They were angered by the measures used to censor philosophical thought, a common practice in Russia at that time. Belinsky, a prominent Westernist, wrote that “new forces are seething and struggling for expression; but overwhelmed by heavy oppression and finding no way out, they simply cause discouragement, weariness and apathy. Only literature, despite Tartar censorship, shows signs of life and progressive movement. He makes it clear that he at least believes that Russia as it was at that time was a system of oppression that needed to be dismantled so that Russia could take its place as a leading member of the European Union..