Russification is a policy aimed at promoting the Russian language and culture in non-Russian territories. It often involved the suppression of local languages, traditions, and customs to create a more unified Russian identity. This policy was particularly prominent during the 19th and early 20th centuries under the Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union. The goal of Russification was to strengthen the central authority of Russia and integrate diverse ethnic groups into a single national framework. This led to resistance and resentment among various ethnic communities, as many felt their unique identities were being threatened or erased.