Nicholas I: Personality and Epoch. Russian Historiography of the Late 20<sup>th</sup> – Early 21<sup>st</sup> Century

The article discusses methodological approaches and historiographical principles of modern Russian research on the personality rule Nicholas I. It analyzes main directions historiography late 20 th – early 21 st century concerning reign continuity distinctive features government reformism, state ideology political control, military, social economic policy, peasant question. authors pay much attention to scientific biographical works about I statesmen his era. identifies a number most controversial problems missed transformative opportunities, Crimean War, illness death concludes by arguing that is characterized rejection rough simplified division even opposition first, second third quarters 19 century. In carried out basis various methods, assessed as an important stage modernization, time when administrative transformations Alexander were completed socio-economic grounds for Great Reforms prepared.