Cossacks

(noun)

A group of predominantly East Slavic-speaking people who became known as members of democratic, self-governing, semi-military communities, predominantly located in Ukraine and in Russia. They inhabited sparsely populated areas and islands in the lower Dnieper, Don, Terek, and Ural river basins and played an important role in the historical and cultural development of both Russia and Ukraine.

Related Terms

Examples of Cossacks in the following topics:

  • Catherine's Domestic Policies

    • These culminated in Pugachev's Rebellion, when, between 1773 and 1775, Yemelyan Pugachev rallied the peasants and Cossacks and promised the serfs land of their own and freedom from their lords.
    • He had a substantial force composed of Cossacks, Russian peasants, factory serfs, and non-Russians.
    • Pugachev was betrayed by his own Cossacks when he tried to flee and he was beheaded and dismembered in 1775 in Moscow.

  • The Triumphs of Tsarina Elizabeth I

    • Many attribute its popularity to Elizabeth’s relationship with Alexei Razumovsky, a Ukrainian Cossack and the supposed husband of the Empress, who reportedly relished music.

  • Ivan the Terrible

    • The second expansion of Russian territory was headed by Cossack leader Yermak Timofeyevich.

  • The Time of Troubles

    • Polish forces saw this pretender's appearance as an opportunity to regain land and influence in Russia and the some 4,000 troops comprised of Russian exiles, Lithuanians, and Cossacks crossed the border and began what is known as the Dymitriad wars.