Etappists

Etappists were a radical faction within the Russian revolutionary movement, primarily active in the 1870s. The name "Etappist" derives from the Russian word "etap," meaning stage or step, reflecting their belief that revolution would be a gradual process involving distinct stages. They were a breakaway group from the larger Populist movement, or Narodniks, who sought to overthrow the Tsarist autocracy.

Unlike some other Populists who advocated for immediate armed uprising or widespread propaganda among the peasantry, Etappists believed in a more strategic and patient approach. They emphasized the need for preparatory work, focusing on building organizational structures and accumulating resources before launching a decisive action. This involved creating secret societies, developing communication networks, and recruiting dedicated revolutionaries.

Key figures associated with the Etappist ideology included figures like Nikolai Morozov. Their strategy was often debated and criticized by other revolutionary groups who viewed their gradualism as too slow and ineffective in the face of government repression. The Etappists themselves experienced internal divisions regarding the best methods for achieving their revolutionary goals. Ultimately, the Etappist movement, like many other revolutionary factions of its time, was largely suppressed by the Tsarist authorities, though their ideas contributed to the broader discourse on revolutionary strategy in Russia.