The search of the Mongolian nation in the liberation movement in 1911-1921

Traditional naming of socio-political events that have occurred in Outer Mongolia in 1911-1921 the «National liberation movement» means the existence of united Mongolian nation. The main objective of the article is to criticize such approach with the help of identification of ethnic consciousness of western Mongolia. For these purpose the author analyzed theories about the origin of Mongolian Nation: during the existence of the Hunnu State (3rd century BC); in the era of Chinggis Khaan (13th century); during the period when the territory of Mongolia was a part of the Qing Empire (middle of the 15 th century - 1911); at the beginning of the XX century, under socialism (1924-1990). Some scientists have questioned the existence in Mongolia cohesive nation today. The feudal leaders of events of 1911-1912 were not interested in fundamental changes in the development of society and «left the archaic social and economic relations in the country untouched» (E.A. Belov). Therefore we can not use the concept of «revolution» towards these events. Apart the joining factors (religion, writing and negative attitude towards Chinese merchants) there were divisive ones: tremendous social and property stratification of Mongolian society. The nature of confrontation between the Mongolian elite and Qing administration indicated the critical situation in the Mongolian society and the lack of focusing actions of different social groups of the Mongolians. Also the ethnore-gional features of western Mongolia played an important role. It is believed that the Khalkhas were the main driving force in the liberation movement so the perception of events in the west of the country is of a great interest. In western Mongolia simultaneously with the main processes began to appear the idea of separation from the Khalkha region or their own autonomy. About the atmosphere of indifferent attitude of most Western Mongolians to so called «National liberation» colorfully report the publications of A.V. Burdukov, who was a direct participant of the described events. His recordings have been criticized by I.J. Zlatkin who accused him of «superficial judgment», «simplistic interpretation of important political events», «underestimate the scope... of the national liberation movement of the Mongols». In order to avoid seeing in the analyzed processes united Mongol nation it is logical to call these events «liberation movement». On the Assembly of Derbet peoples in 1915, the Western Mongolians expressed their desire to have their prince. Such way they demonstrated their sense of otherness in contact with Khalkha Mongols. The ultimate nature of this «desire» and threat (in case of failure to the agreement) to join to China or Russia demonstrate the lack of a sense of national solidarity among all groups of the Mongolians, which has yet to be formed.

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