Novaia i noveishaia istoriografiia zemskogo osvoboditel’nogo dvizheniia 1608–1612 godov. Chast’ pervaia.

A critical analysis of the new and recent domestic and foreign historiography of the zemstvo militias in Years 1608–1612 showed that this topic, paradoxically, remains the least studied. Narrative sources have been well researched. The correspondence, diaries and notes of foreigners are less developed but this is an another main source on the history of the zemstvo militias. Significant progress has been achieved in the prosopographical study, written about the Time of Troubles. Individual events in the history of the militias have been well analyzed, curious observations have been made, and very productive ideas and thoughts have been expressed. However, the first steps are being taken in the study of the few archival complexes that have come down to us. Comparing the data of these complexes of opposite political orientation opens up the opportunity to critically evaluate the data of narrative sources, both Russian and foreign, and to make significant clarifications to the prevailing ideas about the Time of Troubles. The history of the movement of the zemstvo militias as a united movement of Russian people for the salvation of the country in 1608–1612 requires a special investigation.