The Don Cossacks in governmental policy at the era of «Great reforms» (the 1860-1870's)

The article is devoted to the governmental policy aimed at the development of the predominantly «civil life» of Cossack troops during the era of «Great reforms» (the reign of the Emperor Alexander II). On the example of the Don Cossacks the author reconstructs a complex process of preparation and realization of the reforms taking into account the influence of various factors such as intra- and foreign policy issues.