Originality of formation and development of liberal ideas in Russia in the 17th-19th centuries

Historical features of formation of liberal ideas in Russia throughout three centuries (17th-19th) are presented in the article. This process was followed by difficult fight of liberalism and traditional conservatism. Progressively conceiving political figures considered that liberal reforms should be carried out by the power; and at certain historical moments, liberal ideas became even a part of the state policy. However, it was not possible to overcome a gap between fundamental values on which the consciousness of most of the population was under construction, and values of free individualistic development. Liberal ideas were inapplicable to the Russian reality and were rejected by most of the population of the country.