WORLD HISTORY AND FACTS

The Decembrists were a group of military officers who were influenced by the ideas of the European Enlightenment, which emphasized the value of reason, freedom, and equality.  They believed that Russia needed to modernize and establish a constitutional monarchy in order to catch up with other European countries. The Decembrists staged their revolt on December 14, 1825, when they led a group of soldiers in an attempt to take control of key government buildings in St. Petersburg.  However, their plans were poorly organized, and they were quickly suppressed by loyalist troops. Despite their failure, the Decembrists gained a reputation as heroic figures who had stood up to the oppressive Russian government. The leaders of the Decembrists were put on trial in January 1826, and they were found guilty of treason and sentenced to death. The Tsar, Nicholas I, rejected all appeals for clemency, and on January 25, 1826, five of the leaders were hanged in public in the Senate Square of St. Petersb