Intelligentsia and the Soviet rule

The article examines the policy of Soviet authorities in relation to intelligentsia, from the revolution of 1917 up to the beginning of the 80s. It analyzes various groups of intelligentsia, their positions and influence on social processes. While some representatives of intelligentsia enthusiastically greet the new power and its programme, others (cadets, mensheviks, esers) denounce the revolution, and many scientists and specialists device not to become involved in politics and continue their professional work for the benefit of Russia. The author shows the methods which were used in the creation and strengthening of Soviet state: repressions, suppression of any opposition, censorship, elimination of non-Bolshevik printed editions, and ideological purges, "forced emigration" of outstanding representatives of Russian intelligentsia. By the 1930s, humanities and technical intelligentsia was completely subdued and turned into a bureaucratic class, an "intermediate layer". Developing in totalitarism conditions, intelligentsia was still able to raise culture, science and education to a high level. The article gives a detailed description of dissident movement, which opposed the totalitarian regime.