The social and professional background of officers from Bessarabia serving in provincial garrisons of Voronezh and Tambov before World War I

The study of the Late Imperial Russian officer corps increasingly necessitates evaluation through the lens of prosopography. This methodological approach facilitates the determination of socio-professional characteristics through the creation of collective portraits of specific officer groups. Analyzing criteria such as age, social origin, religion, general and military education,combat experience,awards received,career advancement patterns, family and demographic status allows for the identification of both typical and unique features within the officer milieu of this period. This is particularly relevant given the significant transformations that began within the corps during the reforms of Alexander II and accelerated at the turn of the twentieth century. Furthermore, the application of prosopography helps to corroborate or challenge enduring stereotypes concerning the pre-revolutionary Russian officer corps. Drawing on materials from the Russian State Military-Historical Archive-specifically, regimental “Lists of Seniority” for generals, staff and chief officers, medical personnel, and civil officials from several infantry and cavalry regiments, as well as an artillery brigade stationed in Voronezh and Tambov provinces - a sample of nineteen officers originating from Bessarabia Province was compiled. This study analyzes the principal socio-professional criteria of this group within both its intragroup dynamics and the broader officer context.

Keywords

Authors

References