Project B5, which started in March 2003, investigates the determinants and intentions of Russian politics toward the Duchy of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach and aims to define the role of this dynastic relationship, established in 1804, in maintaining the internal and external conditions for Weimar's cultural development.
The results of the studies are related to the wider context of Russian politics in Germany between 1806 and 1828. The research examines the informal, private correspondence between the Russian Grand Duchess and Hereditary Duchess of Weimar, Maria Pavlovna (1786-1859), and her immediate family, particularly her brother, Czar Alexander I. (1777-1825), and her mother, Maria Fedorovna (1759-1828).
As additional important communication channels the study examines the official correspondence of accredited envoys. Furthermore, semi-official and private letters to and from August von Kotzebue (1761-1819) as well as Aleksandr Sturdza (1791-1854) and his sister Roksandra (1786-1844) are considered, who also were central persons within the Weimar-Russia network. more >>