In the monograph by N.A. Troitsky examines the theory, strategy and tactics, stages and fates of the movement of Russian populist revolutionaries of the 1860s - 1880s - “crusaders of socialism,” as the ideologist of populism P.L. called them. Lavrov. The author offers a scientifically balanced assessment, free from extremes, of the worldview, personal qualities, and all forms of activity of the populists, taking into account new data and versions. For specialists (historians, lawyers, political scientists) and everyone interested in Russian history.