Terrorism in the Russian empire: lessons of history for today's war on terrorism. Part II: The People's Will and its role in the history of political terrorism in Russia

Introduction. This article examines the role and significance of the revolutionary populist socialist organization The People’s Will in the history of political terrorism in the Russian Empire. Methods. Two waves of political terrorism took place in the Russian empire between 1878 and 1894 and 1894 and 1916. The first wave of terrorism was dominated by the People’s Will whose major accomplishment was the assassination of Tsar Alexander II on March 1, 1881. By contrast, many left-wing parties and movements participated in the massive second wave, particularly in the Revolution of 1905-1907. However, elements of continuity dominated the second wave of terrorism largely due to the work of the People’s Will in determining goals and tactics of terrorism. Results. The People’s Will acquired such an aura of perfection and self-sacrifice that future terrorists could not change their goals and tactics out of fear of betraying the legacy of this organization. The legacy of the People’s Will shaped not only the goals and tactics of the terrorists of the second generation, but also the responses of liberals, conservatives, and the government in both waves of terrorism. Terrorism in both waves was often used by different groupings in the government and political classes to advance their political goals and justify their responses to the terrorist threat. Conclusions. The People’s Will still holds a unique place in the history of terrorism in the modern world. However, objective study of the People’s Will is still difficult because the historiography of this organization for more than 140 years has included huge elements of myth-making and many blank spaces.