Generalissimo is the highest rank a military officer can receive. The peculiarity is that it is often given not just for length of service or skillful leadership, but for special achievements before the Motherland. First of all, this statement characteristic of the 20th century, when literally only a few people throughout the world received this title. Almost all generalissimos were distinguished by special qualities that were not available to every military man. We will consider a list of the most famous of them in this review.
Historical reference
The term "generalissimo" is translated from Latin as "the most important in the army." And indeed, for the entire period of existence human civilization there has never been a higher military rank.
For the first time granted this high rank in 1569, King Charles IX of France to his brother, who later succeeded him on the throne and became known to the world under the name of Henry III. True, then it was more likely not a title, but an honorary title. And the eighteen-year-old youth that Henry was was unlikely to have seriously distinguished himself on the battlefield by that time.
This title was then assigned to various countries, often without any systematization. In some cases it was truly the highest military position, and in others it was just a title; some states awarded this rank for life, while others only for the duration of hostilities. So not all generalissimos of the late Middle Ages were associated with the army.
One of the most famous generalissimos of this period was great commander Holy Roman Empire Albrecht von Wallenstein, who became famous during (1618 - 1648).
What about in Russia?
In Russia, the rank of generalissimo was first officially awarded to voivode Alexander Sergeevich Shein by Tsar Peter I in 1696 after the second Azov campaign.
Then Duke Alexander Danilovich Menshikov was awarded this honorary title. True, he stayed there for only a few months, and then was stripped of his rank, falling out of favor. The Emperor's father held the rank of Generalissimo not much longer. Russian John VI Anton Ulrich, namely before the overthrow of his son. It followed in 1741.
But most famous owner The title of generalissimo in Russia was the greatest commander, who more than once won victories over the Turks and the French, Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov (1730 - 1800). His famous Italian campaign is included in almost all textbooks on military strategy. Probably, the number of his victories would be the envy of all the generalissimos in the world. The list of Suvorov's achievements is truly impressive.
Generalissimos of the 19th century
The 19th century gave a galaxy wonderful people awarded this title. Almost all generalissimos of this period were major military leaders. The only exception is the Duke of Angoulême Louis, who nominally even managed to be the king of France for twenty minutes.
The rest were all commanders who showed themselves to be worthy generalissimos of the world. Their list is crowned by the famous winner of Bonaparte - the British Duke Arthur Wellesley Wellington. In addition, this title was given to the following: famous generals, How Austrian Archduke Charles, Generalissimo of America Miguel Hidalgo, Prince Carl Philip zu Schwarzenberg, Napoleon's general Jean-Baptiste Jules Bernadotte, who was awarded the highest military rank as King Charles XIV Johan of Sweden, Bavarian Prince Carl Philip von Werde.
But in Russian Empire, despite a large number of worthy commanders, no one in the 19th century was awarded the title of generalissimo.
Great Generalissimos of the Last Century
The twentieth century brought two major global conflicts and many. This led to the militarization of many countries in the world, in which senior leader held civilian and military positions simultaneously. Almost all 20th century generalissimos were heads of state. These include such prominent figures as the leader Soviet Union Joseph Stalin, President Republic of China Chiang Kai-shek, Spanish dictator Francisco Franco, North Korean leader Kim Il Sung and others. Let's look at their biographies and learn in more detail how the great generalissimos of the world lived and did. Photos and biographies of these outstanding people are presented below.
Sun Yat-sen - the first generalissimo of the 20th century
Sun Yat-sen (1866 - 1925) - statesman, revolutionary and leader of the Republic of China. He was awarded this important title before other generalissimos of the 20th century world.
It was Sun Yat-sen who was at the origins of the founding of the revolutionary Chinese Kuomintang party. During the struggle for power after the revolution that overthrew the monarchy in the Middle Kingdom, a government was formed in the south of the country. Sun Yat-sen received the highest position there - Generalissimo of the Military Government of Nationalist China.
Until the end of his life he fought to unite the country into a single Democratic state, but his death in 1925 prevented this matter.
Chiang Kai-shek - President of the Republic of China
Probably the most famous Chinese generalissimo of the 20th century was Chiang Kai-shek (1887 - 1975).
This great commander and political figure in 1933 he took the helm of the Kuomintang party, which he actually led immediately after the death of Sun Yat-sen. It was he who insisted on starting Northern Expedition in 1926, which allowed to significantly expand the borders of the Republic of China during civil war. In 1928, Chiang Kai-shek became head of government.
In 1931, the Japanese intervention in Manchuria began, and in 1927 it flared up open war, in which Chiang Kai-shek took an active part. At the same time he was given the title of Generalissimo. After the victory of the Allied forces over Japan during World War II, a civil war began in China between supporters of the Kuomintang and the Communists led by Mao Zedong. Chiang Kai-shek, at the head of his troops, was defeated and had to retreat to Taiwan. There, the Kuomintang formed the government of the Republic of China. Chiang Kai-shek remained president of this partly recognized state until his death in 1975.
Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin (Dzhugashvili) (1878 - 1953) - an outstanding political figure, leader of the USSR. It was during his reign that the Soviet Union obtained the dearly acquired great victory above Nazi Germany. For this he was awarded the title of Generalissimo. This happened for the first time in national history since the time of Suvorov.
Following the victory October revolution Stalin got into top management young state. After Lenin's death, he gained the upper hand in the struggle for power and in the second half of the 20s became virtually the sole leader of the Soviet Union.
The policies pursued by Stalin caused many conflicting opinions among historians due to their harshness and sometimes cruelty, mass repression. And, nevertheless, significant results were achieved, since the USSR, from a country with a collapsed economy after the civil war, was rapidly turning into an industrial power.
Stalin and the Great Patriotic War
Immediately after Germany’s surprise attack on the territory of the USSR, it became clear that the Soviet army approached combat operations unprepared. The Reich soldiers were rapidly advancing, and our troops were retreating inland, carrying huge human losses. The blame for the army's unpreparedness lies largely with Stalin.
But still, at the cost of incredible efforts, the Red Army managed to turn the tide of the Great Patriotic War, push the enemy beyond the country’s borders, and then take Berlin.
This was also the significant merit of Joseph Stalin as the head of state and Despite the failures of the first months of the war, he was able to take control of the situation and choose strategically correct solution in the organization of defense. For these services, Stalin was awarded the highest military rank - generalissimo. This rank assigned to him by decision Supreme Council USSR in June 1945. he skillfully combined with the activities of a state leader, as, indeed, other generalissimos of the world did during that period. The list of people awarded this high rank in our country is closed by Joseph Stalin.
Francisco Franco - dictator of Spain
Thus, in the 20th century, Franco stayed in power longer than all the generalissimos in the world. In total, he ruled, combining the highest government and military positions, for 36 years.
Kim Il Sung - founder of the DPRK
Kim Il Sung (1912 - 1994) - the first leader and founder of the DPRK. He spent less time in the highest military rank in the 20th century than all the generalissimos in the world - just over two years.
Kim Il Sung was born in Korea in 1912. His biography still causes a lot of controversy, although almost all the generalissimos of the world were shrouded in a certain mystery. Names during their revolutionary activities Kim Il Sung changed often, although he was Kim Song Ju by birth.
In 1945, Kim Il Sung became chairman Communist Party Korea, and with next year- head of the new state of the Korean People's Republic Democratic Republic. In the 50s it flared up brutal war With South Korea, which was supported by the United States. But, in essence, fighting did not bring any tangible advantage to anyone. The war ended without a clear winner.
After this, Kim Il Sung focused on domestic affairs. His regime bore strong features of authoritarianism and a cult of personality. In 1992, two years before his death, Kim Il Sung was awarded the title of Generalissimo.
Generalissimos: historical role
The historical role of almost every outstanding personality, who had the highest military rank, is difficult to overestimate. Greatest Contribution Almost all the generalissimos of the world have made history. The list of their victories and achievements is contained in any history textbook. And the memory of them is passed on from mouth to mouth.
And this is not surprising, because the glory of military and state achievements in itself is a monument to such outstanding historical figures, like the generalissimos of the world. The names of Suvorov, Wallenstein, Menshikov, Sun Yat-sen, Stalin, Kim Il Sung and others famous figures will forever remain part of history.
Generalissimos of Russia - who are they?
In Russia, being a generalissimo was very honorable, probably because not so many people were awarded this rare title. The point is that for everything for a long time existence Russian state only four people became generalissimos - A. S. Shein, A. D. Menshikov, A. Braunschweigsky, and, of course, A. V. Suvorov. Of course, you can also name Peter the Great’s associates Buturlin and Romodanovsky, who were generalissimos of the “amusing troops." After the Great Patriotic War, Stalin was declared generalissimo.
The rank of generalissimo itself comes from France, where it appeared in the sixteenth century. The rank of generalissimo was then awarded to the person who commanded the united army. The first generalissimo in history was the eighteen-year-old Duke of Anjou, who was the brother of the king and was in the position of commander-in-chief. Over time, the rank of generalissimo spread not only to Europe, but also to Asia.
In Russia, generalissimos appeared in the seventeenth century, when Peter the Great bestowed this rank on Buturlin and Romodanovsky, making them generalissimos of his amusing troops. But no one took these ranks seriously at that time; they were considered a “childish prank.”
The first true generalissimo in Russia was Voivode Alexey Semenovich Shein in 1696. At that time he was still relatively young - 34 years old. Shein became a boyar thanks to Sophia, and received the generalissimo from the hands of her brother, Peter the Great. In 1696, the Azov campaign took place, during which Shein was given command of all the troops on land. Azov was taken, and Peter the Great awarded Shein the rank of generalissimo on June 28 of the same year.
The next generalissimo in Russia was Alexander Danilovich Menshikov, 
to whom this rank was granted by Peter the Second in connection with his engagement to Menshikov’s daughter. Menshikov did not remain in rank for long, as he quickly fell into disgrace and lost all ranks and titles.
In 1740, Prince Anton Ulrich of Brunswick became the next Generalissimo. 
who received it only for being the father of the infant Emperor John the Fourth. After another coup took place, Elizaveta Petrovna took the throne, and the prince was deprived of all ranks and titles and sent into exile.
Perhaps the only Russian generalissimo who received this military rank thanks to his victories was Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov. He was awarded this rank in 1799 on October 28, for the Swiss and Italian campaigns. 
In 1945, Stalin received the Generalissimo, however, it was not the Generalissimo of Russia, but the Generalissimo of the Soviet Union. After his death, no one else was awarded the rank of generalissimo in the USSR, although this title was valid even before 1993. In total, during the entire existence of this title, one hundred people were awarded it. 
Generalissimos of the world.
To this day, history knows exactly 77 generalissimos. The very first of this title was awarded in 1569 to the 18-year-old brother of the French king Charles IX, the Duke of Anjou, who later himself became King Henry III of France.
The generalissimos were:
* In France:
Duke of Anjou (1551-1589)
Duke of Guise (1550-1588),
Prince of Condé (1621-1688),
Marshal Turenne (1611-1675),
Duke de Villars (1653-1734),
Duke of Arsenac of Anjou
Cardinal Richelieu (1585-1642)
Count of Saxony (1696-1750)
General Soult (1769-1851)
* In Austria:
Prince R. Montecuccoli (1609-1680),
Prince Eugene of Savoy (1663-1736),
Earl L. Down (1705-1766),
Prince A.W. Brunswick (1714-1774)
Archduke Charles (1771-1847),
Prince K. Schwarzenberg (1771-1820).
* In Germany:
Count A. Wallenstein (1583-1634)
Count Wrede, Karl-Philipp (1767-1839)
In Russia, the first to receive this title was on June 28, 1696, Governor A.S. Shein from Peter I for successful actions near Azov, as well as Fyodor Romodanovsky, was awarded the title of “Generalissimo of the Amusing Troops”, but the title of Generalissimo in Russia was officially introduced by the Military Regulations of 1716:
* On May 12, 1727, the title was awarded to Prince A. D. Menshikov,
* November 11, 1740 - Prince Anton Ulrich of Brunswick (1714-1774),
* October 28, 1799 - to A.V. Suvorov.
After the October Revolution, the title of Generalissimo was abolished along with other military ranks, but on June 26, 1945, by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the title of Generalissimo of the Soviet Union was introduced and on June 27 it was awarded to I.V. Stalin.
Other famous generalissimos:
* Gregory Pakurian (Byzantium) 11th century.
* Chiang Kai-shek (China) (1887-1975)
* Francisco Franco Baamonde (Spain)
* Josip Broz Tito
* Fredrik I (King of Sweden)
* Kim Il Sung ( North Korea)
* Zhang Zuolin (China)
* Than Shwe (Myanmar)
* Trujillo (Dominican Republic)
Despite the history of our country, rich in military events, the title of generalissimo did not become widespread in Russia; almost every production in it was extremely politicized, which in fact makes it special historical meaning And increased interest to this extraordinary highest honorary military rank.
"Generalissimo" translated from Latin - general, the most important in the army. In the dictionary V.I. Dahl interprets this word as “commander-in-chief, chief of all military force states."
For the first time the title of Generalissimo was awarded French king Charles IX in 1569 his eighteen-year-old brother Henri (later king Henry III). There was no uniformity in the assignment of the highest military rank: in some cases they became generalissimos for life, and in others - only for the period of a particular military campaign. The Venetian commander Morosini, for example, held the title of generalissimo four times - in 1678, 1681, 1684 and 1694, and Archduke Charles of Austria - twice. The word “generalissimo” was introduced into the Russian language by foreign commanders during the reign of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich when they addressed the governor of the Great Regiment.
In Russian history, he became the first Russian generalissimo in 1696. comrade-in-arms of the young Tsar Peter, boyar Alexei Semenovich Shein, who commanded all the troops in the second Azov campaign.
The second Russian generalissimo was the closest associate of Peter I, His Serene Highness Prince Alexander Danilovich Menshikov (1673-1729). Many victories in the Russian-Swedish war are associated with his name. Northern War(1700-1721). On the field of the Poltava victory in 1709. triumphant Peter promoted his favorite and comrade-in-arms to field marshal general. However, the highest rank of A.D. Menshikov received only after the death of Peter the Great under the following circumstances. The latter's grandson, Emperor Peter II, May 12, 1727. declared: “Today I want to destroy the field marshal!” Everyone present looked at each other in bewilderment. Then the emperor handed Menshikov a signed patent for the rank of generalissimo. But soon the Most Serene Prince, involved in court intrigues, was exiled to Siberia to the city of Berezov.
The title of Generalissimo in Russia along with the greatest commanders one of the members of the imperial dynasty also had. Anna Leopoldovna (mother of the non-reigning infant emperor John VI) during her short reign November 11, 1740 awarded this rank to her 26-year-old husband, Prince Anton-Ulrich of Brunswick, who had virtually no military merit.
October 28, 1799 Generalissimo of the Russian Land and naval forces became the great Russian commander Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov (1730-1800), who victoriously completed his legendary Swiss campaign in 1799. Emperor Paul I, erecting A.V. Suvorov to the rank of generalissimo, wrote: “Now, rewarding you according to my gratitude and placing you at the highest level of honor and heroism, I am confident that I will elevate you to this the most famous commander this and other centuries." Suvorov participated in six major wars, was wounded six times in battle, made 20 campaigns, fought 63 battles and did not lose a single one, and his army outnumbered the enemy only three times.
After the October Revolution, the rank of generalissimo was abolished along with other military ranks.
In the USSR, the military rank of Generalissimo of the Soviet Union was introduced after the victorious end of the Great Patriotic War by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated June 26, 1945. For outstanding services to Soviet Motherland in the leadership of all armed forces of the state during the Great Patriotic War, this title was issued on June 27, 1945. was assigned to Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin.
In 1993 along with other military ranks Soviet army the title of Generalissimo of the Soviet Union was formally abolished.
Why in the entire history of our country’s existence have only five people been awarded the highest military rank?
In the history of Russia there was no military rank higher than generalissimo. As, indeed, in the world: in the five centuries that have passed since the first recorded assignment of this title - in 1569 in France it was awarded to the future king Henry III - there have been no more than a hundred generalissimos.
Like any higher rank, the title of generalissimo has always been not only military, but also political. The same future king of France received it at the age of 18 - think about it, at 18! - when in command royal troops his brother in the war against the Huguenots. And although in those centuries men matured much earlier, it is not difficult to understand that there were also significant political reasons behind the first ever conferment of the highest title.
In this sense, one can only be surprised at how few generalissimos there were in Russian history. Exactly five! Two of them received highest ranks during political battles: it is no coincidence that both were later deprived of this honor. The other two became generalissimos on the battlefield, with good reason. And another figure is so ambiguous and tragic that it is difficult to even immediately say what was more important in awarding the highest military rank to this person - military talent or politics.
The first two are the royal favorite Alexander Menshikov and the husband of regent Anna Leopoldovna, Prince Anton Ulrich of Brunswick.
The other two are Voivode Alexei Shein and Commander Alexander Suvorov.
The fifth and last is the Generalissimo of the Soviet Union, Joseph Stalin.
Heroes of political battles
The title of “Generalissimo” as the highest military rank in Russia was established by the Military Regulations of Peter I, adopted in 1716. And from a purely formal point of view, the first Russian generalissimo, who received this title according to the current charter, should be considered an associate of Peter, the owner of almost all the highest (at that time) Russian ranks Alexandra Menshikova. And this is exactly the case when full compliance with the letter of the law is completely contrary to its spirit. After all, the highest military rank the tsar's favorite received not for loud victories on the battlefield, not for reform or rearmament, in the end, national army. Although, it must be admitted, he had combat and command experience, it would be quite difficult to even call him a general. Menshikov became Generalissimo at the moment when the reigning grandson of Peter I - Emperor Peter II - was preparing for an engagement to his daughter.
When ranks are received not as a sign of recognition of military merit, but as a sign of royal favor, such rises, as a rule, are short-lived. This is exactly what happened with Menshikov: he was awarded the title of Generalissimo on May 12, 1727, and already in September he was arrested and deprived of all awards and titles. The former royal favorite never returned from the exile that followed this punishment, nor did his daughter, who never became queen.
The story of the other one was just as short-lived.” political generalissimo" - Prince Anton Ulrich of Brunswick. The husband of regent Anna Leopoldovna - the daughter of Empress Anna Ioannovna and the mother of the young Emperor of Russia John IV - received the highest military rank from his wife on November 11, 1740, three days after palace coup, who placed his son on the throne. And he also lost it as a result of a palace coup: Elizaveta Petrovna, the daughter of the first, came to power on December 6, 1741 Russian Emperor, on the same day, deprived him of his ranks and titles and sent him and his entire family into exile. True, it should be noted that in exile in northern Kholmogory former generalissimo behaved exactly as befits a real Russian officer. He did not leave his wife and his children, who were born near Arkhangelsk, even after the Empress personally invited him to go abroad, leaving his family in Russia.
Generals by God's Grace
If the elevation of Alexander Menshikov to the rank of generalissimo was formally correct, but essentially unfounded, then with boyar Alexei Shein the situation is strictly the opposite. He received the highest military rank two decades before its official introduction according to the charter - in 1696. But I got it by proving myself with best side namely in battles and preparation for them.
To the top military glory 44-year-old Alexei Shein rose as a result of the second Azov campaign of Peter’s army, carried out in 1696. During this campaign, Voivode Shein served as commander of the ground forces. Taking into account the mistakes of the first Azov campaign, achieving consistency in the actions of the troops subordinate to him and soberly assessing the strength of those defending the fortress, Shein achieved what Fyodor Apraksin could not achieve a year earlier - he took Azov. And here’s what’s remarkable: Alexey Shein received the title of Generalissimo of the Russian Army, which was to officially appear only 20 years later, even before the end of the campaign! Royal decree his conferment of the highest rank was announced on June 28, and full surrender Azov took place almost a month later - on July 19. However, already at the end of June 1696 it was completely clear that the first Russian generalissimo had completely deprived the Turks of any hopes of victory in this battle.
We can say that it was by looking at Shein, at his leadership of the army, that Peter I worked out his interpretation of the title of generalissimo. After all, according to Peter the Great’s Military Regulations, “this rank is only due to crowned heads and great ruling princes, and especially to the one whose army is. In its non-existence, it gives command over the entire army to its general, the Felt Marshal. Or he can act autocratically on occasion in whatever way he invents for the good and can give an answer to his sovereign.” In full accordance with this idea, which had not yet been put on paper, Peter I, soon after the second Azov campaign, appointed his generalissimo to head the Inozemsky, Pushkarsky and Reitarsky orders, which corresponded to the status of the commander-in-chief of all Russian troops. And he entrusted him with the most dangerous direction at that time - the southern, Turkish, where Shein’s successes led to the conclusion in 1700 of so necessary for Russia Peace of Constantinople.
The following fact speaks volumes about how worthy an officer and military leader the first Russian generalissimo was. After Streltsy riot 1698, two years before his death, Alexey Shein fell into short disgrace with Peter I. Everyone considered the reason for the tsar’s cooling towards his military leader and called it too lenient, in Peter’s opinion, the sentence imposed on the rebel commanders royal troops. After all, according to Shein’s sentences, only 130 people out of more than 2,100 riot participants were executed - and two months later, the king gave the order for the execution of almost 2,000 archers!
It is difficult to say how well the last Russian generalissimo, the legendary Count Alexander Suvorov, who received the highest military rank shortly before his death, on August 28, 1799, as a result of the Swiss campaign, was familiar with the biography and military exploits of his predecessor. Most likely, very well: the brilliant commander, according to contemporaries, was always distinguished by wide erudition and interest in the military talents of the past. But if anyone can rightfully stand on the same podium with the most famous Russian commander, Generalissimo Suvorov, then this is the first Russian generalissimo - Alexey Shein.
Soviet Generalissimo - the first and only
After the Generalissimos of Peter the Great and Catherine the Great, no one else in Russia was awarded the highest military rank. Even the winner of the Patriotic War of 1812, His Serene Highness Prince Mikhail Kutuzov, was awarded only the rank of Field Marshal, that is, one step lower. True, he became the first in Russia a complete gentleman Order of St. George - but that's a completely different story.
Even the greatest war of its time - the First World War - did not lead to the emergence of new generalissimos in Russia. Perhaps because martial art ceased to be personal, because the role of each individual commander as the creator of a common victory became objectively less important... But one way or another, Count Suvorov remained the last generalissimo Russia. After the October Revolution of 1917, the previous military ranks were abolished, and along with them the rank of generalissimo.
It returned only after our country’s victory in the most terrible of wars - the Great Patriotic War. The decree introducing the title of Generalissimo of the Soviet Union in the Soviet Army was adopted on June 26, 1945. And the next day a new decree was issued - on the first and last assignment of this title: Marshal of the Soviet Union Joseph Stalin was awarded it.
A very remarkable legend is associated with the awarding of the title of Generalissimo to Stalin. As you know, the “father of nations” was very indifferent to the titles and signs of his power - the fact that he actually possessed it was quite enough for him. He was not even the first to receive the marshal rank and only in the middle of the war, on March 6, 1943, becoming the eleventh marshal of the USSR. And it was precisely on the fact that the leader of the country that broke Hitler’s back should not remain just one of his marshals, as the legend says, that one of Stalin’s favorite military leaders, Marshal Konstantin Rokossovsky, played. It is to him that rumor ascribes the merit that Joseph Stalin agreed to the conferment of the highest military rank.
There is a logic to the fact that Stalin was the first and last Soviet generalissimo. After all, as we have already said, the 20th century seriously diminished the role of an individual commander in the successes or failures of the army of a particular country. Victory in in every sense words were forged throughout the country. It is difficult and pointless to deny the merit of Generalissimo Stalin as a man who managed to unite Soviet Russia at the very hard times and commanded not just its army, but the entire belligerent power. So giving him the highest military rank, the rank of first Soviet Generalissimo, was completely justified - no matter how they treated him then, and especially now.
By the way, interesting fact: Joseph Stalin is the only generalissimo in Russian history who not only had the highest military rank of the country, but was also its leader. Generalissimo Alexei Shein was subordinate to Tsar Peter I, who had no rank higher than captain of the bombardment company of the Preobrazhensky regiment and rear admiral. Generalissimo Alexander Menshikov received his title from the hands of Emperor Peter II, who held the rank of colonel. Anna Leopoldovna, who made Prince Anton Ulbrich of Brunswick generalissimo, had no military ranks. And Emperor Paul I, who made Alexander Suvorov generalissimo, since 1762 held the ranks of colonel of the Life Cuirassier Regiment and admiral general.
And ranks. They were either abolished or became relevant again. "Generalissimo" translated from Latin language means "most important". In the entire history of Russia, only a few have been awarded this honorary military title. Let's find out who they are - the generalissimos of Russia, for what feats and services to the fatherland they were awarded this title.
The history of the emergence of the title of Generalissimo in Russia
Historians, reflecting on the answer to the question of how many generalissimos there were in Russia, are somewhat confused. After all, the first in Russia to receive this title were the young comrades of Peter I. Fyodor Romodanovsky and Ivan Buturlin were the closest friends of the future emperor and during his stay in Preobrazhenskoe village they led his “amusing troops” created for the tsar’s amusement. But in right moment It was these paramilitary units that helped overthrow Queen Sophia and ascend the throne to Peter. Thus, even before the official introduction of this rank, the “most important” military leaders already existed within the state.
The title of Generalissimo received official status only in 1716 and was registered in Military regulations states.
Conditions for awarding the highest rank
It may not be easy to become a Generalissimo brilliant commander, this person must comply with certain conditions prescribed in the military regulations.
- Have military services to the fatherland.
- Exercise command of the allied forces.
- The future generalissimo must have a representative subordinate to him ruling dynasty, which is in a coalition.
First Generalissimo of Russia
Peter I ascended the throne in 1689. He was active foreign policy. It consisted not only of establishing diplomatic relations with neighbors, but also in capturing new territories. Experienced military leaders and the strategists enjoyed maximum benefits during the reign of Peter I. It is not surprising that the generalissimos of Russia appeared precisely under this autocrat.
If we do not take into account the tsar’s two friends, whom he elevated to the highest military rank, then the first to be awarded the title of generalissimo was governor Alexei Shein. This statesman was excellent strategist. In 1867 and 1869 he took part in Crimean campaigns. In 1695-1696 participated in the Azov campaigns, the first of which was a failure. In this military campaign, Shein commanded the Semenovsky and Preobrazhensky regiments. On the next campaign he was the commander of all ground forces. This military operation turned out to be for Russian troops successful. Upon arrival in the capital, Peter I awarded Shein a gold cup and awarded him honorary title- Generalissimo. In Russia, several more people have since received the highest military title, but only a few deservedly.
Generalissimos of the Russian State
In 1727, Alexander Menshikov received the highest military rank from the hands of Peter II. Military valor and the smart man from the lower classes had plenty of courage. Even during the period of serving Peter the Great, he gained fame as a brave man, an excellent strategist and statesman with remarkable intellectual abilities. Moreover, during his acquaintance with the great autocrat, he managed to gain his love and favor. Menshikov showed himself excellently in the Northern War; his contribution to the defeat of the Swedes was great. But he was elevated to Generalissimo of Russia not by Peter I, but by his heir. But soon Alexander Danilovich lost favor royal family, was stripped of all titles and awards and excommunicated from the court.
In 1740, Prince Anton Ulrich of Brunswick received the honorary title, but only thanks to his wife Anna Leopoldovna, who was at that time Russian throne and thus thanked her husband for the birth of her son John. With the coming to power of Elizabeth Petrovna, he was deprived of this title.
The Generalissimos of Russia were extraordinary people, each of them had certain merits, some to the Fatherland, and some to the highest persons.
And yet one of the most outstanding military leaders One can rightfully call Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov. His statement: “Fight not with numbers, but with skill,” fully characterized this commander. Suvorov won most of his victories despite the numerical superiority of the enemy. The Italian and Swiss campaigns identified Suvorov as a brilliant tactician and strategist; it was after the successful conduct and completion of these campaigns in 1799 that he was awarded this title.
Shamil, the imam of Dagestan and Chechnya, was elevated to generalissimo of Russia in 1854. Formally he was a subject Russian crown, but was actually in a state of war with the Russian Empire.
Generalissimo of the USSR
Since 1917, military positions in Russia were abolished, and already in 1945, at the insistence of political comrades, Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin was elevated to generalissimo of Russia and the USSR. According to sources, Comrade Dzhugashvili himself had an extremely negative attitude towards ranks and awards, and yet he accepted this one, but did not wear the uniform of a generalissimo.
By a mysterious coincidence, no one else received such a high rank in the Soviet Union. Many historians to this day are debating whether some Generalissimos of Russia and the USSR legitimately held such a high rank. Particularly heated debates are taking place between supporters and opponents of Stalin’s policies, because Joseph Vissarionovich himself did not personally plan a single operation during the Second World War, so his military merits are in doubt among some.
The title of Generalissimo today
Since 1993, the position of Generalissimo in Russian Federation was abolished. Some military experts believe that it is in vain. But judging by the desire of the current leadership of the country to return to the former greatness of the Russian Empire, perhaps this title will be returned.