Revolt Against the Tsar: The Decembrists 

Welcome to the second and final part of our Decembrists series, in which we cover the revolts themselves, both in St.Petersburg and Ukraine. Hope you enjoy. And don't forget to visit our Patreon page for early access, exclusive updates and votes on future series!

"he was demoted for laziness...he was poor, without friends" could this be my ancestor?

Kakhovsky - Doesn't do the one thing he was meant to do, assassinate Nicholas. Also Kakhovsky - Shoots everyone who tries to de-escalate the situation peacefully. What a guy

Truly one of the most underrated events in history

"What a miserable country. They can't even hang us properly." Damn, what a macabre sense of humor they had back then, even after being hung unsuccessfully.

This video is made with much better quality than the revolt itself

Fascinating story, thanks for unpacking a story I have never heard of. Loved this mini-series, cannot wait for 1848!

"The decembrists, who lived in hard labor and in exile with a spiritual life, returned after 30 years in Siberia cheerful, intelligent, joyful, and those who remained in Russia and spent their lives in the service, cards, balls were pathetic ruins, whom no one needs, who nave nothing good to remember about their lives. How joyful the condemned and exiled were, and how unhappy the survivors were. After 30 years, it became clear that happiness is not in Siberia and not in Petersburg, but in the spirit of people..." Leo Tolstoy.

Это прекрасный рассказ, созданный совместно. Очень хорошая работа. This is a beautiful story, created together. Very good work.

I'm especially interested in watching. I live in the city of St. Petersburg. When you live in the city of St. Petersburg, and all the events described are not far from your home, university and work ... these are completely different impressions))) I love Epic History TV. Big thanks!!!

When I started the first episode, it was right after I had read War and Peace. I could recognise many names of the officers. Fitting given that the book was originally supposed to be about the Decembrists.

Your way of presenting the coup really reveals the potential for a great board game!

The movie about this event was insane! That grapeshot scene was brutal, but so amazingly done.

That was total chaos. It is heartbreaking to see people in the past with something so very close to our modern leanings and sensibilities fail so miserably. Salute to all those brave, young men who dared to imagine a better society for their fellow countrymen.

It's always a lovely tour de force through historic events - and this was no different. Much appreciated!

Russia has an amazing history. read about the mysterious death of Emperor Alexander the First. there are versions that he did not die in 1825. much later, a poor old man appeared in Siberia. according to memoirs Local aristocrats, this elder knew the smallest details of the members of the imperial family. He was very poorly dressed, but knew several languages, excellent manners and education. So this is Russia's greatest mystery of the 19th century. I write Russian using Google translate

The decembrists all flaking out last minute reminds me of trying to schedule absolutely anything with my friends.

What a story! With so much time invested and an amazing quality of the video. There are many history channels in RU-vid, but Epic History TV is truly the best of the best. If you are a history lover like me, you can’t deny how much knowledge you get in all the videos. Keep up the good work and I wish always success to Epic History TV.

The sheer quality and knowledge put into this documentary, it’s ineffable! There are no words! Bravo! 👏🏻

That blend between the soundtrack & the ticking clock element is the type of involvement I’ve come to expect from this channel. It’s fun to pinpoint musical tracks within these videos too & see where they were used during the Napoleonic series.

How lucky we are Gentlemen, to be able to digest such content. Very well done

I am seriously considering becoming a Patreon member.. The sheer quality and artistic styles of these videos are breathtaking.. Bravo!

Finally, this is out. I've been waiting for this since the end of my classes, and now I get to watch it stress-free! Always a good historical documentary, Epic History TV!💯💯

The wonderful narration, the beautiful battle plans nd maps, the smashing music! U never fail to impress us

This was definitely one of my favorite series the channel has uploaded so far! Can't wait for a merch sale👍

Thank you so much, I've always been intrigued by this event but I always found the information about it a bit difficult to go through. Thank you for presenting it in such a clear and awesome narrative!

Love this channel!! It's way better than anything on tv shows. I wish Epic history could put out a video every day!!! I really look forward to there videos keep them coming!! 😃👍👍

Are we not going to talk about how this would make a great strategy game where you could play the decembrists or emperor

This video like all others you produce has been remarkable. The execution segment is chilling and hard hitting. I can't wait for your next video I wish you could release one every day.

A brilliant video.Love the colour and animation. Makes it so clear.Can't wait for your next video!

really bringing the A game drama on this one. very entertaining and informative video, can't wait for more!

Such a tragic story, and a potential turning point of history. Just imagine how different 19th century Europe would've turned out if the Russians hadn't kept crushing liberal revolutions in central Europe

These videos are beautifully made, well written and great fun! And props to Charles Nove! Couldn't ask for a better narrator for RU-vid! :D

On a further note, Russia would’ve been different had the radicals not assassinate Alexander II. Because of his assassination, his successor consigned Russia’s fate backwards, and sealing its fate towards Bolshevism. Alexander III thought that the liberalism that Alexander II promoted (and the upcoming constitution plans) caused his demise.

From start to finish u kept engaged such that even ones forget blink eye,such is your work ... outstanding and the background music ... another level. Thank EHTV for giving us another marvelous piece.......

The ending with the portrait of executed Decemberists is epic.

I love your channel. I absolutely love maps and history and youve combined my two faves

One thing that's indisputable with the movie Union of Salvation: The soundtrack kicks ass.

I already saw earlier from early access. Just coming back to watch it again :) amazing job as always!

Man, I am begging this channel to do a series on the American Civil War

It was an amazing pair of videos! It would be awesome if you'd make something like that about the November Uprising - a considerably larger event (I dare say more epic) with some of the same players involved, but somehow even less widely known. Plus, it would be a nice segue from the Decembrist to the revolutions of 1848.

Wow, absolutely fantastic use of city maps/movements, paintings, and photos!

So glad to be able to contribute to this incredible channel. To the immortal Epic History TV!

Cannot wait for a video/documentary about WW2! You've done an amazing work on this video!

I've been listening to Mike Duncan's Revolutions podcast which is currently covering the Russian Revolution and this Epic History series is a great companion to that series; especially the early episodes that lay the foundation and touch on the Decembrists. Also, I can't wait for the 1848 series. That year of Pan-European revolutions is an event that is lacking quality content on RU-vid. Glad that will be remedied!

Glad you made 2 parts to this! So much more information that I initially expected!

If I may, the Life-guard cavalry regiment is specifically a heavy cavalry or 'Cuirassier' regiment! Note in the paintings the regiment was painted wearing a backplate & breastplate. It was shown as well in the movie you mentioned! I loved seeing this video because it was one of my favourite historical moments! Love you guys so much!!

I love the story telling. Including the voice and the music... Thank you

The Russian film “Union of Salvation” covers these events, and looks well done from the clips I’ve seen. I wish I could find it streaming somewhere.

Another great series! and congrats for 1.5m Subs

Great content as alsways!! We Russians history lovers appreciate your time and efforts to create this masterpice content!!!

YESSS!!! LETS GOOOO!! FINALLY SOME SORT OF DOCUMENTATION ABOUT THIS INSANE BATTLE!

Kudos Toby on another brilliant video! Beautiful artwork throughout the video added a wonderful perspective to the story being told!

"In 2008, the Decembrists' Square was renamed again back to Senate Square. The Decembrists continue to serve as a warning to some, an inspiration to others. All that is certain is the Decembrists have not been consigned to history just yet." Why do I feel like there's a hint there somewhere, intended for a certain someone who's below average height.

Such a high quality video and it gives a strong vibe of some kind of board game or something. Would be cool if there was some kind of game about this event. Well, at least we have this video now.

Great appreciation to the staff of Epic History TV from South Korea. 🇰🇷👏

Another EHTV masterpiece! What a stellar documentary. The suspense was exquisite, a beautifully crafted video indeed. Thankyou for another fascinating look into history

The move to rename the square back to the Senate Square in 2008 told a lot.

OMG, that background tone catches my ear every time. I can see Hans Zimmer jealous crying in the corner😂 Keep up the good work guys you doing great🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Incredible work! Watched from start to finish. Absolutely captivating stuff.

Hermoso trabajo como siempre de vuestra parte; sus seguidores hispanohablantes se lo agaradecen muchisimo!

What an absolute brilliant work, thanks Epic History TV

Epic History yet again proves to be THE BEST CHANNEL on You Tube

Seriously quality content! Thank you! I'm smarter now than I was when I started this video!

Such an informative and thrilling video, it reminds me of what the late Qing dynasty that was know as the 'hundred days reform' which to me shares some similarities with the Decembrist. Hopefully it would be covered by your channel in the future!

What are you guys gonna do next? I’d love to see more video’s on Napoleons early years after Toulon or do a series on Frederick the Great. I also like to see you guys do the Crimean War or Franco/Prussian War.

Been looking forward to more Decemberists content from Epic History!

How can such a video have only 200k views? Considering the effort and value this should not have any less than 1m.

I love this channel... Epic history tv ❤️

At <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="292">4:52</a>. Also if you've ever read "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky, this guy sounds almost like a spitting image of that novel's protagonist, Raskolnikov. Was Dostoevsky inspired by Pyotr Kakhovsky and the Decembrists? This epic, incredible novel was published in 1866 so I would imagine he was...

Yet another amazing series, thank you Epic History!

Both parts are well done. Thanks for the awesome work.

Amazing documentary!

I wonder how different history would've been had these people succeeded in their attempts. It would be make a delightful "What if" scenario.

Excellent two-part video! Thanks!

Plz upload more informative videos, I like your channel, and I always waits for a new video.

When I first saw a clip from the Russian Movie “Union of Salvation” that depicts this confrontation, I thought surely this must be a work of fiction…

Thank you for this documentary. The Decembrists' revolt isn't very famous amongst other Russian historical events, though it's a really interesting story. Also thanks for mentioning 'Union of Salvation' and its controversial reputation. Nethertheless, I would recommend Soviet movie 'The Captivating Star of Happiness' about fate of decembrists and their wives.

This is great! I can understand it crystal clear. Good job mate! Cheers

Best History channel ever hands down. Thanks guys!

"In honoring Herzen, we clearly see three generations, three classes active in the Russian revolution. First - the nobles and landowners, the Decembrists and Herzen. The circle of these revolutionaries is narrow. They are terribly far from the people. But their work is not lost. The Decembrists woke up Herzen. Herzen launched a revolutionary agitation. It was picked up, expanded, strengthened, tempered by the raznochintsy revolutionaries, starting with Chernyshevsky and ending with the heroes of Narodnaya Volya. The circle of fighters became wider, their connection with the people was closer. “Young navigators of the future storm,” Herzen called them. But it wasn't the storm itself. The storm is the movement of the masses themselves. The proletariat, the only fully revolutionary class, rose at the head of them and for the first time raised millions of peasants to open revolutionary struggle. The first onslaught of the storm was in 1905. The next one begins to grow before our eyes. Honoring Herzen, the proletariat learns from his example the great significance of revolutionary theory; - learns to understand that selfless devotion to the revolution and turning to the people with revolutionary preaching does not disappear even when whole decades separate the sowing from the harvest; - learns to determine the role of different classes in the Russian and international revolution. Enriched with these lessons, the proletariat will fight its way to a free alliance with the socialist workers of all countries, crushing that reptile, the tsarist monarchy, against which Herzen was the first to raise the great banner of struggle by addressing the masses with the free Russian word." (c) V. I. Lenin "In memory of Herzen" P.S. Alexander Herzen (1812 - 1870) - russian revolutionary, social-utopist, phylosopher.

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="171">2:51</a> Revolt in the North (from St Petersburg) <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1068">17:48</a> Revolt in the South (from Ukraine) <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1344">22:24</a> Aftermath of the failed revolts

This channel really is the most awesome history channel objectively

In for a penny, in for a pound. You don't stop once you've begun.

Please make another series on a great general, just like the Belisarius series. A series on Skanderbeg would be great.

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1717">28:37</a> Nikolay assembled a committee to take action against serfdom, and allowed his son to be tutored by passionate socialists and constitutionalists. He also personally bent the rules of censorship.

Pretty cool video; love the maps as always

I lived in Russia for three years, also spending time in Siberia, the world's best kept secret. Totally worth a visit, especially in winter. I have always been fascinated by the Decembrists. Congratulations on a really good programme. BTW according to the Gregorian Calendar the St Petersburg uprising took place on 26 Dec.

How can someone really undermind people trying to fight for the freedom of their own people, great video as always.

This was awesome I’m so glad you covered the Decembrists I’ve always loved there story and how they paved the way for the Russias two revolutions

I was looking for more information about this topic and it was really informative thank you

The music is the exact perfection to make such a amazing climax

I have watched epic history tv for about 2 years now from Alexander the great to the Napoleonic wars it, This channel is probably the greatest history channel ever with its remarkable details, paintings and quotes and much more. I have been interested in Russian history a lot recently especially sense I am half Russian myself and I am deeply saddened what my other home country could have been if not for the soviets thank you so much for making these videos. On a final note the Russian movie "Union of Salvation" from 2019 is an absolutely terrible and lying movie it has some okay scenes for example the realistic depiction of grapeshot but otherwise it absolutely lies in its history telling and to any of those wondering you can go watch a review by "Badcomedian" he makes reviews of bad Russian movies including the "Union of Salvation"

Fascinating!! Love it !! This event was a precursor to the Russian revolution decades later !! It was not in vain. I don’t believe questioning the czar, questioning and challenging the very foundation of monarchy just goes away. Just like in modern times, the question of socialism never goes away. People re-discover these ideas and concepts and they challenge traditional narratives about the history !

Excellent documentary! I have never heard about this movement before. Thank you very much!

where can i find the ending song/music? it sounds so good when the narrator was talking about the change of square name, the movie, etc etc

Thank you very much, incredible work, with love from Russia

Excellent video 📹 Excellent conclusion The Decemberists didn't want to kill their countrymen. All revolutions has to start somewhere No regime in Russia can afford to glorify the Decemberists as it was, primarily ' an army coup'.

Awesome production! Thank you!

Thank you so much for this video! I love the detailed narration of the sequence of events! Also, I love the soundtrack. There’s one of the tracks that I’m trying to find. Did anyone know the track from <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="577">9:37</a> to <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="613">10:13</a>? Reply if you know!