Abstract: The subject of this research is the evaluation characteristics of the reform of foreign colonies of 1871 of the Russian Federation, which are provided in the Russian language research of pre-revolutionary, Soviet, and post-Soviet periods. The author thoroughly examines such aspects of the topic as reference of the lawmakers, researchers of the anti-German wave, and descendants of the colonist environment to the problem of the reform of 1871 and the reaction upon the introduced changes. Special attention is given to the discussion between the authors, as well as factors that predetermines the position of the scholars in controversial questions. Particular examination is dedicated to the episode of closing the Saratov bureau of foreign colonists in the scientific literature. The scientific novelty of this work lies in the facts that for the first time the points of view of the Russian historians of various historical periods and representatives of different social circles and scientific disciplines with regards to the reform of June 4, 1871 are subjected to comprehensive academic analysis. The main conclusion consists in the thesis that the study of the history of Russian Germans was usually a reflection of national policy of the Russian State pertaining to this group of population. Expressed by the researchers opinions also depended on the national affiliation of the author and his social origin. This topic is insignificantly studied, thus remains relevant for the further research.