Moscow as Perceived by Alexander II’s Elder Sons

This article examines the attitude to Moscow of Grand Princes Nicholas Alexandrovich and Alexander Alexandrovich; latter became Emperor III afterwards. The opinion has taken root in historiography become self-evident that peacemaker tsar loved ancient capital like no other ruler Russian Empire. aims reconstruct his elder brother understand why it arose how changed over time. research methodology considers achievements new political history, history everyday life, emotions. refers unpublished letters, diaries, memoirs contemporaries, grand princes’ their correspondence with II, Empress Maria Alexandrovna, Mikhail Nikolaevich, Vladimir Alexandrovich, which have not been introduced into scholarly circulation previously. analysis makes possible assert warm feelings for Mother See did arise tsar-liberator’s eldest sons immediately. formation toward was influenced by professors University invited teach Princes, such as statistician I. K. Babst, lawyer P. Pobedonostsev, historian S. M. Solovyov. Also, princes were conservative periodicals they read Alexandrovna. Unlike Tsarina, II suspicious public, seemed insufficiently loyal him. Therefore, sons’ positive towards its society something granted. At same time, attempts influence sympathies pursued goal so much stimulate tsarevichs’ interest antiquities make them supporters “people’s autocracy”, well adherents “national policy”. In conclusion, author analyzes phrase attributed “Moscow is temple Russia, Kremlin altar” providing arguments about doubtfulness authorship.