How the Lithuanian Nobility “Became Russian” in the 14th–16th Centuries

Abstract

Abstract. This article presents an analysis of the issue of how Lithuanians, namely, their ethno-social elite – the nobility – became more Russian in the 14th–16th centuries. The study reveals that social, political and cultural relations at the top levels of government in the GDL and in the privileged estate did not encourage the Lithuanian nobility to “turn Russian”. The ethnocentric vision of language equality nurtured by representatives of Lithuanian culture
and writing is highlighted, which in turn established a fertile ground in which the nationalist ideas of the early modern period’s Lithuanian nation could germinate.