Blasphemers of the Tsar and God: The "Offensive Cases" of Early 20th-Century Yekaterinoslav

ENG: This study aims to reconstruct the “voice of the people” in early 20th-century Yekaterinoslav Province by analyzing cases of verbal offenses against the imperial family, religious institutions, as well as state authorities. Using archival police reports and legal documents, the research examines of how these offenses functioned as both spontaneous outbursts and structured forms of social protest, revealing broader societal tensions. The objective of the present study is to explore the role of blasphemy and political insults in expressing dissatisfaction with tsar Nicholas II’s perceived weakness, misfortune, and failure to meet traditional expectations of rulership. By placing these offenses in the context of popular culture, anti-monarchism, and delegitimization of power, this study challenges traditional revolutionary interpretations that frame them solely as symptoms of class struggle. Instead, it argues that many participants did not reject monarchy as an institution but rather criticized the reigning sovereign’s perceived incompetence. The increase in documented offenses was not only a reflection of growing unrest but also a consequence of expanding police surveillance and bureaucratic mechanisms that politicized expressions of frustration. The findings provide new perspectives on popular geopolitics, showing that admiration for foreign powers, particularly Japan, sometimes accompanied anti-monarchical rhetoric. Additionally, this research enhances the understanding of how informal communication networks helped spread oppositional sentiment, further undermining the legitimacy of autocratic rule. By examining these overlooked sources, the study reinterprets the intersections of popular culture, local history, and political resistance in the late Russian Empire.