Based on the “structural phases” theory of M. Hroch, on the Józef Chlebowczyk conception regarding the “big” or “old” nations, “small” or “young nations”, will be explained the reason why the national movement in Bessarabia went beyond the “A” (cultural) phase and entered the “B” phase (political agitation ) only at the end of the 19th century - beginning of the 20th century; also the particularities of this movement will be clarified in relation to the peoples of the western, European part of the Russian Empire, their trends and social composition will be analyzed, as well as the chronological periods of manifestation.
