Казаки и казачьи войска царской России

The Cossacks represent one of the most remarkable manifestations of the Russian state and people's life. The Cossack was originally a warrior, a fighter for Orthodoxy and for his independence. In the course of interaction between the Cossacks and the rulers of Russia, they become the guardians of the outskirts of the state, its territorial integrity. Covering almost the entire Russian Empire, the Cossacks in different historical eras either strengthened or weakened. However, it invariably moved in the direction in which Russia grew and expanded, gradually populating and assimilating the surrounding areas. Therefore, along with the military field, the Cossacks were personified everywhere with peaceful economic colonization. Cossack communities had a single set of moral, spiritual and moral foundations. The Cossacks built their own, special system of administrative control and security. But, most remarkable of all, at all times, under all kinds of circumstances, under the pressure of the most unfavorable conditions, they proudly bore the glorious name of a Cossack.