The life of the Cossacks in the Russian Empire differed significantly from the existence of peasants, philistines and other classes. Free temper and courage caused envy and some fear among ordinary workers of a plow and plow.
Instruction manual
1
Multicultural Cossacks
Since the Cossacks were not exclusively a Slavic ethnic group, their culture and way of life were different from the existence of the rest of the population of the Russian Empire. From birth, young warriors absorbed particles of Slavic-Russian, Tatar-Turkic and Cossack culture itself. This was reflected in everyday life, clothing, language and a special system of values.
2
Military factor
Cossacks were a paramilitary class. Initially, Cossack settlements in most suburbs were independent and independent. But over time, they took Russian citizenship, while retaining a significant part of their independence. Cossacks took part in all military campaigns of the Russian Empire, whether it be a war with Napoleon, or Russian-Turkish confrontations. Due to the fact that the Cossacks lived in the border areas, they were defenders of the borders of the empire.
3
Development of new lands
Not only military power were the Cossacks. Often they were pioneers in new territories. The conquest of Siberia by Yermak took place by the Cossacks, to whom Yermak Timofeevich himself belonged. The development of the lands of the North Caucasus, the Far East and North America also took place with the participation of the Cossack army.
4
Free choice
The Cossacks obeyed the ataman and the two Jesulas. They were chosen before each campaign in the army circle by a majority of votes. During the election, everyone was equal, and any Cossack could be elected head of the army. Former chieftains went on a general formation.
5
Cossacks in peacetime
When there was no military action, the Cossacks, like ordinary peasants, were engaged in agriculture, but at the first need they were ready to engage in battle with the enemy. A high degree of domestic culture and morality is characteristic of the Cossacks.
6
Women among the Cossacks - equal members of society, were guardians of the hearth and educators of children. During military campaigns, the entire household was passed on to the shoulders of women. Under one roof, a family of several generations of Cossacks often lived.
