our website for upcoming events you may also be interested in: www.russianhistorymuseum.org/events/. You may also enjoy Helen Rappaport's lecture on Russian emigres in Paris! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eITReGVuapqbhbs

[@und3rcut535]

As a decendant of House of Sheremetev. I grew up with many second hand accounts of the brutality my family have suffered. Thanks for everyone who shed a light on it. According to Yelena Sheremetev there were at least 300 of her family just murdered or gone missing. Also RIP Nikita Cheremeteff.

[@adagietto2523]

Fascinating talk; this is becoming a really good channel!

[@RussianHistoryMuseum]

Thank you! If you haven't already, check out our website for even more Second Saturday content: www.russianhistorymuseum.org/category/second-saturdays/

[@conningdale8805]

Having read it several times, I can truly say that its a remarkable book. Of course I think most people already knew or assumed something about the fate of many of the aristocracy, but "Former People" gives us a much clearer picture of what went on in those terrible days. Also, kudos to Douglas Smith for his book on Rasputin. Since the revolution there have been countless books written about him, and his relationship with Nicholas and Alexandra.. Few however have been so accurately researched and refuted all the stories and gossip that was about before and after the revolution. Reading this book one can understand why they trusted him, and why they didn't believe all the stories. Highly recommended reading for followers of Nicholas and Alexandra. Thank you for posting this video. The more people who know about these things the better.

[@RussianHistoryMuseum]

Thank you for watching! We hope you will view other lectures posted to our channel or will join us for an upcoming live program. There are many stories to be told and topics to discover: www.russianhistorymuseum.org/events/.

[@brianpollard4350]

A very moving account. Looking forward to the book.

[@joseeduardotschen9186]

Great book, read it 3 years ago. Also his book on the Romanovs. Have been a Romanov fan for almost 15 years.

[@RussianHistoryMuseum]

Thank you for watching, Jose! Hope you can join our upcoming lecture on Grand Duke Alexis's North American travels: www.russianhistorymuseum.org/event/alexis-in-america/

[@katerynakartashova1553]

Amazing! I'm happy that this book was written - slightly different perspective but well recognised atmosphere of that days.

[@RussianHistoryMuseum]

Thank you for watching and commenting, Kateryna!

[@lifeby2044]

I have been searching for a long time about the fate of the Russian aristocracy and at last today I came across the book and this lecture. Thank you

[@taybak8446]

Thank you for the professionally presented video. And thank you Dr. Smith for your wonderful book which I read. It was heartbreaking and I felt your compassion for these unfortunate souls. The fact that you got outraged by the petty talk during your dinner party, during which you're wife had to kick you under the table says a lot about your goodness and humanity. I look forward to your future books.

[@huascar66]

I have the book and I have read it twice. An excellent and poignant account of the final days of the Russian aristocracy.

[@faziletharezmsah7977]

How many pictures in it?

[@khalidalali186]

Quite a few. Perhaps twenty, if memory serves me right.

[@sifridbassoon]

I have read Former People many, many times. It is fascinating. I have loaned it to friends and gotten them hooked as well. Helen Rappaport has also written many books on the Russian Revolution. One of the best is Caught in the Revolution, which tells the stories of many of the British, French, and Americans (among others) who were living and working in Petrograd when the revolution began. Another book, After the Romanovs, tells the lives of various Romanovs who escaped to Western Europe. I recommend both books along with Douglas Smith's of course.

[@bradmoyse6162]

Wonderful book!!

[@RussianHistoryMuseum]

Thank you for watching, Brad! www.russianhistorymuseum.org/events/

[@tollcross4755]

I have this and his biography of Rasputin. Excellent historian and writer. Was surprised and disappointed Douglas was involved in that terrible series on Netflix about the Romanovs. It was dire! This is an excellent channel for all of us interested in Russian history. Brilliant topics and experts. Thank you.

[@RussianHistoryMuseum]

Thank you for watching our lectures, Tollcross!

[@tollcross4755]

@@RussianHistoryMuseum Your channel is superb with amazingly engaging guests and fascinating subjects.

[@jennifercole6045]

Well to look at it another way imagine how the bad the series would have been with OUT his participation

[@dogsarebetterthanmen]

Thank you

[@mzjamm2]

When looking at revolutions over the centuries this comes to mind. As horrific as the French Revolution was it definitely wasn't as bad as the Russian Revolution. In that one lasted 5 years give or take. The other decades, but with the first three decades bring the worst. Now in both it was felt the need to murder the monarchy. It just doesn't seem necessary in hindsight, because the need for kings and queens isn't a necessary aspect of civilization as it once was. In saying this why would a revolutionary in 1792 and 1917 know that. This is a area that has always been of interest to me. Thank you for your book.

[@mzjamm2]

My earlier comments were definitely heart felt. I may not like the language used, but it us still a topic of interest for anyone who is interested in history. If you cried when you were presenting your speech don't you think they didn't deserve it???

[@davidweyant9356]

Just found your channel after watching a video with him about his book on Rasputin. Fascinating. Thank you.

[@RussianHistoryMuseum]

Glad you enjoyed it! Hope you subscribe an watch our other videos.

[@DarrylGrantaba]

Excellent book! The story that was not told Well written and insightful. Have given copies to like minded friends.

[@RussianHistoryMuseum]

Thank you for watching, Darryl! Hope that you may join us for other upcoming programs: www.russianhistorymuseum.org/events/

[@glenncalderwood8945]

The futuristic blue car was one of the Blue Bird cars driven to take the land speed record by Malcolm Campbell

[@RussianHistoryMuseum]

How interesting, Glenn!

[@eleanorkett1129]

Excellent book.

[@RussianHistoryMuseum]

We appreciate your feedback, Eleanor. Thanks for watching!

[@virginiasoskin9082]

Love Doug's book Former People. We IDed the Sheremetev Mansion on a boat ride through St. Petersburg, and it is used as the mansion in the Netflix film Silver Skates. It is fun to check out various locations in SP. The pix in Former People shows what the revolution did to former people -- the pictures are HAUNTING, and it is good to have those family trees in the front of the book to keep everyone straight.

[@julieodonnell8433]

im reading Dr Zhiago at the moment and i was ust going to look at Silver Skates next ,thanks for that info ,interesting .

[@sifridbassoon]

I REALLY would like someone to do a map of SP and Moscow showing the location of all the former nobility's palaces. They are mostly now museums and other goverment buildings.

[@virginiasoskin9082]

@@sifridbassoon Here is a rundown of palaces from my St. Petersburg DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: 1) Hermitage/Winter Palace;, see #10 below; 2) Alexander Palace in Tsarskoe Selo, 15 mi. south of SP at town renamed from Tsar's Village to Puskhkin, home of Nicholas II and family, somewhat restored and open for tours, Nazis used it as their HQs; 3) Anichkov Palace, home of Dowager Marie, on Nevsky Prospekt, SP's "main drag"; 4) Beloselskiy-Belozerkski Palace, at Nevsky Prospekt and Fontanka Canal, Neo-Baroque Palace by Stackenschneider in 1847, place of lavish balls, now a cultural center and waxworks museum; 5) Marble Palace by Rinaldi, neo-classical, on Neva embankment near Hermitage, now part of Hermitage art collection, with exhibits, Kurt Seyit and Sura, a Turkish TV series was filmed in its marble clad rooms and staircase; 6) Menshikov Palace, very early 1720, built for Prince Menshikov, a lover of Catherine the Great, on Vailievsky Island along Neva, now a branch of the Hermitage, with exhibitions of ancient Russian Culture; 7) Sheremetev Palace along Fontanka Canal, built for Field Marshal Boris Sheremetev, owned by the family from 1712 to Revolution; divided into flats during Communist era, family fabulously wealthy owning 200,000 serfs and major music patrons to the tsars, now a museum with period musical instrument displays, used as home of the female protagonist in excellent Netflix film, Silver Skates; 8) Stroganov Palace, Nevsky Prospekt and Moika River, built 1752-4 by fabulously weathy Count Sergey Stroganov, occupied by his descendants until Revolution, houses temporary exhibits and some wax figures; 8) Tauride Palace, built as present from Grigory Potempkin to his lover Catherine the Great, in 1905 housed Russia's first Duma (parliament), during Revolution became the seat of the provisional government led by Kerensky; today still a government building; 9) Vorontsov Palace, built in 1749-57 by Rastrelli for Mikhail Vorontsov, one of Tsarina Elizabeth's main courtiers, the Corps des Pages, Russia';s most elite military college housed there; today houses Suvorov Military Academy; 10) Winter Palace, along Neva River at foot of Nevsky Prospekt; built by Rastrelli, 1754-62 for tsarina Elizabeth, opulent, hundreds of rooms, now open as museum, connected with Hermitage, Russia's finest largest art museum; special tickets (not expensive) required to have tours of Gold Rooms and Diamond rooms with fabulous displays, home of the Jordan Staircase, Malachite Room; 11) Yusupov palace, fabulousYusupov Palace, also called Moika Palace because the family had more than one palace in SP and others in the provinces, has the exotic Moorish room, 180 seat private theater/concert hall, tour the cellars where Rasputin was murdered (so Felix Yusupov said he did). There are other palaces outside of SP, the Catherine Palace with its famed Amber Room, and near the Alexander Palace; and Peterhof with its fabulous fountains completely restored after the Nazis burned the palace and destroyed the fountains. The Catherine Palace was also burned, down to the foundation bricks. They stole the original Amber Room which has never been found. It was completely restored using photographs of the original. There are more palaces too but these are the basic ones. No wealthy people were allowed to keep their homes; Felix Yusupov and wife Irina left along with the Dowager Empress from Crimea aboard a British ship; they lived as poor exiles for the rest of their lives. All wealth in the country was stolen by the Bolsheviks and as we see in the book Former People, wealthy families were hounded, often arrested and either exiled to Siberian labor camps or just plain murdered to get rid of them. Most of these families had many estates in the provinces and had thousands of serfs who were basically slaves for these wealthy families. Some of these estates are restored and can be visited by tourists. I don't know much about Moscow Palaces but there is the Tretyakov Gallery which was probably formerly a mansion/palace. I hope this satisfies you to some extent and will, perhaps, encourage you to investigate these buildings for yourself. We visited SP about ten years ago but nowadays with the tense political climate, it is foolhardy for westerners to visit unless on a legitimate tour and even then I would discourage that. It is sad because Russian history is very interesting and cultural.

[@matthewperry5121]

Awsome

[@fgcbrooklyn]

I was surprised by your use of the term "pellagra' when you referred to the death by malnutrition of one of the persons you mentioned. The term is Italian and literally means "sour skin". It was widespread in the countryside in Northern Italy in the 1800s, as a consequence of the introduction of industrial farming and monoculture. The diet of the lowest rung of peasants, especially in winter, was made of "polenta", boiled corn meal, and little else. Pellagra is caused by a lack of vitamin B3 (thus says wikipedia) or Niacin.

[@Messier45_Pleiades]

I'm reading the book right now.

[@RussianHistoryMuseum]

It's a great book, isn't it? thanks for watching!

[@mikek3068]

What interests me is that how would the authorities know who is who from the aristocrats (especially when years would pass and facial features would change). Did each person have a document with pictures, etc?

[@kevindavies2334]

I could imagine if the former people had retained their names, the Soviets would have had lists of these former people. The more you read the more you realise how after the revolution these former Aristocrats were persecuted in Russia. If they had not managed to leave Russia when they still had the chance.

[@und3rcut535]

@@kevindavies2334 well very few families kept quiet about it for example the first thing my great grandfather did was to lay low in Constantinopole for a time and he kinda changed his last name to more Turkish sounding one Şeremet rather keep Sheremetev.

[@zacreea]

What was the name of the painter he was talking about? I couldn't find it via google

[@GoldForAnna]

Why is there no film about this genocide? Why nobody talks about this genocide in the media? The gulags lasted 40 YEARS, not only 6 years.

[@sifridbassoon]

another fascinating book (although it has nothing to do with the Revolution per se) is Literary St Petersburg. It is a "travel guide" showing where all the great writers lived

[@RussianHistoryMuseum]

By Elaine Blair? :)

[@thelittleredhairedgirlfrom6527]

Damn, over an hour late and still first.

[@RussianHistoryMuseum]

Thanks for watching!

[@garystadler5583]

14:37

[@patavinity1262]

I just can't take anything seriously he says after having having stated that Lenin was from the nobility. Just bizarre that he could assert something so totally untrue.

[@sandrahossman2089]

Lenin was born into a upper class family, mom was a doctor, and his father was a school teacher. In his biography, he is referred to a hereditary noble.

[@mickvonbornemann3824]

Well we still exist, but we’re a diaspora now

[@RussianHistoryMuseum]

Thank you for watching!

[@mzjamm2]

When you said "they got what they deserved" I realized you were definately someone I did not want to read. There were much better ways to say the same thing. Unless, all you want is hype and drama. I will go back to professional references. Thanks for the heads up.

[@carolannemckenzie3849]

I think you misunderstood. He was paraphrasing other peoples' erroneous attitudes.

[@blancablanca7931]

That statement was the perspective of the people who are dragging down the aristocrats, and not Douglas’ words. You might have comprehended the lecture wrongly.

[@und3rcut535]

exactly for example my ancestor was a military doctor who spent almost his entire life for his country serving through various wars in the end what he got? lost more than 300 of his relatives. his wife and children were murdered and he left Russia with just a 3 pieces of jewelry and photos of his lost family.

[@beatlessteve1010]

I cannot help but feel that for every member of the aristocracy who suffered during and after the revolution, there were thousands more peasants, and Jews who were tortured or beaten for generations because of the aristocracy, but their stories are never told..Why is it that there are books about the privileged or why should we be more interested in their advantaged lives than in the lives of generations of the majority of the population whose lives suffered just as much if not more?

[@geraldjampol3120]

If only the anti-Bolshevik forces had coordinated their activities during the civil war, we would have been spared the horrors of Communism.

[@daniel8728]

He is niether Russian, nor an Orthodox Christian, so his viewpoint should be understood as coming from a Jew from Western European ancestry. Can anyone recommend a historian who writes in Russian or English, from the Tsarist/Orthodox Christian perspective?

[@ivanlukianov2139]

if you read Russian I could recommend you Острецов В. Масонство, культура и русская история

[@tmayofour]

Horrible!

[@ScreetTube]

Honestly, communists always attract jaelous misery of the society.