Who held the title of Generalissimo. Criticism and bibliography

The list of which you will see below most often received this rank as recognition of military merit. The acquisition of office was often an episode of a political career and was associated with military victories.

Generalissimos of Russian history

The word generalissimo can be translated from Latin as “most important” or “most important.” In many countries in Europe and later Asia, this rank was used as the highest military rank. The generalissimo was not always a great commander, and the best of them won their greatest victories before gaining a high-profile position.

In the history of Russia, five commanders were awarded this highest military rank:

Alexey Semenovich Shein (1696).
Alexander Danilovich Menshikov (1727).
Anton Ulrich of Brunswick (1740).
Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov (1799).
Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin (1945).

Who was the first?

Alexey Semenovich Shein in historical literature is most often called the first generalissimo in the history of our country. This man lived a short life and was one of the associates of Peter I at the beginning of his achievements.

Alexey Shein came from a noble boyar family. His great-grandfather, Mikhail Shein, was a hero of the defense of Smolensk during the Time of Troubles, and his father died during the war with Poland in 1657. Alexey Semenovich began serving in the Kremlin. He served as a steward under Tsarevich Alexei Alekseevich, then as a sleeping steward for the Tsar himself.

In 1679-1681 A.S. Shein was a governor in Tobolsk. Under his leadership, the city, which had burned down in a fire, was rebuilt. In 1682, Alexey Semenovich received the rank of boyar. In 1687, the boyar took part in the Crimean campaign, and in 1695 - the first campaign against Azov.

In 1696, he led Russian troops during the second campaign against the Azov fortress. It was then that A.S. Shein received the title “Generalissimo”, unusual for Russia. However, researchers of his biography N.N. Sakhnovsky and V.N. Tomenko questioned this fact. In their opinion, the tsar ordered Shein to be called generalissimo only during the campaign, and the name indicated only the powers of Alexei Semenovich as commander-in-chief of the ground forces. After the end of the campaign against Azov A.S. Shein did not retain the title of Generalissimo, given to him during the fighting. If we accept this point of view, A.D. should be recognized as the first generalissimo. Menshikov.

Alexander Menshikov went down in history as the closest ally of the first Emperor of Russia and one of the greatest commanders of his time. He took a direct part in the military transformations of Peter I, starting with the amusing troops. And in 1706, he defeated the Swedes in the Battle of Kalisz, and participated as one of the military leaders in the victorious battles of Lesnaya and Poltava. For his military services, Alexander Menshikov rose to the rank of president of the Military Collegium and field marshal.

For the first time, the commander tried to claim the highest military rank during the reign of Catherine I, when he had exclusive power. He was able to receive the rank of generalissimo under her successor Peter II, when he still had influence on the tsar.

The Saxon ambassador Lefort recalled the staging of this action. The young emperor entered the chambers of his Serene Highness and, with the words “I destroyed the field marshal,” handed him a decree appointing him generalissimo. At this time, the Russian Empire did not wage wars, and the prince did not have the opportunity to command armies in his new capacity.

The conferment of military rank was one of a whole series of awards that rained down on His Serene Highness the Prince and his family that year. The most important thing was the betrothal of his daughter to the emperor. But already in September 1727, Menshikov lost the fight for the monarch’s favor and lost all awards and ranks, including the title of generalissimo. The following year, Peter I's comrade-in-arms was exiled to Berezova, where he died in November 1729.

Anton Ulrich was the second son of the Duke of Brunswick and nephew of the famous King Frederick II. In 1733 he was summoned to Russia, and a few years later became the husband of Anna Leopoldovna, niece of the Empress of Russia.

In 1740, after the death of Empress Anna Ioannovna, Anton Ulrich's young son became emperor. A temporary worker from the previous reign, Biron became regent under the infant ruler, and Anton Ulrich was actually removed from making serious government decisions.

Biron feared for his position and, fearing a conspiracy, subjected the emperor's father to public interrogation. Anton Ulrich was forced to admit that he wanted to remove the temporary worker from power. Then Biron pointedly offered the highest dignitaries a choice between the prince and himself, and they preferred the current regent. Head of the Secret Chancellery A.I. Ushakov threatened the emperor’s father that, if necessary, he would treat him like any other subject. After this, Anton Ulrich lost all military positions.

On November 7, 1740, Field Marshal Minich organized a coup and arrested Biron. Contemporaries wrote that Minich, who had previously supported the regent, hoped to receive the rank of generalissimo. But under the new regime, the best Russian commander of his time again did not receive the highest military rank.

Two days later, on November 9, a new manifesto was released on behalf of Ivan Antonovich. It reported that Biron had been removed, inter alia, for the insults and threats he made to the emperor’s father. The powers of the regent were received by Anton Ulrich's wife, Anna Leopoldovna, and the German prince himself was declared co-ruler and generalissimo.

Anton Ulrich remained Generalissimo until the next palace coup, which brought Empress Elizabeth to power. During the year he was in the highest rank, the prince did nothing. He only quarreled with Minikh, who was counting on this rank himself and later retired.

After the coup on November 25, 1741, Anton Ulrich lost all his ranks and found himself in the position of a hostage. He lived with his wife and children in the northern provinces of the country. In 1744 he was separated from his son, the emperor, and transferred to live in Kholmogory. In 1746, his wife died, and he and his remaining children continued to live as an exile. In 1774, the old and blind former generalissimo died. A few years later, Empress Catherine allowed his children to leave Russia and provided them with an allowance.

Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov became famous as the greatest Russian commander of his time and one of the greatest in Russian history. During his long military career, he successfully fought against the rebel Poles, the Ottoman Empire, and revolutionary France. He received the highest military rank less than a year before his death, after his last military campaign.

In November 1799, after completing the difficult Swiss campaign, Alexander Suvorov was awarded the highest military rank by the Emperor of Russia as a reward for his service and leadership skills. From now on, the military board had to send messages to the commander not decrees.

The Generalissimo withdrew his troops from Switzerland by order of the emperor and returned with them to Russia. When the army was on Polish territory, Suvorov went forward to the capital. Along the way, the Generalissimo fell ill and went to his estate. His condition changed for the better, then worsened. And in May 1800, Generalissimo Alexander Suvorov died.

The decree introducing the highest military rank of generalissimo in the USSR appeared on June 24, 1945. A day later, at the proposal of the Politburo, I.V. received this rank. Stalin. The title of Generalissimo was a sign of recognition of the services of the Secretary General during the war. In addition to the highest military rank, Joseph Vissarionovich received the title of “Hero of the Soviet Union” and the Order of “Victory”. According to the recollections of contemporaries of the events, the leader of the USSR several times refused to introduce this rank.

The Soviet Army Logistics Service developed uniforms and insignia for the new position. They were not approved during the lifetime of the Secretary General, who, if necessary, wore the uniform of a USSR general with marshal shoulder straps. One of the options for the Generalissimo's dress uniform was rejected by Stalin, who considered it too luxurious.

The military regulations of the USSR after the death of Joseph Vissarionovich allowed for the possibility of someone accepting the rank of generalissimo, but no one else was awarded this rank. The 1975 Charter allowed for the award of the title of Generalissimo for special services to the country related to the leadership of all armed forces in wartime. The title of generalissimo was not introduced into the military regulations.

Military and ordinary citizens of the USSR have repeatedly made proposals to give the title of Generalissimo to the current general secretaries - N.S. Khrushchev and L.I. Brezhnev. But they did not receive an official move.

Not all the generalissimos of Russia and the USSR, the list of which was above, became famous as major commanders. But for all of them (except Shein), the title of generalissimo was nothing more than an additional award or a sign of recognition of military merit.

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 fact is that over the entire long period of existence of the 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 associates of Peter the Great 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 on June 28, 1696 was Voivode A.S. Shein from Peter I for successful actions near Azov, and Fyodor Romodanovsky was awarded the title of “Generalissimo of the Amusement Troops”; officially, the title of Generalissimo in Russia was 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)

It was awarded only to outstanding people who significantly influenced the course of history, won the most important battles for their people, and were brilliant tacticians. Naturally, there cannot be many such exceptional personalities, even in the entire long history of mankind. Read below about those who have risen to the rank of generalissimo, as well as the current state of this rank.

Interpretation of the term "generalissimo"

The title of "Generalissimo" is the pinnacle of a military career. It was awarded for outstanding services to his native country, for victory in key battles. In this case, the military man had to command one or more allied armies and take tactically successful actions. The title acquired particular significance in the 20th century, when humanity was shaken by two world wars one after another.

From Latin, “generalissimo” is translated as “chief in the army.” In the entire history of military operations there has not been a higher rank. It was first appropriated back in the 16th century, or rather in 1569.

All the generalissimos of the world are outstanding leaders, brilliant tacticians and masterly strategists. However, among those who have been awarded this title, there are controversial figures.

Number of Generalissimos in the world

How many generalissimos were there in the world? Today their number is 77. Among them are nine French military, six Austrian commanders, two German. History also includes five Russian generalissimos.

However, this is only official data. How many generalissimos were there in the world who were truly worthy of this title? There are significantly fewer of them than 77. This is due to the fact that the title was awarded not only for outstanding military services. It was awarded to many representatives of royal families, as well as their entourage as an incentive. In this case, “Generalissimo” was nothing more than an honorary title that did not reflect the real state of affairs and any attitude towards the army.

First Generalissimo

It is not so important how many generalissimos there were in the world, the main thing is which of them became the first person to earn this title. In the second half of the 16th century, namely in 1569, the French king Charles IX awarded this title to his brother, who later became the next head of state - Henry III. This is exactly the case when the title was awarded by the highest will of the monarch, and not for military merit, which simply did not exist due to the age of the king’s cousin.

Many generalissimos of the world, as mentioned above, also received this title as a sign of the royal person’s favor. In some states the title was awarded for life. In others - only for the duration of hostilities. In peacetime, the former commanders-in-chief did not have any privileges, for example, the highest army rank.

Generalissimo of Russia

The list of generalissimos in our country is not long at all. The first person to receive this highest title was a governor who distinguished himself in the second Azov campaign. For services to the Fatherland, Russian Emperor Peter I officially awarded him this title.

There were also cases where a title was first awarded and then taken away if the person fell out of favor. This is exactly what happened with Alexander Menshikov, who was listed as generalissimo for only a few months. A similar situation was with the father of John VI, the Russian emperor. The son granted his father the highest military rank as an honorary title. After the overthrow of John VI, his parent was demoted.

It is not so important how many generalissimos there were in the world. The important thing is that the representative of our country is, perhaps, the greatest of them. We are talking about Alexander Suvorov, famous for his victories over the Turkish armies. But his main achievement is considered to be the Italian campaign, during which the commander showed miracles of strategy and tactics.

Joseph Stalin

About two months later, the highest military rank was introduced into the country. It is not difficult to guess who was the first and only one to receive it during the existence of the USSR. It was the leader of the state, Joseph Stalin. The conferment of the honorary title was approved by a group of military leaders who commanded the Allied armies, as well as members of the Politburo.

Thus, Generalissimo Stalin was added to the list of holders of the highest military ranks. It is worth noting that the head of the USSR became the first commander-in-chief in the modern history of our country since the time of Suvorov to be awarded this title. The leader of the Soviet Union was also awarded the second Order of Victory.

Current status of the rank

It is difficult to overestimate the role of every historical figure who was awarded the highest military rank. Today the title “Generalissimo” does not exist in Russia. It was abolished along with many other titles of the USSR. Thus, Generalissimo Stalin became the last person in our country to be awarded the highest military rank.

This title was often associated with the characteristics of the person to whom it was assigned. This is one of the reasons why this military rank has been abolished in many countries. In modern history, without exception, all generalissimos were also heads of state. Moreover, everyone was prone to dictatorship. This is why many historians have doubts about the military merits of some generalissimos.

"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 the entire military force of the state.”

The title of Generalissimo was first granted by the French King Charles IX in 1569. to 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 Northern War (1700-1721) are associated with his name. 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.

Along with the largest commanders, one of the members of the imperial dynasty also had the title of generalissimo in Russia. Anna Leopoldovna (mother of the non-reigning infant emperor John VI) during her short reign on 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 The great Russian commander Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov (1730-1800), who victoriously completed his legendary Swiss campaign in 1799, became the generalissimo of the Russian land and naval forces. 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 the most famous Commander of this and other centuries.” Suvorov took part 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 the Soviet Motherland in the leadership of all armed forces of the state during the Great Patriotic War, this title was awarded on June 27, 1945. was assigned to Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin.

In 1993 Together with other military ranks of the Soviet Army, the title of Generalissimo of the Soviet Union was formally abolished.

Generalissimo of Russia

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 gives special historical significance and increased interest to this extraordinary highest honorary military rank.
“Generalissimo” translated from Latin means general, the most important in the army. In the dictionary V.I. Dahl interprets this word as “commander-in-chief, chief of the entire military force of the state.”
The title of Generalissimo was first granted by the French King Charles IX in 1569. to 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.

Francesco Morosini Karl Ludwig of Austria

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.

True, F. Yu. Romodanovsky and I. I. Buturlin were awarded the rank of “generalissimo of the amusing troops” 2 years earlier in 1694.

Fedor Yuryevich Romodanovsky Ivan Ivanovich Buturlin

Officially, the rank of generalissimo in Russia was introduced by the Military Regulations of 1716.

It should be noted that of the above persons, only A.V. Suvorov received the rank of generalissimo in full accordance with the Military Regulations, since he was the prince of the Kingdom of Sardinia, the prince of the Russian Empire, the Count of the Holy Roman Empire and the commander-in-chief of the Russian, Austrian and Sardinian troops.

After the October Revolution, the rank of generalissimo was abolished along with other military ranks.

In 1993 Together with other military ranks of the Soviet Army, the title of Generalissimo of the Soviet Union was formally abolished.

The first Russian generalissimo A.S. Shein

Russian commander, Generalissimo Alexey Semenovich Shein was born in August 1652. He came from an ancient old Moscow boyar family, which, according to family legend, originated from a native of Prussia, Mikhail Prushenin, who decided to serve in Russia since the time of Grand Duke Alexander Morozov, from which branches of the famous Russian families of the Sheins, Saltykovs and Choglokovs were formed.

The Sheins were one of the sixteen noble families of the ruling elite of the Moscow state and had the right to bypass the lower ranks when promoted to the boyar class. The commander’s grandmother, Maria Borisovna, the wife of the steward’s grandfather Ivan Mikhailovich Shein, was from the Lykov-Obolensky princes, and her mother Anastasia Nikitichna, from the royal family of the First Russian Generalissimo A.S. Shein Romanov, was the niece of the beloved wife of Ivan the Terrible, who died untimely, and the aunt of Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich. The great-grandmother of the commander, Maria Mikhailovna, the wife of his great-grandfather, boyar Mikhail Borisovich Shein, came from the Godunov family. Alexei Semenovich began serving at the royal court in 1672. in the positions of sleeping bag and room attendant. In 1680-1682 - was in the voivodeship in Tobolsk and ruled all of Siberia.
April 10, 1682 one of the nearby stewards, in the thirtieth year of his life, was granted a boyar status. In 1683-1684 Shein was in the voivodeship in Kursk. Participated in the Crimean campaigns in 1687 and 1689. In the last campaign, Shein led the service people of the Novgorod rank and was the second governor after the commander-in-chief, Prince V.V. Golitsyn, while being called a close boyar and Pskov governor.
After the unsuccessful first Azov campaign in 1695. Alexey Semenovich Shein led the second campaign in 1696, which ended in the complete defeat of the enemy on land and in a naval battle, as well as the complete surrender of the garrison of the Azov fortress. Peter the Great, who won his first victory, awarded the commander the highest military rank - generalissimo.

assault on the Azov fortress

To welcome the victors returning from the campaign, for the first time in Russia, a triumphal arch was built in Moscow and a ceremonial reception of the troops was organized. Generalissimo A.S. occupied a place of honor in this procession. Shein, riding a horse with a white feather on his hat. When the procession reached the triumphal gates, cannon fire thundered, music played and hymns and poems were sung with greetings to the victors and wishes to the troops that they would always return with such victories. At the same time, Lefort and Shein were especially “great.” Alexei Tolstoy in his novel “Peter the Great” artistically described the commander at the most solemn moment of his life: “With great pomp... riding a Greek chariot, a squat, pompous, with a face that extended wide, boyar Shein, the generalissimo, bestowed with this honor before the second Azov campaign... Behind him, sixteen Turkish banners were dragged along the ground in banners.”

For the capture of Azov, the commander was awarded a gold medal of 13 chervonets, a cup, a brocade caftan with sables and extensive patrimonial land holdings.

The next year A.S. Shein had to again lead troops in southern Russia and oppose the Turks, who were plotting to retake Azov, and the Crimean Tatars, who were preparing for a campaign against the Western allies of Peter I. According to the agreement, Russia was supposed to distract the enemy from attacking the allies. Upon receiving news of the movement of a large Turkish army to Azov, the troops led by Shein advanced and defeated the enemy at the Kagalnik River, after which they brought the Nogais and Tatars living near the Kuban River to submission.

“Third” Azov campaign A.S. Sheina 1697 consolidated Russia's conquests in the south of the state and accelerated the end of the war between Russia and Turkey and the conclusion of the Peace Treaty of Constantinople in 1700.

From 1696 to 1700 Shein headed the Inozemsky, Pushkarsky and Reitarsky orders, which corresponded to the status of the commander-in-chief of all Russian troops.
The last years of the commander's life were devoted to strengthening the southern borders of the Fatherland. Under his leadership, a new Trinity Fortress (the city of Taganrog) was built on the Azov coast - the first naval base of Russia, which, according to the first plans of Peter I, was to become the new capital of the Russian state.

Taganrog fortress

The international situation and the military-political situation in the country did not allow the early plans of the future emperor to come true.
The first Russian generalissimo died on February 12, 1700. at the age of 48 and was buried in the Trinity-Sergius Monastery at the altar of the Church of the Descent of the Holy Spirit (currently the Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra in the city of Sergiev Posad, Moscow region).

Generalissimo A.D. Menshikov

Menshikov Alexander Danilovich (1673, Moscow - 1729, Berezov) - Russian statesman and military leader, associate and favorite of Peter the Great. The first member of the Supreme Privy Council of the Russian Empire, president of the Military Collegium, the first Russian senator. Full Admiral (1726), Field Marshal General (1709), Generalissimo of the Naval and Land Forces (12 May 1727), Count of the Roman Empire (1702), His Serene Highness Prince of the Holy Roman Empire and Duke of Izhora (1705), His Serene Highness Prince of the Russian Empire (1707) . Awarded the orders of St. Andrew the First-Called, St. Alexander Nevsky, White Eagle (Poland), Black Eagle (Prussia) and Elephant (Denmark).
During the Northern War 1700-1721. Menshikov commanded large forces of infantry and cavalry, distinguished himself in the siege and assault of fortresses, and in many battles. In 1702 during the siege of Noteburg, he promptly arrived with fresh forces to M. Golitsyn, who began the assault, and the fortress was taken.

assault on Noteburg

In the spring of the following year, acting with Peter at the mouth of the Neva, he won the first naval victory over the Swedes, capturing two enemy ships with a bold boarding attack. Extremely pleased with this success, the tsar ordered a medal to be knocked out with a laconic inscription: “The unthinkable happens.”

boarding the Swedish ships Gedan and Astrid

Alexander Danilovich was the first governor-general of St. Petersburg, supervised the construction of the city, as well as Kronstadt, shipyards on the Neva and Svir rivers, Petrovsky and Povenetsky cannon factories. Providing assistance to Field Marshal Sheremetev, he contributed to the conquest of Dorpat, Narva and Ivangorod, was awarded the rank of lieutenant general (1704), then led military operations in Lithuania and Poland.

October 18, 1706 Menshikov won a brilliant victory over the Swedish-Polish corps near Kalisz. As a reward for this victory, Alexander Danilovich received from the tsar a rod decorated with precious stones, and was promoted to colonel of the Life Guards Preobrazhensky Regiment. September 28, 1708 he took part in the glorious battle of Lesnaya, which became, in Peter’s words, “the mother of the Poltava victory.”

In 1709 Menshikov played a big role in the Battle of Poltava, where he commanded first the vanguard and then the left flank of the Russian army. Even before the main forces were brought into battle, he defeated the detachment of General Schlippenbach, capturing the latter. At the moment of the collision of the armies, General Ross attacked the corps, scattering it, which largely predetermined the victory of the Russian army. During the battle of Menshikov, three horses were killed. For Poltava, Menshikov was awarded the rank of Field Marshal.

Battle of Poltava

For his participation in naval affairs against the Swedes and taking care of the fleet, he received the rank of rear admiral (1716). In 1718-1724 and 1726-1727. His Serene Highness was the president of the Military Collegium and was responsible for the organization of all the Armed Forces of Russia. On the day of the conclusion of the Peace of Nystadt, which ended the long struggle with the Swedes, Menshikov was awarded the rank of vice admiral.
After the death of Peter, His Serene Highness, relying on the guard and the most prominent state dignitaries, in January 1725. He enthroned the wife of the late emperor, Catherine I, and became the de facto ruler of the country, concentrating enormous power in his hands and subjugating the army. With the accession of Peter II (the son of Tsarevich Alexei Petrovich) to the throne, he was awarded the rank of full admiral and the title of generalissimo (May 12, 1727), and his daughter Maria was engaged to the young emperor.
But, having underestimated his ill-wishers and due to a long illness, he lost influence on the young emperor and was soon accused of abuse and embezzlement, removed from government, deprived of all positions, awards, property, titles and exiled with his family to the Siberian town of Berezov.

HELL. Menshikov in Berezovo

Died during a smallpox epidemic on November 12, 1729. at the age of 56, he was buried at the altar of the church he built.

Generalissimo A.U. Brunswick

Anton Ulrich (1714, Bevern - 1774, Kholmogory), Duke of Brunswick-Bevern-Luneburg. Father of the Russian Emperor Ivan VI Antonovich. Generalissimo of Russian troops from November 11 to November 25, 1741.

Second son of Duke Ferdinand Albrecht of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel and Antoinette Amalia of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, brother of the famous Prussian commander Duke Ferdinand of Brunswick and Juliana Maria, second wife of the Danish king Frederick V.
Husband of Empress Anna Ioannovna's niece, Princess Anna Leopoldovna of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. This marriage took place on July 14, 1739. August 23, 1740 their first child, Ivan, was born. Soon the empress became mortally ill and, at the insistence of Biron and Chancellor Bestuzhev, declared Ivan Antonovich heir to the throne and Biron regent. Afterwards the regency passed to Anna Leopoldovna.
Enlisted in the Russian service, Prince Anton in the year of his arrival in Russia (1733) was appointed colonel of the third cuirassier regiment, named after him first Bevernsky (later - His Majesty's cuirassier regiment), and then Brunswick.
Serving in 1737 A volunteer in Minich's army, Prince Anton distinguished himself during the capture of Ochakov and was promoted to major general.

assault on Ochakov

Taking part in the campaign to the Dniester in 1738, he was awarded the prime major of the Semenovsky regiment and the Order of St. Alexander Nevsky and Andrew the First-Called. In February 1740 Prince Anton, on the occasion of the conclusion of peace with the Ottoman Porte, was promoted to lieutenant colonel of the Semenovsky regiment with the rank of lieutenant general, then appointed chief of the cuirassier regiment. According to the manifesto of January 12, 1741. Prince Anton received the title of “Imperial Highness”, and by Decree of November 11, 1741. awarded the rank of Generalissimo of the Russian troops and the rank of lieutenant colonel of the Horse Guards.
As a result of the palace coup, carried out on the night of December 5-6, 1741, Empress Elizabeth Petrovna was elevated to the throne, and the Brunswick family was elevated to the throne from 1744. imprisoned in Kholmogory, Arkhangelsk province.

Generalissimo A.V. Suvorov

Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov (1729-1800) is a national hero of Russia, an outstanding Russian commander who did not suffer a single defeat in his military career (more than 60 battles), one of the founders of Russian military art.
Prince of Italy (1799), Count of Rymnik, Count of the Holy Roman Empire, Generalissimo of the Russian land and naval forces (October 28, 1799), Field Marshal of the Austrian and Sardinian troops, Grandee of the Kingdom of Sardinia and Prince of the Royal Blood (with the title "King's Cousin").
Knight of all Russian and many foreign military orders awarded at that time:
Order of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called (1787) - for the battle of Kinburn (awarded with diamond insignia for the order (1789) for the battle of Focsani). Order of St. George, 1st class (1789) - “For excellent art and excellent courage in any case, especially during the attack of numerous Turkish forces, led by the Supreme Vizier on the 11th day of September on the Rymnik River.” Order of St. George, 2nd class (1773) - “For the brave and courageous deed performed with the detachment entrusted to his leadership during the attack on Turtukai.” Order of St. George, 3rd class (1771) - “For bravery and courageous deeds performed in 1770 and 1771. with the detachment entrusted to him against the Polish rebels, when, through prudent orders in the battles that took place, hitting their parties everywhere, he won victories over them.” Golden sword with diamonds and laurels (1775) awarded in honor of the victory over the Turks; The second sword with diamonds and laurel wreaths - for the victory at Rymnik (1789). Order of St. Vladimir, 1st degree (1783) - for victories over the Nogais in Crimea. Order of St. Alexander Nevsky (1771) - for the victory over the Polish Confederates. Order of St. Anne (1770) - for battles with the Polish Confederates.
Foreign awards: Grand Cross of John of Jerusalem; Austrian Military Order of Maria Theresa 1st class; Order of the Red Eagle 1st class, Order of the Black Eagle, Order of Merit (all Prussian); orders of St. Anunziata, St. Mauritius and Lazarus (all Sardinian); Orders of St. Hubert and the Golden Lion (Bavarian); Order of Our Lady of Carmel and Saint Lazarus (1800) (French).
In 1742 the future commander was enrolled as a soldier in the Semenovsky Life Guards Regiment, in which in 1748. started serving as a corporal. In 1754 promoted to officer and sent as lieutenant to the Ingria Infantry Regiment. In 1756-1758 served in the Military Collegium. During the Seven Years' War 1756-1763. consisted from 1758 in staff and command positions, participated in the Battle of Kunersdorf (1759), in the capture of Berlin (1760) and Kolberg (1761). In 1762 promoted to colonel and appointed commander of the Astrakhan infantry, and in 1763. - Suzdal Infantry Regiment (until 1769). In 1764-1765 compiled and put into effect the so-called “Regimental Institution” - an original manual on military regulations, rules for training and education of officers and soldiers. In 1768-1772, commanding a regiment, brigade and individual detachments in the corps of General I. I. Weimarn, he acted in Poland against the troops of the Bar Confederation, inflicted defeats on them at Orekhovo (1769), Landskrona, Stolovichi (1771) and captured Krakow Castle ( 1772). In 1770 promoted to major general. In 1772 commanded the St. Petersburg division. In 1773 at his personal request, he was sent to the theater of the Russian-Turkish war in the 1st Army of Field Marshal P. A. Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky. In May - June 1773 Suvorov's detachment crossed the Danube twice and defeated the Turks at Turtukai. In September 1773 led the defense of Girsovo and drove back the Turkish troops.
In June 1774 together with General M.F. Kamensky, he defeated the 40,000-strong Turkish corps at Kozludzha. In August 1774 by order of Empress Catherine II, he was sent with troops to suppress the Peasant War under the leadership of E. I. Pugachev. In 1774-1786. commanded divisions and corps in various regions of Russia; supervised the construction of the Kuban fortified line and the strengthening of the defense of Crimea, and prevented it in 1778. the landing of Turkish troops in Akhtiar Bay, which thwarted Turkey’s attempt to start a new war in an international situation unfavorable for Russia. In 1786
Suvorov was promoted to general-in-chief. At the beginning of the Russian-Turkish war of 1787-1791. commanded a 30,000-strong corps that defended the coast in the Kherson-Kinburn region, and destroyed the Turkish landing near Kinburn (1787). In 1788 participated in the siege of Ochakov, where he was wounded (in total, Suvorov received 6 serious wounds during his combat activities). In 1789 commanded a division in Moldova and, directing the actions of the Russian and allied Austrian troops, defeated the superior forces of the Turks in the battles of Focsani and Rymnic (1789). In 1790 The commander, commanding a 30,000-strong siege corps near Izmail, prepared an assault on this strongest fortress within 2 weeks and captured it.

A.V. Suvorov at the walls of Izmail

In August 1794 appointed commander of the Russian troops sent to suppress the Polish uprising of 1794. and promoted by Catherine II to field marshal.

Adopted in 1796 command of troops in the south (in Tulchin), Suvorov wrote the famous work “The Science of Victory,” which summarized many years of experience in training and educating troops. “The Science of Victory” was a direct protest against the new military regulations of Emperor Paul I, borrowed from the Prussian army. Criticism of Pavlov’s regulations and the commander’s refusal to carry out the emperor’s order to bring the troops subordinate to him “in my order” led to his dismissal from the army in 1797. and exile to the village of Konchanskoye, Novgorod province. In connection with the formation of the 2nd anti-French coalition with the participation of Russia, Paul I, at the request of the allies, in February 1799. appointed Suvorov commander-in-chief of Russian troops sent to Italy; The Austrian troops were also subordinate to Suvorov. During Suvorov's Italian campaign in 1799. Russian-Austrian troops under his command in April-August defeated French troops in a number of battles, liberating all of Northern Italy from them. In Suvorov's Swiss campaign, unprecedented in military history, Russian troops in September 1799. overcame exceptional difficulties and escaped the encirclement.

In October 1799 Paul I broke the alliance with Austria and recalled troops to Russia. Suvorov again fell into royal disgrace for violating the “highest charter” and soon died.

Generalissimo Imam Shamil

When listing generalissimos, they often forget that this highest military rank was held by another subject of the Russian crown, although he received it during the period when he was at war with Russia. Formally, while living in Russia and sworn allegiance to Alexander II, the former imam of Dagestan and Chechnya Shamil remained a Turkish generalissimo (the rank was awarded in 1854). The highest military rank was received by Shamil by right. He fought against Russian troops for 25 years, winning many victories. At times his army exceeded 30 thousand people. After his capture, Shamil was treated with due respect in Russia, receiving the highest military honors.

Shamil (1797 - 1871) - Sufi sheikh of the Naqshubandi tariqa, leader of the Eastern Caucasian highlanders, in 1834 recognized as the imam of the theocratic state - the North Caucasian Imamate, in which he united the highlanders of Western Dagestan and Chechnya. By nationality - Avar.

Shamil is the son of the Avar bridle blacksmith - Dengav-Magomed and the daughter of the Avar bek Pir-Budakh - Bahu-Meseda. Shamil was born in the village of Gimry (Genub) of the Hindalal Avaria society (Avaristan; now Untsukul district, western Dagestan) on June 26 (July 7), 1797, according to the Muslim calendar, the first day of the month of Muharram, that is, on the first day of the New Year. His name was given in honor of his grandfather - Ali. As a child, he was sick a lot, and according to legend, his parents gave him a new name - Shamil (Shamuel - “Heard by God”).
In his youth, Shamil was distinguished by his unyielding will, curiosity, pride and power-hungry disposition. He loved gymnastics passionately and was unusually strong and courageous. He became addicted to fencing; a dagger and a saber never left his hands. In summer and winter, in all weathers, he walked with bare feet and an open chest. Shamil's first teacher was his childhood friend Adil-Muhammad (1795-1832) (Kazi-Magomed, Kazi-mullah), originally from Gimra. Teacher and student were inseparable. Shamil began serious study at the age of twelve in Untsukul. At the age of twenty, he completed courses in grammar, logic, rhetoric, Arabic and began courses in higher philosophy and jurisprudence.
The sermons of Gazi-Muhammad, the first imam and preacher of the “holy war,” tore Shamil away from his books. The new Muslim teaching “Muridism” spread quickly. “Murid” means one who seeks the path to salvation. Muridism did not differ from classical Islam either in rituals or in teaching.
Having become the third imam of Chechnya and Dagestan, Shamil at the age of 25 unites the highlanders, successfully fighting against the Russian troops who outnumbered him. Shamil had military talent, and most importantly, great organizational skills, endurance, perseverance, and the ability to choose the time to strike. Distinguished by his strong and unyielding will, he knew how to inspire the highlanders to selfless struggle, but also to force them to obey his authority.
In the 1840s, Shamil won a number of major victories over Russian troops. However, in the 1850s, Shamil's movement began to decline. The conclusion of the Paris Peace Treaty of 1856 allowed Russia to concentrate significant forces against Shamil: the Caucasian Corps was transformed into an army (up to 200 thousand people). The new commanders-in-chief, General Nikolai Muravyov (1854-1856) and General Alexander Baryatinsky (1856-1860), continued to tighten the blockade ring around the Imamate. In April 1859, Shamil’s residence, the village of Vedeno, fell. And by mid-June the last pockets of resistance in Chechnya were suppressed. After Chechnya was finally annexed by Russia, the war continued for another five years.

On August 25, 1859, Shamil, together with 400 associates, was besieged in Gunib and on August 26 (September 7 according to the new style) surrendered under conditions that were honorable to him.
On September 15, the first meeting of Shamil and Emperor Alexander II takes place in Chuguev. On September 22, Shamil arrived in Moscow, where the next day he met with General Ermolov. September 26 - to St. Petersburg, three days later in Tsarskoe Selo he was presented to Empress Maria Alexandrovna. After being received in St. Petersburg by Emperor Alexander II, Shamil was given Kaluga to live, where he arrived on October 10, and on January 5, 1860, his family also arrived there.
In 1868, knowing that Shamil was no longer young and the Kaluga climate was not having the best effect on his health, the emperor decided to choose a more suitable place for him, which was Kyiv, where Shamil moved in November - December of the same year. On February 16, 1869, Alexander II allowed him to travel to Mecca for pilgrimage. On May 12, Shamil and his family left Kyiv. May 19 - arrived in Istanbul. November 16 - took part in the opening of navigation on the Suez Canal. November 20 - Arrived in Mecca. At the end of March 1870, after performing the Hajj, Shamil visited Medina, where he died on February 4 (16), 1871. He was buried in Medina at the al-Baqi cemetery (now Saudi Arabia).
Describing Imam Shamil, the famous Turkish historian Albay Yashar Inoglu writes: “In the history of mankind there was no such commander as Shamil. If Napoleon was the spark of war, then Imam Shamil was its pillar of fire.” The Russian emperors sent the most experienced generals to fight against Shamil. Thus, Russian troops in the Caucasus in the war against Shamil were commanded by Adjutant General G. V. Rozin (1831-1837), Adjutant General E. A. Golovin (1837-1842), Adjutant General A. I. Neitgart (1842- 1844), Field Marshal M. S. Vorontsov (1844-1854), Adjutant General N. N. Muravyov (1854-1856) and Field Marshal A. I. Baryatinsky (1856-1862).

Stalin Joseph Vissarionovich (real name - Dzhugashvili) (1879 in the city of Gori, Tiflis province - 1953 in Kuntsevo, Moscow) - Russian revolutionary and Soviet state, political, party and military figure. People's Commissar for Nationalities of the RSFSR (1917-1923), People's Commissar of State Control of the RSFSR (1919-1920), People's Commissar of the Workers' and Peasants' Inspectorate of the RSFSR (1920-1922); General Secretary of the Central Committee of the RCP(b) (1922-1925), General Secretary of the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks (1925-1934), Secretary of the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks (1934-1952), Secretary of the Central Committee of the CPSU (1952-1953), Chairman of the People's Council Commissars of the USSR (1941-1946), Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR (1946-1953); Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the USSR (since 1941), Chairman of the State Defense Committee (1941-1945), People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR (1941-1946), People's Commissar of the Armed Forces of the USSR (1946-1947).

Marshal of the Soviet Union (1943), Generalissimo of the Soviet Union (1945). Honorary member of the USSR Academy of Sciences (1939). Hero of Socialist Labor (1939), Hero of the Soviet Union (1945), holder of two Orders of Victory (1943, 1945).

During the period Stalin was in power, a number of the most important events in the history of the USSR occurred: the defeat of Nazism in World War II, mass labor and front-line heroism, the transformation of the USSR into a superpower with significant scientific, military and industrial potential, the entry of the USSR into the club of world nuclear powers, the strengthening of geopolitical influence of the Soviet Union in the world.

A month and a half before the start of the war (from May 6, 1941), Stalin took the post of head of the USSR government - chairman of the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR. July 19, 1941 Stalin replaced Timoshenko as People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR. By decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of August 8, 1941. Stalin was appointed Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the USSR.

During the Great Patriotic War, Stalin went to the front several times to the front lines. In 1941-1942. The commander-in-chief visited Mozhaisk, Zvenigorod, Solnechnogorsk defensive lines.

From November 28 to December 1, 1943 Stalin participated in the Tehran Conference - the first conference of the Big Three during the Second World War - the leaders of three countries: the USSR, the USA and Great Britain. February 4-11, 1945 Stalin participated in the Yalta Conference of the Allied Powers, dedicated to the establishment of the post-war world order.
The assessment given to I.V. Stalin in the book of Marshal of the Soviet Union G.K. Zhukov “Memories and Reflections” is known: “I can firmly say that I.V. Stalin mastered the basic principles of organizing front-line operations and operations of groups of fronts and led them with knowledge of the matter, well versed in large strategic issues... In leading the armed struggle as a whole, J.V. Stalin was helped by his natural intelligence, experience in political leadership, rich intuition, and broad awareness. He knew how to find the main link in a strategic situation and, seizing on it, counter the enemy, carry out one or another offensive operation. Undoubtedly, he was a worthy Supreme Commander."

According to the recollections of contemporaries, the issue of conferring the title of Generalissimo was discussed several times, but Stalin invariably rejected this proposal. And only after the intervention of Marshal of the Soviet Union K.K. Rokossovsky gave his consent when the latter stated: “Comrade Stalin, you are the Marshal and I am the Marshal, you cannot punish me!”
The uniform and insignia of the Generalissimo of the Soviet Union were developed by the Red Army Logistics Service, but were not officially approved. In one of the variants, the uniform had epaulettes on which the coat of arms of the USSR was placed in a wreath of oak leaves. A winter overcoat and riding uniform, reminiscent of a general's uniform of the mid-19th century, were also submitted for approval. The manufactured samples were rejected by Stalin, who considered them too luxurious and outdated.

Currently they are kept in the Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War in Moscow on Poklonnaya Hill.

In fact, Generalissimo Stalin wore a standard general's uniform (before the introduction of shoulder straps) jacket with a turn-down collar and four pockets, but in a unique light gray color. Shoulder straps on the jacket - Marshal of the Soviet Union.

General's overcoat buttonholes are red with gold trim and buttons. This uniform was official and was depicted in portraits and posters.

Generalissimo of Russia:

F. Yu. Romodanovsky and I. I. Buturlin (generalissimos of the amusing troops 1694)
Boyarin Alexey Semenovich Shein (assigned in 1696)
Prince Alexander Danilovich Menshikov (appropriated May 12, 1727)
Prince Anton Ulrich of Brunswick (granted 11 November 1740)
Count Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov (assigned October 28, 1799)
Imam Shamil (rank awarded in 1854)
Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin (assigned June 27, 1945)

Other famous generalissimos:

Prince Albrecht Wallenstein (1583—1634)
Prince Raimondo Montecuccoli (1609–1680)
Prince Charles of Lorraine (1712-1780)
Prince Maximilian of Bavaria (1662–1726)
Prince Eugene of Savoy (1663-1736)
Count Leopold Joseph Daun (1705–1766)
Count Ernst Gideon Loudon (1716–1790)
Archduke Charles (1771-1847)
Prince Carl Philipp of Schwarzenberg (1771-1820)
Francisco Franco Bahamonde (Spain) (1892-1975)
Fredrick I (King of Sweden)
Rafael Trujillo (Dominican Republic)
Francisco Miranda (Venezuela)
Alfredo Stroessner (Paraguay)
Kim Il Sung (DPRK)
Kim Jong Il (DPRK)
Yuan Shikai (1859-1916) China
Sun Yat-sen (1866—1925) China
Tang Jiyao (1882—1927) China
Chiang Kai-shek (1887-1975) China
Zhang Zuolin (1875—1928) China
Pu Yi (1906-1967) China

"Future Generalissimo"