The Russian Imperial Practices of Language and Religion in the Classroom in the Baltic Provinces: The Case of the Orthodox Schools in Livland (1880-1914)

The article evaluates the impact of the Russian linguistic policy in the Baltic provinces focusing on the Orthodox schools in the nineteenth century. The article argues that, firstly, this policy had been limited because of the resistance of the local communities, lack of resources and an inadequate communication. Second, the reforms have contributed to emergence of bilingual cultural elites. Thirdly, the educational reforms had denigrated the role of religion and weakened the role of the clergy in education. The attempt of the state to communicate directly with its subjects using the Russian language was an energetic but unsuccessful attempt.