Slavophilism

Slavophilism is a 19th-century intellectual and cultural movement in Russia that emphasized the value of Slavic culture, traditions, and the Russian Orthodox Church. Advocates believed that Russia should develop independently from Western Europe, which they viewed as overly materialistic and morally declining. Slavophiles celebrated Russian folk culture, communal life, and spirituality, asserting that these qualities provided a unique path for Russia’s future. The movement emerged as a response to Western influences and contributed to the development of Russian national identity and thought, influencing political, cultural, and literary discussions in Russia.