Social Justice and Equality:
* Abolition of Serfdom: The early intelligentsia, influenced by Enlightenment ideas, championed the abolition of serfdom, which they saw as a major obstacle to progress and social justice.
* Improvement of Living Conditions for the Lower Classes: They sought to improve the lives of peasants and workers through education, healthcare, and social reform.
* Equality of Opportunity: Many believed in the importance of equal access to education and social mobility for all, regardless of social status.
National Identity and Modernization:
* Building a Strong and Unified Russia: The intelligentsia sought to strengthen Russia's position on the world stage through modernization, economic development, and cultural advancement.
* Promoting Russian Culture and Identity: They actively promoted Russian literature, art, and music, emphasizing their uniqueness and value.
* Promoting Secular Education and Scientific Inquiry: The intelligentsia championed a more scientific and rational approach to society, promoting education and critical thinking.
Political and Social Reform:
* Overthrowing Autocracy: Many members of the intelligentsia opposed the autocratic rule of the Tsar and sought to establish a more democratic and representative government.
* Promoting Civil Liberties: They advocated for freedom of speech, press, and assembly, believing these freedoms were essential for progress and social justice.
* Challenging Social Norms and Traditional Values: The intelligentsia often questioned traditional values, social hierarchies, and religious dogma, promoting more progressive and inclusive ideas.
Key Movements and Ideologies:
* Populism: This movement sought to improve the lives of peasants and workers through direct action and political mobilization.
* Nihilism: This philosophy questioned established values and authority, emphasizing the importance of individual freedom and rejecting traditional morality.
* Revolutionaries: Many members of the intelligentsia believed that revolution was necessary to achieve their goals, leading to the formation of various revolutionary groups.
It's important to remember that the Russian intelligentsia was a diverse group, with a wide range of opinions and political affiliations. They often disagreed on the best methods to achieve their shared goals. However, their common concerns about social justice, national identity, and political reform had a profound impact on Russian history.