The Non-emigration Generation at the Outbreak of the November Insurrection – the Political Thought and Attempts to Carry it Into Effect

Abstract

The conservative group which was beginning to form in the first twenty years of the XIX-th century in the Kingdom of Poland was very well aware of the rising dissatisfaction with the actions of the government circle as well as the Russian authorities from St. Petersburgduring the second half of 1830. Having no influence on the outbreak of the November Insurrection the conservatists tried to delay its beginning (Stanisław Rzewuski). After the events of the night of 29^th of November 1830 the majority of this group joined the national uprising. They were certain that the duty of each Pole was not to become involved with the conspiracy and interfere with the beginning of the Insurrection as much as it was possible. However after its outbreak one had to take part in the happening events. The orthodox movement began to take part in politics by forming the “Citizens' Society” (Towarzystwo Obywatelskie – Paweł Popiel, Aleksander Wielopolski, Andrzej Koźmian) which was expected to a kind of opposition against the radical views of the Patriotic Society (Towarzystwo Patriotyczne). During the first few days of the revolution the conservatives founded a press organ – “Polak Sumienny” (The Conscientious Pole). Józef Gołuchowski, a professor of philosophy closely connected with the orthodox circle, gave a series of lectures which were directly related to the present political situation. All of the above tasks were undertaken to gain popularity of the public.