How were the first elections held in the Russian Empire? Who was eager to enter parliament, and who dreamed of destroying it? In October 1905, the Russian Empire unexpectedly embarked on the path of parliamentarism. Emperor Nicholas II signed the Manifesto, and the State Duma was established - the first parliament in the country's history. Some welcomed this event as a long-awaited victory for freedom, while others saw it as a harbinger of order's collapse. But how did it all happen? The lecture reveals the true drama of the birth of representative power in Russia. Listeners will learn how the elections to the First State Duma were conducted, who could vote, which forces entered parliament, what they promised the voters, and what challenges they faced on their way to power. Other events in St. Petersburg can be found on KudaGo.