Old man and bulldozer, or two great subverter of the XX century in Russia in life and in academic literature

The article seeks to uncover the milestones of the modern period in history of our country through the figure of the first President of the Russian Federation B.N. Yeltsin. Made more than a century of insight into history and a comparative analysis of the life and work of two of the most controversial figures in Russian history of the XX century - V.I. Ulyanov (Lenin) and B.N. Yeltsin. Clarified the reasons for both historical characters to fight with the existing system of power. Tracked key milestones of this struggle. On the basis of extensive historical material is characterized by the contribution of each of them in the history of Russia are historical Parallels in the role of B.N. Yeltsin and V.I. Ulyanov (Lenin) as destroyers existed before them political order and economic system of the state. In the spirit of the requirements of the historical and cultural standard are analyzed literary sources on the contribution of V.I. Ulyanov (Lenin) and B.N. Yeltsin in Russia's development. Alternative options considered the history of modern Russia, based on conflicting character traits B.N. Yeltsin. Analyzed several national history textbooks used in schools across the country in the early XXI century, the examples of the lighting considered in the paper problems in history textbooks, admitted to Russian schools in 2016 and the respective historical-cultural standard. Provides an overview of opinions about the identity of B.N. Yeltsin expressed his contemporaries and associates. Data from sociological studies reflecting the opinion of Russians about these historical figures. The conclusion reveals the more tolerant attitude of Russians to the figure of V.I. Ulyanov (Lenin) compared to B.N. Yeltsin.