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Don Cossacks in Emigration (1920–1939)


(Kuban State University)

(Kuban State University)

The article is devoted to the analysis of the situation of the Don Cossack emigrants for abroad in 1920–1939. The purpose of the article is to show the main aspects of the Don Cossacks situation, which can be compared with the Cossack émigré in general
and both Russian émigrés. In order to achieve the specified purpose the author has used the comparative-historical method research. It has been revealed that the catalysts for the departure of the Cossacks abroad were presented by revolutionary changes and Civil War in Russia, and more precisely – by the defeat of the anti-Bolshevik forces in this confrontation. The reasons for the rejection of the Soviet power were the struggle of the Bolsheviks against the estates privileges of the Cossacks, Cossacks oppression by non-Cossacks which led to a wave of repression. The number of Don Cossacks who went abroad is defined as approximately
30 thousand people, of which about 10 thousand returned to their homeland in the period from 1920 to 1929. It has been established the presence of both common reasons for the Cossack repatriation and purely individual reasons for reemigration. The resettlement of the Cossacks in certain European countries was originally determined by the ways of their leaving abroad. However subsequently the Cossacks themselves began to choose their places of residence based on from the conditions that existed in a particular state.
The study has revealed main factors that influenced the adaptation of the Cossacks to life in a foreign land such as legislation of the host state towards emigrants, cultural affinity of the local population. The author has found the socio-political structure of both the Cossack émigrés in general and the Don Cossacks in exile to be extremely vague and being characterized by both multilevel and multidimensional character. The basement of the Don Cossacks in exile was presented by common historical past and elements of class and ethnic self-awareness.
the Cossacks, Don Cossacks, Cossack emigration, Cossack-emigrants, Great Don Host

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