Provincial Administration and Local Nobility in Courland in the Middle of the 19th Century

In the article, on example of conflict Courland governor P.A. Valuev with Baltic nobility, happened in 1857, legal status nobility Russian Empire is considered. The main issue considered work problem relationship between imperial center and national outskirts middle 19th century, which, turn, closely related to results Northern War (1700-1721), which ended for Russia a victory over Sweden annexation former part Swedish kingdom Estonia Livonia. local aristocracy received guarantees from highest authorities preserve all privileges, put it slightly different position than inner provinces. Under Catherine II, when was incorporated into Russia, these privileges were extended barons. XIX under Nicholas I Alexander "rights liberties" nobles also invariably confirmed. As result, there situation German barons themselves bound by personal obligations personally monarch. This situation, typical medieval feudal Europe, ran counter patrimonial socio-political model, irritated elite. special eventually led clash Valuev, who, acting within framework general legislation, tried establish orders province. Governor-General Region A.A. Suvorov, Interior Minister S.S. Lanskoy Emperor II himself involved clash. And although Valuev's ultimately triumphed, his opponent, Baron Gan, forced leave post leader general, this did not change any way. model “center-outskirts” relations article allows deeper analysis difficulties that administration region faced trying unify system one. conclusion can be thesis central government, represented governor-general, dare drastically break existing management elite (nobility) had significant impact region. Courland, along other provinces, remained territory political landscape Empire.