The Southern Cossacks of Russia: Political Quest in the Context of the Monarchical Regime Liquidation

Aim. To identify the democratic elements of public consciousness among the Cossacks of the North Caucasus in the context of the collapse of the monarchy. Methodology. The article relies on the analysis of cause-and-effect relationships in the historical process, determination of ongoing social changes by the laws of social development. In addition to the well-known research methods, the author relied on a factor analysis of the problem under study, which helps to consider the components of changes in the consciousness and social behavior of the Cossacks in the south of Russia. Results. Based on archival and historiographical sources, it is concluded that, despite the dedication and commitment to the monarchical, authoritarian system of government, the Russian southern Cossacks under the influence of objective historical challenges became part of the democratic alternative to the development of the country in 1917. Research implications. The findings suggest that one of the most conservative social structures, the Cossacks, despite the changes in its social functions, is also subject to historical evolution and may find its new purpose, including modern Russia.