The influence of intelligentsia on the formation of anti-Bolshevik ideology in Civil War time Siberia (on the example of journalistic activities of I.I. Anosov)

In the years of the Civil War in Russia various temporary governments paid much attention to the formation of state ideology. The role of media in this process cannot be overestimated. Siberian print media were not an exception. Within the Siberian media of that time, the newspaper ‘Siberian Life’ clearly stands out, as many famous socio-political figures published their articles there. Among them was Prof. I.I. Anosov (1880 - circa 1934). The repertoire of topics raised by this intellectual during the Civil War was vast, including analytical articles and coverage of different events of internal and external policy, analysis of Bolshevik and anti-Bolshevik governments’ legal activities, present day events in Tomsk etc. However, all these articles, no matter which topic was concerned, were deeply influenced by his views which in turn were based on the resentment of Bosheviks and their political agenda. Most of I.I. Anosov’s articles touched upon Bosheviks and, thus, were meant to contribute to creating the image of the Boshevik party and of their record in the eyes of readers. Analyzing the first decrees of the Soviet government, I.I. Anosov discerned several characteristics of Bolshevik legislation. First of all, he mentioned the repressive nature intrinsic to Bolshevik decrees, their hastiness, nervousness and, above all, replication of the already existing legislation. Presenting the main activities of Bolsheviks in negative light, I.I. Anosov ynderlined that their power would be short-lived and soon overthrown. Critisizing Bolsheviks, I. Anosov was quite skeptical about other parties and institutions. He was generally positive about Admiral A.V. Kolchak’s taking power, although he was not too much delighted by the 1918 coup. I.I. Anosov projects of all-Russian power were sort of abstract, but he repeatedly underscored that whoever takes the power, it must be based on the unity of Russia. Analyzing Germany’s actions on the Eastern front and repeatedly making emphasis on Germany’s secret support of Bosheviks, I.I. Anosov stated that Germans were guided by Realpolitik concerns. He considered the Treaty of Brest Litovsk as a national betrayal committed by Bolsheviks. He also considered driving Germans from annexed territories as one of the main goals to achieve. In conclusion, it should be noted that Siberian intelligentsia actively participated in the formation and proliferation of anti-Bolshevik ideology. Up to the beginning of the Civil War, there was no consistent ideology of the White movement, and White-oriented publicists reflecting on unfolding events took part not only in the proliferation but also in the formulation of the main components of ideology. I.I. Anosov played an important role in this process.

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