The question of the identity of the Mennonites in Russia during the First World War

The mennonites appeared in the Russian Empire with other colonists, at the invitation ofCatherine 2 in the second half of 18 century. and settled first in the south-west, in the Ukraine. Eventually, a colony of the Mennonitesemerged in the Caucasus and Siberia. They were specific ethnic and confessional groups for religious beliefs, which were characterizedby pacifism. For a long time the Russian authorities regarded the Mennonites as a useful element for the country, valued for their economicsuccess, and even guaranteed them certain privileges. For example, the Mennonites were provided with an alternative militaryservice in the forest teams, and they were allowed to retain their land use. However, during the First World War the attitude to the Mennoniteschanged. The question of their identity became acute. We can distinguish between two opinions on this subject: 1) The Mennonitesconsider themselves to be Germans, and therefore constitute a threat to Russia, and 2) the Mennonites do not associate themselveswith Germany, see themselves as coming from Holland and quite dangerous for the country. Both views were broadcast by the periodicalpress, discussed within the framework of official correspondence, and confirmed by various facts. The proponents of the first viewpointed to the isolation and prosperity of the Mennonites and insisted on the elimination of their land holdings in favor of Russian peasantslacking land. The Mennonites were accused of sympathy to Germany and reluctance to defend the country disguised as religiousviews. The proponents of the second point of view and the Mennonites themselves strongly emphasized their loyalty and devotion toRussia. The Mennonites donate their money to the military, organized a hospital for wounded soldiers, served as volunteer nurses in theregular army. However, it should be noted that the Mennonites insisted on their Dutch origin, in order to avoid actions against the"German dominance" and, especially, "liquidation laws" (February 2 and December 13, 1915) under which the lands of German colonistswere to be signed away to other owners. After some hesitation, Russian authorities concluded that the Mennonites see themselvesas Germans and serve Germany's interests, thus threatening the safety of the country and they adopted the subject to the "liquidationlaw". All this indicates that the definition of the Mennonites' identity during the First World War depended on external factors and conditions.Prior to the deterioration in the relations between Russia and Germany, no one thought about what the Mennonites consideredthemselves to be: the Germans or Dutch. At the same time, the supporters of different points of view on this pursued their own interests:those who accused the Mennonites of betrayal, expected to get their large estates but the Mennonites themselves were willing to applyanyone (but for the Germans) to keep their lproperty from liquidation.

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