Background
Chaikovskii, Nikolai was born in 1850 in Viatka. Son of an official.
Chaikovskii, Nikolai was born in 1850 in Viatka. Son of an official.
Graduated from Petersburg University’s Physical-Mathematical Faculty.
While studying at the MedicalSurgical Academy, organized (with M. Natanson and V. Aleksandrov) the first narodnik revolutionary group, 1869. The group included many people who later became famous (P. Kropotkin, P. Akselrod, Zheliabov and others), and was known as the ‘chaikovtsy’ in the 1870s. Summoned to appear in court at the ‘trial of the 193’, but went underground instead.
After meeting in Orel the peasant religious preacher Malikov, became his follower. Emigrated, 1874 and settled in the USA, 1875. Together with Malikov and a group of like-minded enthusiasts, created a commune in Kansas, trying to realize principles of absolute justice.
The commune fell apart in 1877. Worked at a factory, for one year lived among the sect of shakers. Returned from America to Europe, first to Paris, 1878, then to London, June 1880.
Active in the British Labour movement, and in the Red Cross organization of Narodnaia Volia. Organized (with Kravchinskii and others) the Free Russian Press in London, 1891, which became one of the main revolutionary enterprises of its time. Joined the SRs, 1904, and returned to Russia, 1905.
Became a moderate socialist, and a member of the Central Committee of the Trudovik and NS (People Socialists) parties. Most of his attention at this time was given to the organization of the agricultural cooperative movement, which proved very successful in Siberia, and elsewhere. Condemned the Bolshevik take-over of October 1917.
Organized the antiBolshevik Soiuz Vozrozhdenia Rossii, went to Arkhangelsk and became Prime Minister of Arkhangelsk territory. Invited General Miller to take command of the local forces, and cooperated with the British Expeditionary Corps. After the evacuation of the British and the defeat of Miller, emigrated to France.
Actively involved in political activity among Russian political post-revolutionary exiles.
Religion is an instrument of the ruling classes to instill in the masses the religious conviction that their current suffering will lead to eventual happiness.
Communist party could initiate policies in the name of the society because it knows what the best is for its progress and development.