The Russian Geographical Society, the "Amur Epoch." and the Great Siberian Expedition 1855-1863.

The history of exploration has hitherto focused largely on the description of the explorations themselves and on an analysis of their scientific-geographical findings. The fact that such exploration often is intrinsically related to political and social factors characterizing the society out of which it originates is consequently obscured, if not entirely neglected. This paper attempts to demonstrate that the genesis and the very purpose of the Great Siberian Expedition cannot be understood apart from the political and ideological climate of the 1840s and 1850s in Russia. It shows that the rapid and powerful growth of nationalist sentiment at this time was the main inspiration for the work of the young Russian Geographical Society. This sentiment dictated the exclusive task for geographers to study the Russian fatherland and, more specifically, it lent a special imperative to the study of Russian Asia. Members of the Society came to see this latter endeavor as a means for them to fulfill their patriotic responsibilities. Russia's acquisition of the Amur and Ussuri regions in the 1850s became closely associated with the general nationalist movement for Russia's renovation and resurrection, and thus geographical exploration of the terra incognita of southeastern Siberia offered a perfect opportunity for the members of the Geographical Society, in their unique capacity as geographers, to consummate actively their devotion to this cause. It is further suggested that the Great Siberian Expedition is not unique in its responsiveness to prevailing political sentiments and needs, but rather that this pattern is characteristic for much of geographical exploration, both in Russia and elsewhere. A more detailed consideration of these interrelationships in the history of exploration will lead to a deeper and more nearly complete understanding of the subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]