Sinclair McKay, a historian and author of 'Saint Petersburg: Sacrifice and Redemption in the City That Defied Hitler', shares the fascinating history of Saint Petersburg, from its founding by Peter the Great to its role in modern Russia. He discusses the city's dramatic transformation into a cultural capital and its pivotal role during the Russian Revolution. The brutal Siege of Leningrad is examined, highlighting the resilience of its citizens amid starvation and despair, ultimately leading to the emergence of influential figures, including Vladimir Putin.
Saint Petersburg was founded by Peter the Great as a symbol of Russia's ambition to integrate into European culture and politics.
The city's tumultuous history, including the 872-day Nazi siege, showcases the remarkable resilience and ingenuity of its inhabitants under extreme adversity.
Vladimir Putin's rise is deeply connected to Saint Petersburg's rich cultural heritage and its complex historical legacy of oppression and exceptionalism.
Deep dives
The Foundation of St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg was founded by Peter the Great in 1703 as Russia's gateway to the West, established on inhospitable marshlands. The city's construction involved significant human sacrifice, as serfs and prisoners were compelled to work under brutal conditions, contributing to its striking Baroque architecture and canal systems. This ambitious project aimed to modernize Russia and symbolize its emergence as a European power. The city's design reflected Western influences, making it a hub of cultural exchange and industrial growth over time.
The Role of Industry and Revolution
St. Petersburg evolved into not only a center for aristocratic culture but also a hotbed for revolutionary ideas and industrial development. By the late 19th century, it became the cradle of revolutionary fervor, with various secret societies forming among workers and intellectuals. Events like the 1905 Revolution, sparked by hunger and political oppression, marked significant turning points in Russian history, leading to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy. The city was pivotal in the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, with its proletariat rising against the Tsar's regime amid widespread discontent.
Siege of Leningrad: Endurance and Survival
During World War II, St. Petersburg, known as Leningrad, endured a grueling siege lasting 872 days, characterized by severe famine and relentless bombardments. Despite the overwhelming challenges, the city's residents showed remarkable resilience, relying on ingenuity to establish supply routes across frozen Lake Ladoga. The horrors faced by the population, including extreme starvation leading to cannibalism, painted a harrowing picture of human endurance. Ultimately, the siege strengthened the city's resolve, symbolized by the premiere of Shostakovich's Leningrad Symphony, which became an emblem of resistance.
Post-War Transformation and Legacy
After World War II, Leningrad underwent a significant transformation, with the restoration of its cultural institutions and infrastructure amidst the scars of war. The city was marked by purges and shifts in power dynamics as it navigated the Cold War era's political landscape. Despite transitioning back to St. Petersburg after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the city's unique identity continued to foster a sense of cultural superiority among its residents. Vladimir Putin, born in Leningrad, emerged from this context, further intertwining the city's historical narrative with modern political events.
Cultural Duality and Intellectual Pride
St. Petersburg's rich cultural heritage is juxtaposed against its complex history of oppression and resilience, leading to its unique identity within Russia. Often viewed as a bastion of intellect and artistic expression, the city’s sophistication has led to resentment from other regions of Russia. Its history has imbued the residents with a sense of exceptionalism, echoed by Putin's leadership and ongoing commemorations of historical hardships. This cultural duality continues to shape the city's modern atmosphere, reinforcing its position as an influential center in Russia.
Founded by Peter the Great, the city of Saint Petersburg was built to rival the majesty of any capital in Europe. Its splendour made it a hub of Russian culture, and its geography made it a focal point for industry. It's factories would jump-start the revolutions that ushered in the Soviet era, and in the wake of a devastating Nazi siege, the recovering city would birth the man who lead Russia into the 21st century - Vladimir Putin.
Joining us is Sinclair McKay, author of 'Saint Petersburg: Sacrifice and Redemption in the City That Defied Hitler'. He takes us through the turbulent history of this magnificent city, from its founding right up to the present day.
Warning: this episode contains graphic descriptions that some listeners may find disturbing.
Produced and edited by James Hickmann.
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