This theme deals with the history of the social movement in Russia in the 19th century. It analyses the specific features of the movement, its main branches and participants, it also gives a definition of the intelligentsia phenomenon in Russia and its role in the social movement on its different stages, the work also defines the main patterns and principles of its evolution, the changers in the ideology, forms and goals. Both social and organizational uncertainty and flexibility are defined as important features of the social movement in Russia of the 19th century.