Ukraine joined with Russia in the 1600' s precisely because of Orthodoxy. Ukrainian Cossacks had sometimes fought with the Poles against the Russians and Turks. At other times, they fought with the Turks against the Russians and Poles. Since neither the Turks nor the Poles respected the Orthodox faith, Russia was the logical choice.
It's the only good argument I've ever heard for Empire: bringing the benefits of trade and civil society to otherwise corrupt, tribal backwaters.
ReplyDeleteNot that Russia isn't corrupt but I'm told firsthand Ukraine is a whole other level.
Ukraine joined with Russia in the 1600' s precisely because of Orthodoxy. Ukrainian Cossacks had sometimes fought with the Poles against the Russians and Turks. At other times, they fought with the Turks against the Russians and Poles. Since neither the Turks nor the Poles respected the Orthodox faith, Russia was the logical choice.
ReplyDelete