Thus the German historian, Zimmerer writes: "It is only from the 19th century onwards, that certain representatives of the Armenian intellectuals came to the conviction that their people had the right to a dignified existence, under the same circumstances as the European people. In reaching their conclusion they relied on three solid principles which no one can deny: first, the glorious history of Armenia, then the authenticity of its religious institutions and their durability and work carried out for the preservation of their identity, and finally the close contact and solidarity with the western world." 167
These sentiments, which began amongst a selected group of intellectuals, came gradually to spread and finally to extend to, with the exception of a small group of Armenians living by the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, the entire Armenian nation. 168
The prevailing situation and circumstances, the progress in freedom of thought, the renaissance and resurrection of neighbouring nations, which had also been under the oppression of the Turks: all were factors in the strengthening of these patriotic feelings. Encapsulating the contemporary nationalist current, in 1884, during a French-Greek cultural exhibition, Renan announced: "One of the most evident characteristics of our century is that many of those things which seemingly were dead and buried, and which history had condemned to oblivion, have in our time thrown away their burial costumes, confirmed their existence and are now living."
Despite the striving of the Armenian nation and its people towards acknowledgment of its nationality during the second half of the 19th century, they could neither build an independent Armenia nor incorporate Western Armenia into Imperial Russia. Imperial Russia was patently against the creation of an independent Armenia, since such a state would have too great a hold on the Armenian subjects of the empire and through its very existence would embolden other peoples in Transcaucasia in their aim of self-governance. The merge of West and Eastern Armenia , on the other hand, would involve the Russification of the non-Russian people, a very difficult task. Hence such a fusion would be an undeniable threat to the plans of eliminating Armenian culture and customs.
On this understanding, the goal and sole purpose of the Armenian movement 169 had been limited to defending the Armenian people. This defence was mounted against the threats of the Russian tsarist regime of turning everyone into Russians; to preserve the Armenian language and religion; to maintain a high cultural level; and to create an atmosphere for the Armenians under the primitive rule of the Ottoman Empire, such that their respect and identity could be sustained and their lives and properties kept out of danger; in other words, defending the basic rights of a nation, albeit under foreign rule.
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