The great Russian commander, who was canonized by the Orthodox Church and canonized as a saint. Few commanders in Russia have received such an honor.
What mark did this man leave in the history of the Russian state? And what were his personal qualities that contributed to this? Here are just a few facts from his biography that speak of him as a person who managed to preserve the integrity of the state and the Orthodox faith.
As before, so in the future, the Russian land has always been a tasty morsel for conquerors of all stripes. And so the Swedes decided to conquer the Russian lands, and went on a campaign numbering about 5,000 thousand soldiers.
First interesting fact (commander)
At the age of 19, Alexander gathered an army of about 1,500 people and attacked the superior forces of the Swedes, defeating them on the Neva River (which is why the people called him Nevsky). A fact in itself worthy of note. But it is also remarkable that Alexander managed to convince his compatriots to stand under his banners, although Russia in the 13th century was a scattered principality.
The second interesting fact (diplomat)
Despite the great military victories, Alexander Nevsky could give up the small in order to preserve the great. As it happened, when he bowed his head, he went to meet Khan Batu in the Golden Horde to agree on a non-aggression on Russian lands. He understood that unity and faith could only be maintained by accepting conditions from superior enemy forces. Later, after the murder of the people of Khan Batu, who came to collect tribute from the Russian people, Alexander Nevsky managed to persuade the khan not to devastate the land and not to turn the inhabitants into slavery. And he managed to do it, however, with what efforts.
More details about the great commander Alexander Nevsky.
Alexander Suvorov (1729 - 1800)
Photo: stonecarving.ru Speaking of Alexander Suvorov, one cannot but admire the unparalleled courage of this man and the greatest devotion to the Russian state. The proof of the military prowess of the great commander can be considered the fact that in all military battles (and there were 63 of them), he always emerged victorious.
The first interesting fact (overcoming oneself)
According to medical indicators, Suvorov could not be a military man. Moreover, his parents dissuaded him from this idea, but Suvorov decided to become a great commander at all costs. Suvorov began to practice physical activity and hardening procedures. Having at his disposal a large library of his parents, he became the most educated man of his time. The motto of his life was the achievement of goals. Suvorov received the highest military rank of generalissimo for brilliant military victories, but remained modest all his life. This is confirmed by the inscription on his tombstone, which he ordered to leave after his death: "Here lies Suvorov."
The second interesting fact (the source of his victories)
Alexander Suvorov, for the first time in the Russian army, being a field marshal, always put himself in the place of a simple soldier: he ate and slept next to his army and trained his soldiers personally, showing techniques that allow soldiers to survive in battles. The soldiers responded to him with boundless devotion and were ready to carry out any of his orders. This was the secret of all his military victories. Suvorov's personal example always inspired his army to carry out very complex tasks. (Crossing the Alps, taking the Turkish fortress of Izmail).
Konstantin Rokossovsky (1896 - 1968)
A hero of the Great Patriotic War, a marshal of two countries: Poland and the Soviet Union, Konstantin Rokossovsky was a slightly shy person, but when it came to military operations in the most difficult areas, then there was probably no better commander.
The highest recognition of his military victories was the first military parade on Red Square after the Victory, which he commanded on June 24, 1945.
Despite the fact that in the official biography Konstantin Rokossovsky was born in the city of Velikie Luki, in fact, Warsaw was his birthplace. But for political reasons, Rokossovsky changed both the place of birth and the estate to which he belonged. Such was the time.
After 1917, he immediately joined the Red Army and fought on the fronts of the Civil War, but this did not save him from arrest on a false denunciation.
First interesting fact (persistence)
While in prison, Rokossovsky was tortured, but did not slander himself or his loved ones. He was twice subjected to an imaginary execution, but, despite this, he found the strength to continue serving the Motherland.
When the marshal is rehabilitated, it will be he who will stand at the origins of the largest operations of the Red Army in the Great Patriotic War. It is he who will be most feared by the Nazis, calling the legendary marshal "General-Dagger", and his penal battalions "Gangs of Rokossovsky". And it is he who will be called by Joseph Stalin exclusively by his first name and patronymic: "Konstantin Konstantinovich", as a sign of deep respect for him. Almost none of the leader's entourage received such an honor.
The second interesting fact (decisiveness)
On the first day of the war, violating all instructions, he opened military warehouses and confiscated motorized equipment and fuel, which ensured the maneuverability of his corps for the start of hostilities.
In the future, the actions and decisions of Konstantin Rokossovsky on the battlefields confirmed the high rank of the famous commander of the Great Patriotic War.
Possessing the gift of foresight, he almost always unmistakably guessed the intentions of the enemy, preempting them and, as a rule, emerged victorious. All the materials on the Great Patriotic War have not yet been studied and raised, but we can say with confidence that when this happens, K.K. Rokossovsky, no doubt, will be at the head of our Soviet commanders.
All three commanders lived at different times, but they were united by selfless love for their Motherland and the sacred duty to defend it.
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Veide Adam Adamovich(1667-1720) - Russian commander, infantry general. From the family of a foreign colonel who served the Russian tsars. Service began in the "amusing" troops of Peter l. Member of the Azov campaigns of 1695-1696. Training in military affairs on the orders of Peter took place in Austria, England and France. In 1698, he drew up the "Military Regulations", which provided for and strictly described the duties of military officials. Participated in the drafting of the "Military Regulations" of 1716. During the Northern War, he commanded a division at Narva (1700), where he was taken prisoner and stayed there until 1710. He also commanded a division in the Prut campaign. Participated in expeditions of the Russian army to Finland, Pomerania, Mecklenburg. Particularly distinguished himself in the Gangut naval battle. From 1717 - President of the Military Collegium.
Greig Samuil Karlovich(1736-1788) - military commander, admiral (1782). Honorary Member of the St. Petersburg Academy
Sciences (1783). A native of Scotland. He served as a volunteer in the English Navy. In Russia since 1764. He was accepted into the service as a captain of the 1st rank. He commanded a number of warships of the Baltic Fleet. During the Mediterranean expedition of the squadron of Admiral G. A. Spiridov, he was an adviser on maritime affairs to A. G. Orlov. In the Battle of Chesme, he commanded a detachment that destroyed the Turkish fleet, for which he was awarded the hereditary nobility. In 1773-1774. commanded a new squadron sent from Kronstadt to the Mediterranean Sea. In May 1775, he delivered Princess Tarakanova, captured by A. G. Orlov, to St. Petersburg. Since 1777 - the head of the naval division. In 1788 he was appointed commander of the Baltic Fleet. He defeated the Swedes in the Gogland naval battle. He made a great contribution to the rearmament of the Russian fleet, the reconstruction of ports and naval bases.
Gudovich Ivan Vasilievich(1741-1820) - military leader, field marshal general (1807), count (1797). He began his service as an ensign in 1759. Then - the adjutant wing of P.I. Shuvalov, adjutant general of Uncle Peter III - Prince George of Holstein. With the coming to power of Catherine II, he was arrested, but soon released / From 1763 - commander of the Astrakhan infantry regiment. During the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774. distinguished himself in battles near Khotyn (1769), at Larga (1770), Cahul (1770). In November 1770, the troops led by him occupied Bucharest. From 1774 he commanded a division in Ukraine. Then he was Ryazan and Tambov governor-general, inspector-general (1787-1796). In November 1790 he was appointed commander of the Kuban corps and head of the Caucasian line. At the head of a 7,000-strong detachment, he occupied Anapa (June 22, 1791). He achieved the accession to Russia of the territory of Dagestan. In 1796 retired. After the accession to the throne of Paul I, he was returned and appointed commander of the troops in Persia. Since 1798 - Kyiv, then Podolsk Governor-General. In 1799 - Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Rhine Army. In 1800, for criticizing the military reform of Paul I, he was dismissed. In 1806, Mr.. again returned to service and was appointed commander in chief of troops in Georgia and Dagestan. From 1809 - Commander-in-Chief in Moscow, member of the Indispensable (since 1810 - State) Council, senator. Since 1812 - retired.
Panin Petr Ivanovich(1721-1789) - military commander, general-in-chief, brother of N.I. Panin. During the Seven Years' War, he commanded large formations of the Russian army, proving himself to be a capable military leader. During the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774. commanded the 2nd army, stormed the fortress of Vendora. In 1770, he resigned, becoming one of the leaders of the palace opposition. In July 1774, despite the negative attitude of Catherine II, he was appointed commander of the troops aimed at suppressing the Pugachev uprising.
Repnin Anikita Ivanovich(1668-1726) - military figure, field marshal general (1725). One of Peter's companions!. From 1685 - lieutenant of "amusing" troops. Since 1699 - major general. Member of the Azov campaigns. He took part in the creation of a regular Russian army in 1699-1700. In 1708 he was defeated, for which he was demoted, but in the same year he was restored to the rank of general. During the Battle of Poltava, he commanded the central section of the Russian army. In 1709-1710. led the siege and capture of Riga. From 1710 - Governor-General of Livonia, from January 1724 - President of the Military Collegium.
Repnin Nikolay Vasilievich(1734-1801) - military figure and diplomat, field marshal general (1796). Served as an officer since 1749. Member of the Seven Years' War. In 1762-1763. ambassador to Prussia, then to Poland (1763-1768). During the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774. commanded a separate corps. In 1770, he stormed the fortresses of Izmail and Kiliya, participated in the development of the terms of the Kyuchuk-Kainarji peace. In 1775-1776. ambassador to Turkey. In 1791, during the absence of G. A. Potemkin, he was appointed commander-in-chief of the Russian army in the war with Turkey. Governor-General of Smolensk (1777-1778), Pskov (1781), Riga and Revel (1792), Lithuanian (1794-1796). In 1798 he was dismissed.
Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky Petr Alexandrovich(1725-1796) - an outstanding Russian commander, field marshal general (1770), count (1744). Enlisted in the guard at the age of six, from the age of 15 he served in the army with the rank of second lieutenant. In 1743 he was sent by his father to St. Petersburg with the text of the Abo peace treaty, for which he was immediately promoted to colonel and appointed commander of an infantry regiment. Then, together with his father, he was awarded the title of count. During the Seven Years' War, commanding a brigade and a division, he distinguished himself near Gross-Jegersdorf (1757) and Kunersdorf (1759). Since 1761 - general-in-chief. After the overthrow of Peter III - in disgrace. Since 1764 under the patronage of the Orlovs, he was appointed president of the Little Russian College and Governor-General of Little Russia (remained in this position until his death). In the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774. commanded the 2nd Army, and then the 1st Army. In the summer of 1770, within one month, he won three outstanding victories over the Turks: at Ryaba Mogila, Larga and Cahul. From 1771 to 1774 he acted at the head of the army in Bulgaria, forcing the Turks to make peace with Russia. In 1775 he was given the honorary title Zadunaisky. Under Potemkin, Rumyantsev's position at court and in the army weakened somewhat. In 1787-1791. commanded the 2nd Army. In 1794 he was appointed commander in chief of the army in Poland. An outstanding military theorist - "Instructions" (1761), "Rite of Service" (1770), "Thoughts" (1777).
Saltykov Nikolay Ivanovich(1736-1816) - military and statesman, field marshal general (1796), prince (1814). He began his military service in 1748. Member of the Seven Years' War. Since 1762 - major general. Participated in the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774. (in the capture of Khotin in 1769, etc.). Since 1773 - general-in-chief, vice-president of the Military Collegium and trustee of the heir Pavel Petrovich. From 1783 he was the chief educator of the Grand Dukes Konstantin and Alexander. From 1788 - and. about. President of the Military College. Since 1790 - Count. In 1796-1802. - President of the Military College. In 1807 - the head of the militia. In 1812-1816. - Chairman of the State Council and the Cabinet of Ministers.
Saltykov Petr Semenovich(1696-1772) - military figure, field marshal general (1759), count (1733). Military training began under Peter I, who sent him to France, where he remained until the 1930s. Since 1734 - major general. Participated in hostilities in Poland (1734) and against Sweden (1741-1743). Since 1754 - general-in-chief. At the beginning of the Seven Years' War, he commanded landmilitia regiments in Ukraine. In 1759 he was appointed commander-in-chief of the Russian army and proved to be an outstanding commander, having won victories over the Prussian troops near Kunersdorf and Palzig. In 1760 he was removed from command. In 1764 he was appointed governor-general of Moscow. After the "plague riot" he was dismissed.
Spiridov Grigory Andreevich(1713-1790) - military leader, admiral (1769). From an officer's family. In the Navy since 1723. Sailed on the Caspian, Azov, White and Baltic Seas. Since 1741 - the commander of the battleship. Member of the Russian-Turkish war of 1735-1739, the Seven Years' War of 1756-1763. and the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774. Since 1762 - Rear Admiral. Since 1764 - the chief commander of the Revel, and since 1766 - the Kronstadt port. Since 1769 - the commander of the squadron, which made the transition to the Mediterranean Sea. He successfully led the fleet in the battle in the Strait of Chios (1770) and in the Battle of Chesma (1770). In 1771-1773. commanded the Russian fleet in the Mediterranean. He made a great contribution to the development of Russian naval art.
Suvorov Alexander Vasilievich(1729-1800) - an outstanding Russian commander. Generalissimo (1799). Count Rymniksky (1789), Prince of Italy (1799). In 1742, he was enrolled in the Semyonovsky Guards Regiment. He began his service in it as a corporal in 1748. In 1760-1761. in the rank of lieutenant colonel, he was an officer of the headquarters of the commander-in-chief V.V. Fermor. In 1761 participated in the fighting against the Prussian corps near Kolberg. In 1770 he was promoted to major general. Since 1773 - on the Russian-Turkish front, where he won the first victory at Turtukay, and then at Girsovo. In June 1774, he put to flight the 40,000th army of the Turks at Kozludzha, having only 18 thousand people. In the same year he was sent to the Urals to suppress the Pugachev uprising. In 1778-1784. commanded the Kuban and Crimean corps, and then prepared an expedition against Persia. During the war with the Turks of 1787-1791. in the rank of general-in-chief he was appointed commander of the corps. In 1787, he defeated the Turkish landing on the Kinburn Spit, and then defeated the Turks at Focsani and Rymnik. In 1790, he took the impregnable fortress of Izmail by storm. From 1791 - commander of troops in Finland, in 1792-1794. - in Ukraine. Participated in the suppression of the Polish uprising in 1794, and then (1795-1796) commanded troops in Poland and Ukraine. There he compiled his main military book, The Science of Victory, in which he formulated the essence of the tactics he used as a well-known triad: eye, speed, onslaught. In February 1797 he was dismissed and exiled to the Konchanskoye estate. However, soon, at the request of Russia's allies in the 2nd anti-French coalition, he was appointed commander of the allied forces in Italy, where, through his efforts, the entire territory of the country was liberated from the French in just six months. After the Italian campaign. in the same 1799, he undertook the most difficult campaign in Switzerland, for which he was awarded the rank of generalissimo. Soon he was dismissed again. Died in exile.
Rules of War by D. V. Suvorov
1. Act only offensively. 2. In a campaign - speed, in an attack - swiftness; steel arms. 3. Methodism is not needed, but a correct military outlook. 4. Full power to the commander in chief. 5. Beat and attack the enemy in the field. 6. Don't waste time in sieges; maybe some Mainz, like a storage point. - Sometimes an observation corps, a blockade, and best of all, an open assault. - There is less loss. 7. Never split forces to occupy points. Bypassed the enemy - so much the better: he goes to defeat ... End of 1798-1799 Ushakov Fedor Fedorovich(1744-1817) - an outstanding Russian naval commander, admiral (1799) .. He graduated from the Naval Cadet Corps in 1766. He served in the Baltic Fleet. In 1769 he was assigned to the Don Flotilla. Participated in the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774. During the Russian-Turkish war of 1787-1791. commanded the battleship St. Paul. In 1788 the vanguard of the Black Sea squadron headed by him played a decisive role in the victory over the Turkish fleet at about. Fidonisi. From 1789 - Rear Admiral. From 1790 - Commander of the Black Sea Fleet. He won major victories over the Turks in the Kerch naval battle (1790), near about. Tendra (1790), near Cape Kaliakria (1791). Since 1793 - Vice Admiral. He led the campaign of the military squadron in 1798-1800. to the Mediterranean. In 1799, he stormed the fortress on about. Corfu. During the Italian campaign of Suvorov (1799) he contributed to the expulsion of the French from southern Italy, blockading their bases in Ancona and Genoa, commanding landing forces that distinguished themselves in Naples and Rome. The squadron was withdrawn at the request of the Allies in 1800. Since 1807 - retired.
Among the associates of Peter the Great, Boris Petrovich Sheremetev occupies a special place. It was he who had the honor of winning the first major victory at Erestfer over the previously invincible Swedes. Acting cautiously and prudently, Sheremetev taught Russian soldiers to field warfare, tempered them by moving from smaller to larger tasks. Using offensive tactics with a limited goal, he recreated the morale and combat capability of the Russian troops and deservedly became the first field marshal in Russia.
Boris Petrovich Sheremetev was born on April 25, 1652. He belonged to an old aristocratic family, originating, like the Romanovs, from Andrei Kobyla. The surname Sheremetevs originated from the nickname Sheremet, which was worn by one of the ancestors at the end of the 15th century. The descendants of Sheremet are already mentioned as military leaders in the 16th century. Since that time, the Sheremetev family began to supply boyars.
Boris Sheremetev's career usually began for the offspring of a noble family: at the age of 13 he was granted a stewardship. This court rank, which provided closeness to the king, opened up wide prospects for promotion in ranks and positions. However, Sheremetev's stewardship dragged on for many years. Only in 1682, at the age of 30, he was granted a boyar.
Petr Semenovich Saltykov (1698–1772)
The winner of Frederick the Great - "a gray-haired, small, unpretentious old man, in a white landmilitsky caftan, without any decorations and without pomp - had the happiness from the very beginning ... to fall in love with the soldiers." He was loved for his simplicity and accessibility and respected for his equanimity in battle. P. S. Saltykov possessed to a large extent common sense and combined great civil courage with military courage. The campaign of 1759 put him above all the commanders of the anti-Prussian coalition.
Pyotr Semenovich Saltykov was born in 1698 in the village of Marfino, Moscow province. His father, Semyon Andreevich, was a close relative of the wife of John V, Tsaritsa Praskovya Feodorovna, and successfully made a career at court. In 1714, the offspring of a noble family entered the guards and was sent by Peter the Great to France to study maritime affairs. Pyotr Semenovich lived in a foreign land for about 20 years, but did not acquire love for naval service.
Pyotr Alexandrovich Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky (1725–1796)
The founder of Russian military doctrine was Petr Alexandrovich Rumyantsev. Looking always and first of all at the root of the matter, he understood the originality of Russia and the whole difference between the Russian and European military systems - the difference that followed from this originality.
In the era of domination throughout Europe of soulless Prussian theories, formalism and automatic - "fuhtelnaya" - training, Petr Alexandrovich Rumyantsev was the first to put forward moral principles as the basis for the education of troops, and he separated moral training from training "physical". The 60-70s of the 18th century are rightly called the "Rumyantsev" period in the history of the Russian army, the period of brilliant victories of the most advanced army in the world.
The future commander was born in 1725. His father was Alexander Ivanovich Rumyantsev, one of the associates of Peter I, and his mother was Maria Andreevna, the granddaughter of the famous boyar Matveev. In the sixth year, the boy was enrolled as a soldier in the guard, and then the teaching began.
Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov-Rymniksky (1730–1800)
Suvorov's "The Science of Victory" - the greatest monument of the Russian military genius - remains surprisingly relevant to this day. It was written not just for the military, but for the miraculous heroes. And it does not matter whether these miraculous heroes are armed with flintlock guns or the most modern weapons. A. V. Suvorov completed the development of the Russian military doctrine and formulated its basic principles: originality, the predominance of a qualitative element over a quantitative one, national pride, a conscious attitude to one's work, initiative, and the use of success to the end. And the crown of everything is victory, "won with little blood." Grateful descendants with deep respect and love pronounce the name of Generalissimo Suvorov, which is the honor and glory of Russia.
Alexander Vasilievich Suvorov was born on November 13, 1730 in Moscow. His father, General-in-Chief Vasily Ivanovich Suvorov, godson of Peter I, his mother, Evdokia Fedosyevna Manukova, died when Alexander was not even 15 years old. Suvorov spent his early childhood at home, where he received home education and upbringing. He studied the necessary subjects, as well as foreign languages: French, German and Italian. The young man studied very diligently, but in a certain direction. After all, Suvorov was the son of a general, lived in a military environment, read books mainly of a military content - it is natural that he only dreamed of a military career. However, the father believed that Alexander was not suitable for this, for he was small, weak and frail. Suvorov the father decided to send his son to the civil service.
Fedor Fedorovich Ushakov (1744–1817)
Admiral Ushakov was able to accomplish the unprecedented - he took the strongest French fortress on the island of Corfu with an attack from the sea. The great Suvorov responded to this feat with inspired words:
Hooray! Russian fleet! Now I say to myself: why was I not even a midshipman at Corfu!
The sailing fleet of Russia reached its peak by the end of the 18th century - it had a significant number of first-class ships, experienced captains and well-trained sailors. He went to the expanses of the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean. The fleet also had an outstanding naval leader - Fedor Fedorovich Ushakov.
He was born in 1744 in the village of Burnakovo, Yaroslavl province. The father, a retired Transfiguration officer, believed that his son would follow in his footsteps. However, the boy dreamed of the sea, of ships and naval service. 1761 decided the fate of Ushakov. He entered the Naval gentry cadet corps.
Mikhail Illarionovich Golenishchev-Kutuzov (1745–1813)
The historical significance of the activities of M. I. Kutuzov was deeply and correctly determined by A. S. Pushkin: “The glory of Kutuzov is inextricably linked with the glory of Russia, with the memory of the greatest event ... of history. His title: savior of Russia; his monument: the rock of St. Helena! .. Kutuzov alone was clothed in a people's power of attorney, which he so wonderfully justified!
The future commander was born on September 16, 1745 in St. Petersburg. He came from an old noble family that played a prominent role in the history of Russia. Mikhail's father, Illarion Matveevich, was a well-known military engineer and a versatile educated person. He began military service under Peter I and stayed in it for more than 30 years. Dismissed due to illness, retired with the rank of lieutenant general, I. M. Kutuzov served further in the civil department, showing great talent in this field.
Outstanding Russian commanders
The heroic chronicle of our Fatherland preserves the memory of the great victories of the Russian people under the leadership of outstanding commanders. Their names to this day inspire the defenders of the Fatherland to military deeds, are an example of the fulfillment of military duty, a manifestation of love for their native land.
Commanders of Imperial Russia
One of the most famous Russian commanders is Alexander Vasilievich Suvorov (1730 - 1800), Generalissimo, Count Rymniksky, Prince of Italy.
Suvorov began active military service in 1748 as a soldier. Six years later he was awarded the first officer rank - lieutenant. He received his baptism of fire in the Seven Years' War (1756 - 1763), where the future great commander of Russia gained vast experience in managing the army, learning about its capabilities.
In August 1762, Suvorov was appointed commander of the Astrakhan infantry regiment. And from next year, he already commanded the Suzdal Infantry Regiment. At this time, he created his famous "Regimental Institution" - an instruction containing the basic provisions and rules for the education of soldiers, internal service and combat training of troops.
In 1768 - 1772, with the rank of brigadier and major general, Alexander Vasilyevich participated in hostilities in Poland against the troops of the gentry of the Bar Confederation. Commanding a brigade and separate detachments, Suvorov made swift forced marches and won brilliant victories near Orekhovo, Landskrona, Zamosc and Stolovichi, captured the Krakow castle.
In 1773, Suvorov was transferred to the active army, which participated in the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774. He was assigned to the 1st Army of Field Marshal P. Rumyantsev, where he began to command a separate detachment, with which he made two successful campaigns across the Danube and defeated large Turkish forces at Turtukai in 1773 and at Kozludzha in 1774.
With the beginning of the Russian-Turkish war of 1787-1791, Suvorov led the defense of the Kherson-Kinburn region, which the Turks threatened from the sea and from the fortress of Ochakov. On October 1, 1787, Suvorov's troops destroyed the many thousands of enemy troops that had landed on the Kinburn Spit. The commander personally participated in the battle, was wounded.
The year 1789 gave him two victories, brilliant in military leadership, at Focsani and at Rymnik. For the victory on the Rymnik River, he was awarded the highest military order of Russia - St. George, I degree.
On December 11, 1790, Russian troops under the command of Suvorov captured the strongest Turkish fortress of Izmail, and the attackers were numerically inferior to the enemy garrison. This battle has no equal in world history, being the pinnacle of the military glory of an outstanding commander.
In 1795 - 1796 Suvorov commanded troops in Ukraine. During this time, he wrote his famous Science of Victory. With the accession of Paul I, Alexander Vasilyevich opposed the introduction of Prussian orders alien to the Russian army, which caused the emperor and the court to be hostile towards him. In February 1797, the commander was dismissed and exiled to his estate Konchanskoye. The link lasted for about two years.
In 1798 Russia joins the 2nd anti-French coalition. At the insistence of the allies, Emperor Paul I was forced to appoint Suvorov as commander-in-chief of the Russian-Austrian army in northern Italy. During the Italian campaign of 1799, the troops under the command of Suvorov defeated the French in battles on the Adda and Trebbia rivers, as well as at Novi.
After that, the Russian commander planned a campaign in France. However, he was ordered to leave the Austrian troops in Italy and go to Switzerland to join the corps of General A. Rimsky-Korsakov. The famous Suvorov Swiss campaign of 1799 began. Having passed through the barriers of the French troops, overcoming the Alpine heights, the Russian troops heroically broke through to Switzerland.
In the same year, the commander received a decree from the emperor to return to Russia. He was rewarded for the Italian and Swiss campaigns with the title of Prince of Italy and the highest military rank of Generalissimo. By that time, the cavalier of all Russian orders of the highest degree also had the title of Austrian Field Marshal General.
Generalissimo Suvorov went down in military history as a brilliant commander. For all the time of his military activity, he did not lose a single battle, and almost all of them were won with the numerical superiority of the enemy.
He became one of the founders of Russian military art, having created his own military school with a progressive system of training and education of troops. Having discarded the outdated principles of cordon strategy and linear tactics, he developed and applied in military practice more advanced forms and methods of conducting armed struggle, which were far ahead of their time. He brought up a galaxy of Russian commanders and military leaders, among whom were M. Kutuzov and P. Bagration.
Field Marshal Mikhail Illarionovich Golenishchev-Kutuzov (1745 - 1813), who went down in Russian history as the savior of the Fatherland from the Great Army of the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte during the Patriotic War of 1812, became the successor of the Suvorov military leadership traditions.
Born in the family of a military engineer, lieutenant general. In 1759 he graduated from the artillery and engineering school and was left there as a teacher. In 1761, he received the rank of ensign and was appointed company commander of the Astrakhan Infantry Regiment. Then he was adjutant of the Revel Governor-General, again served in the army.
Member of the Russian-Turkish war of 1768 - 1774, in 1770 he was transferred to the South in the 1st Army. He happened to be a student of such great Russian commanders as P. Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky and A. Suvorov-Rymniksky. He took part in large field battles - at Larga and Cahul. Distinguished himself in the battle of Pipesty. He showed himself to be a brave, energetic and enterprising officer. He was appointed chief quartermaster (chief of staff) of the corps.
In 1772 he was transferred to the 2nd Crimean Army. In July 1774, in a battle against a Turkish landing near Alushta near the village of Shumy (now Kutuzovka), commanding a battalion, he was seriously wounded in the temple and right eye. After treatment abroad, he served for six years under the command of Suvorov, organizing the defense of the Crimean coast.
Kutuzov received the glory of a military leader during the Russian-Turkish war of 1787-1791. At first, he and his huntsmen guarded the border along the Bug River. In the summer of 1788 he took part in the battles near Ochakovo, where he received a second severe wound in the head. Then he participated in the fighting near Akkerman, Kaushany, Bendery.
In December 1790, during the assault on the fortress, Ishmael commanded the 6th column of attackers. In a victory speech, Suvorov praised Kutuzov's actions. He was appointed Izmail commandant. Promoted to lieutenant general, he repelled an attempt by the Turks to take possession of Ishmael. In June 1791, he crushed it with a sudden blow; 23,000th Ottoman army under Babadag. In the battle of Machinsky, skillfully maneuvering the troops, he demonstrated the art of victorious tactics.
In the Russo-Austrian-French War of 1805 he commanded one of the two Russian armies. In October of this year, he made the famous retreat march from Braunau to Olmitz, leading the army out of danger of being surrounded. During the maneuver, the Russians defeated Murat's troops near Amstettin and Mortier near Burenstein. Contrary to the opinion of Kutuzov, Emperor Alexander I and the Austrian Emperor Franz I went on the offensive against the French army. On November 20, 1805, the Battle of Austerlitz took place, in which the Russian commander-in-chief was actually removed from command of the troops. Napoleon won one of his biggest victories.
It was Kutuzov who had to victoriously end the Russian-Turkish war of 1806-1812. In its penultimate year, when the war with Turkey came to a standstill, Kutuzov was appointed commander-in-chief of the Moldavian army. In the battle of Ruschuk in 1811, with only 15,000 troops, he inflicted a complete defeat on the 60,000-strong Turkish army.
At the beginning of the Patriotic War of 1812, Kutuzov was elected head of the St. Petersburg and Moscow militias. After the Russian troops left Smolensk, under the pressure of broad public opinion, the emperor appointed Kutuzov commander-in-chief of the entire Russian army, approving the opinion of a special government committee. On August 17, the commander arrived at the army retreating towards Moscow. The noticeable superiority of Napoleon's Great Army in strength and the lack of reserves forced the commander in chief to withdraw the army inland.
Not having received the promised large reinforcements, Kutuzov gave the French a general battle on August 26 near the village of Borodino. In this battle, Russian soldiers dispelled the myth of Napoleon's invincibility. Both sides suffered huge casualties in the Battle of Borodino. The French lost most of their largest regular cavalry in Europe. The Battle of Borodino brought Kutuzov the rank of Field Marshal.
After the military council in Fili, Kutuzov decided to leave the capital and withdraw the army to the south, to the Tarutinsky camp. Residents also left Moscow; the Napoleonic army entered the huge deserted city and began to loot. Soon the capital was almost completely burned. The Tarutino march put the French army in an extremely disadvantageous position, and it soon left Moscow.
The Russian army launched a counteroffensive. It was organized in such a way that the French troops were continuously attacked by Russian vanguard troops, flying cavalry detachments and partisans. All this led to the defeat of the remnants of the Great Army on the banks of the Berezina River and their flight abroad. Thanks to Kutuzov's tactics, the huge Grand Army ceased to exist as a military force, and Napoleon himself left it and went to Paris to create a new army.
For the skillful leadership of the Russian army in 1812, Field Marshal Kutuzov was awarded the highest military award of Russia - the Order of St. George I degree and became the first in the history of the country to have all four degrees of the order. He also received the honorary title of Prince of Smolensk.
In January 1813, the Russian army, led by Kutuzov, began its foreign campaigns. But the health of its commander-in-chief was undermined, and he died in Silesia. The body of the commander was embalmed and sent to the Russian capital. There Kutuzov was buried in the Kazan Cathedral.
He devoted more than 50 years of his life to military service, becoming a great Russian commander. He was well educated, had a subtle mind, knew how to remain calm even in the most critical moments of battles. He carefully considered each military operation, trying to act more with maneuvers, using military cunning, and not sacrificing the lives of soldiers. He managed to oppose the great European commander Napoleon Bonaparte with his own strategy and tactics. The Patriotic War of 1812 became the subject of Russia's military pride.
Field Marshal Pyotr Alexandrovich Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky (1725 - 1796), who glorified himself during the reign of Empress Catherine II the Great, was also a great Russian commander.
The talent of the military leader Rumyantsev was revealed during the Seven Years' War of 1756-1763. First he commanded a brigade, then a division. Rumyantsev became a true hero of the battles near Gross-Jegersdorf in 1757 and Kunersdorf in 1759. In the first case, the entry of the Rumyantsev brigade into the battle decided the outcome of the clash between the Russian army and the Prussian army: King Frederick II was defeated, and his troops fled from the battlefield. In the second case, the Rumyantsev regiments again found themselves in the very center of the battle, demonstrating stamina and a desire to defeat the enemy.
In 1761, at the head of the corps, he successfully led the siege and capture of the Kolberg fortress, which was defended by a strong Prussian garrison.
With the beginning of the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774, Rumyantsev became the commander of the 2nd Russian army. In 1769, the troops under his command took the fortress of Azov. In August of the same year - he was the commander of the 1st Russian army in the field. It was at this post that the talent of the great commander was revealed.
In the summer of 1770, Russian troops won brilliant victories over the superior forces of the Turkish army and the cavalry troops of the Crimean Khan - in the battles of Larga and Cahul. In all three battles, Rumyantsev demonstrated the triumph of offensive tactics, the ability to maneuver troops and achieve complete victory.
Near Cahul, the 35,000-strong Russian army clashed with the 90,000-strong Turkish army of Grand Vizier Khalil Pasha. From the rear, the Russians were threatened by the 80,000-strong cavalry of the Crimean Tatars. However, the Russian commander boldly attacked the fortified positions of the Turks, knocked them out of the trenches on the heights and turned them into a wholesale flight, capturing all the enemy artillery and a huge camp with a large convoy. He was awarded the Order of St. George, I degree, for the brilliant Kagul victory.
Moving along the Prut River, the Russian army reached the Danube. Then the commander transferred the fighting to the Bulgarian right bank, leading an attack on the Shumla fortress. Turkey hurried to conclude the Kyuchuk-Kaynardzhi peace treaty with Rumyantsev, which secured Russia's access to the Black Sea. For the victories won over the Turks, Field Marshal became known in history as Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky.
After the victorious end of the war, the commander was also appointed commander of the heavy cavalry of the Russian army. With the beginning of a new Russian-Turkish war of 1787-1791, he became the head of the 2nd Army. However, he soon came into conflict with the most powerful man of the reign of Catherine II - the favorite of the Empress G. Potemkin. As a result, he was actually removed from command of the army, and in 1789 he was recalled from the theater of operations to perform governor-general duties in managing Little Russia.
As a great commander, Field Marshal Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky contributed a lot of new things to Russian military art. He was a skilled organizer of troop training, applied new, more progressive forms of combat. He was a staunch supporter of offensive strategy and tactics, which after him was creatively developed by the Russian military genius A. Suvorov. For the first time in the history of military art, he used battalion columns for maneuvering on the battlefield and attacks, laid the foundation for the formation of light jaeger infantry operating in loose formation.
Marshals of the Great Patriotic War
The most famous commander of the war of the Soviet people against Nazi Germany and its satellites was Georgy Konstantinovich Zhukov (1896 - 1974), Marshal of the Soviet Union, four times Hero of the Soviet Union.
Since 1915, he has been in the Russian army, a participant in the First World War, a non-commissioned officer, and was awarded two St. George's crosses. In the Red Army since 1918. During the Civil War, a Red Army soldier, platoon and cavalry squadron commander. Participated in battles on the Eastern, Western and Southern fronts, in the elimination of banditry.
After the Civil War, he commanded a cavalry squadron, regiment and brigade. Since 1931, assistant inspector of the Red Army cavalry, then commander of the 4th Cavalry Division. Since 1937, the commander of the 3rd cavalry corps, since 1938 - the 6th cavalry corps. In July 1938 he was appointed deputy commander of the Belarusian Special Military District.
In July 1939, Zhukov was appointed commander of the 1st Army Group of Soviet Forces in Mongolia. Together with the Mongolian army, the encirclement and defeat of a large grouping of Japanese troops on the Khalkhin Gol River was carried out. For the skillful leadership of the operation and the courage shown, he was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.
Since July 1940, Zhukov commanded the troops of the Kiev Special Military District. From January to July 30, 1941 - Chief of the General Staff - Deputy People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR.
Zhukov's leadership talent was revealed during the Great Patriotic War. From June 23, 1941, he was a member of the Headquarters of the Supreme High Command. From August 1942 - First Deputy People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR and Deputy Supreme Commander-in-Chief I.V. Stalin.
As a representative of the Headquarters, in the first days of the war, he organized a counterattack on the Southwestern Front in the area of the city of Brody, thereby frustrating the intention of the Nazis with their mobile formations to break through to Kiev on the move. In August - September 1941, General Zhukov commanded the troops of the Reserve Front and carried out the Yelninskaya offensive operation. And in September of the same year he was appointed commander of the Leningrad Front.
In October 1941, Zhukov headed the Western Front, whose main task was the defense of Moscow. During the Battle of Moscow in the winter of 1941-1942, the troops of the front, together with the troops of the Kalinin and South-Western fronts, went on a decisive offensive and completed the rout of the attackers. Nazi troops and threw them back from the capital by 100 - 250 km.
In 1942-1943, Zhukov coordinated the actions of the fronts near Stalingrad. During the Battle of Stalingrad, five enemy armies were defeated: two German, two Romanian and Italian.
Then he coordinated the actions of the Soviet troops in breaking the blockade of Leningrad, together with A. Vasilevsky - the actions of the troops of the fronts in the Battle of Kursk in 1943, which became an important stage in the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany. In the battle for the Dnieper, Zhukov coordinated the actions of the Voronezh and Steppe fronts. In March - May 1944 he commanded the 1st Ukrainian Front. In the summer of 1944, he coordinated the actions of the 1st and 2nd Belorussian fronts during the Belorussian strategic offensive operation.
At the final stage of the Great Patriotic War, Marshal of the Soviet Union Zhukov commanded the troops of the 1st Belorussian Front, which carried out the Vistula-Oder operation of 1945, the defeat of the Nazi troops of Army Group A (Center), the liberation of Poland and its capital Warsaw. During these operations, Soviet troops advanced 500 km and entered the territory of Nazi Germany.
In April - May 1945, the troops of the 1st Belorussian Front, together with the troops of the 1st Ukrainian and 2nd Belorussian Fronts, carried out the Berlin operation, which ended with the capture of the capital of Germany. On behalf of and on behalf of the Supreme High Command, on May 8, 1945, in Karlshorst (southeastern part of Berlin), Zhukov accepted the surrender of the armed forces of Nazi Germany.
Zhukov's leadership talent was manifested in the participation and development of the largest strategic offensive operations of the Great Patriotic War. He possessed great willpower, a deep mind, the ability to quickly assess the most difficult strategic situation, predict the possible course of hostilities, was able to find the right decisions in critical situations, took responsibility for risky military operations, had brilliant organizational talent and personal courage.
The fate of the commander after the war turned out to be difficult: under I. Stalin, N. Khrushchev and L. Brezhnev, he was in disgrace for almost a quarter of a century, but courageously and steadfastly endured all the hardships that fell to his lot.
Another major Soviet commander during the Great Patriotic War was Marshal of the Soviet Union Ivan Stepanovich Konev (1897 - 1973).
He was drafted into the Russian army in 1916. Member of the First World War, served as a non-commissioned officer in the artillery battalion. During the Civil War - county military commissar, commissar of an armored train, rifle brigade, division, headquarters of the People's Revolutionary Army of the Far Eastern Republic. He fought on the Eastern Front against the Kolchak troops, the forces of Ataman Semenov and the Japanese invaders.
After the Civil War, the commissar of a rifle brigade and division. Then he was the commander of the regiment and the deputy commander of the division. In 1934 he graduated from the Military Academy named after M.V. Frunze. He commanded an infantry division, a corps. He was commander of the 2nd Separate Red Banner Far Eastern Army. In 1940 - 1941 he commanded the troops of the Trans-Baikal, North Caucasian military districts.
During the Great Patriotic War, he was in senior command positions - he commanded the 19th Army of the Western Front, the Western Front, the Kalinin, North-Western, Steppe, 2nd Ukrainian and 1st Ukrainian Fronts. The troops under the command of Konev participated in the battle of Moscow, in the Battle of Kursk, in the liberation of Belgorod and Kharkov. Konev especially distinguished himself in the Korsun-Shevchenko operation, where a large group of Nazi troops was surrounded. .
This was followed by participation in such major operations of the Second World War as the Vistula-Oder, Berlin and Prague. During the encirclement of Berlin, he skillfully maneuvered the tank armies of the 1st Ukrainian Front.
For military successes he was awarded the highest military order "Victory". Twice Hero of the Soviet Union, Hero of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic, Hero of the Mongolian People's Republic.
Konev, who received the title of Marshal of the Soviet Union in 1944, was distinguished during the Great Patriotic War by his ability to prepare and conduct large-scale front-line operations, including the encirclement and destruction of large enemy groups. He skillfully carried out offensive operations with the forces of tank armies and corps, applied combat experience in the training and education of troops in the post-war period.
Marshal of the Soviet Union Konstantin Konstantinovich Rokossovsky (1896 - 1968) was also a prominent Soviet commander during the Great Patriotic War.
In the Russian army since 1914. Member of the First World War, junior non-commissioned officer of the dragoon regiment. In the Red Army since 1918. During the Civil War, he commanded a squadron, a separate cavalry division and a cavalry regiment.
After the Civil War, he commanded a cavalry brigade, a cavalry regiment, a separate cavalry brigade, which participated in battles with the White Chinese on the CER. After that, he commanded a cavalry brigade and division, a mechanized corps.
He began the Great Patriotic War as commander of a mechanized corps. Soon he became commander of the 16th Army of the Western Front. From July 1942, commander of the Bryansk Front, from September of the same year - Don, from February 1943 - Central, from October of the same year - Belorussian, from February 1944 - 1st Belorussian, and from November 1944 until the end of the war - 2nd Belorussian Front.
Rokossovsky participated in many major operations of the Great Patriotic War, his troops won many victories over the Nazi troops. He is a participant in the Battle of Smolensk in 1941, the Battle of Moscow, the Battles of Stalingrad and Kursk, the Belorussian, East Prussian, East Pomeranian and Berlin operations.
He is one of the most capable Soviet commanders, who skillfully and effectively commanded the fronts. Marshal of the Soviet Union Rokossovsky demonstrated his art of military leadership in the decisive battles of the war. He was twice awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union and the highest Soviet military order "Victory". He commanded the Victory Parade in Moscow.
After the war, he was appointed commander-in-chief of the Northern Group of Forces. In 1949, at the request of the government of the Polish People's Republic, with the permission of the Soviet government, he left for Poland and was appointed Minister of National Defense and Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the PPR. Rokossovsky was awarded the military rank of Marshal of Poland.
Rokossovsky did a lot for the development of the Soviet Armed Forces in the post-war period, taking into account the experience of the Second World War and the scientific and technological revolution in military affairs. Author of memoirs "Soldier's Duty".
Marshal of the Soviet Union Alexander Mikhailovich Vasilevsky (1895 - 1977) was also an honored commander of the Great Patriotic War.
He can rightly be called a unique military leader, happily combining the qualities of a brilliant commander and an outstanding staff worker, a military thinker and a large-scale organizer. Being the head of the operational department at the beginning of the war, and from May 1942 until February 1945, the head of the General Staff, Alexander Mikhailovich, out of 34 months of the war, only 12 worked directly in Moscow, and 22 - at the fronts, carrying out orders from the Headquarters.
As chief of the General Staff, he led the planning and preparation of almost all major strategic operations of our Armed Forces, he solved the cardinal issues of providing the fronts with people, equipment, and weapons.
As a representative of the Headquarters of the Supreme High Command, he successfully coordinated the actions of the fronts and types of the Armed Forces in the Battles of Stalingrad and Kursk, during the liberation of Donbass, Belarus, and the Baltic states. Replacing General of the Army I.D. Chernyakhovsky, at the head of the 3rd Belorussian Front successfully led the offensive in East Prussia. It was our army, led by him as the commander-in-chief of the Soviet troops in the Far East, that in September 1945 "finished its campaign in the Pacific."
“Having become acquainted with the style and methods of his work directly in front-line conditions,” wrote Marshal of the Soviet Union I.Kh. Bagramyan, - I was convinced of his ability to unusually quickly navigate the situation, deeply analyze the decisions made by the front and army command, skillfully correct shortcomings, as well as listen and accept the reasoned considerations of subordinates.
For subordinates, since he was 100 percent sure of them, Alexander Mikhailovich stood by the mountain. When in July 1942 the first deputy chief of the General Staff, General N.F. Vatutin, in his place, on the recommendation of Vasilevsky, A. I. Antonov was nominated. But Stalin, even agreeing to this appointment, did not immediately believe and appreciated Antonov. And for several months he had to establish himself in the opinion of the Supreme, performing responsible tasks in the troops. Vasilevsky, believing that a better candidate could not be found, dragged a double burden on himself, worked both for himself and for his deputy, while Alexei Innokentevich was going through a kind of probationary period.
Vasilevsky received his first Order of Victory for the successful coordination of the actions of the 3rd and 4th Ukrainian fronts in the preparation of the operation to liberate the right-bank Ukraine and Crimea in the spring of 1944. And here he had to fully show his character.
At the end of March, at the direction of Stalin, Marshal K.E. came to Vasilevsky at the headquarters of the 4th Ukrainian Front to finalize the plan for the Crimean operation. Voroshilov. Like Alexander Mikhailovich, he was a representative of the Headquarters, but in a separate Primorsky army, General A.I. Eremenko, who operated in the Kerch direction.
After getting acquainted with the composition of the forces and means of the 4th Ukrainian Front, Voroshilov expressed great doubt about the reality of the plan. Like, the enemy has such powerful fortifications near Kerch, and then there is Sivash, Perekop. In a word, nothing will come of it if you do not ask the Headquarters for an additional army, artillery and other means of reinforcement.
The opinion of the old cavalryman made even the commander of the 4th Ukrainian Front, General F.I. Tolbukhin. Following him and the chief of staff of the front, General S.S. Biryuzov nodded his head.
Vasilevsky was surprised. After all, not so long ago, together with the commander of the front, they made all the calculations and came to the conclusion that there were quite enough forces for the successful conduct of the operation, which they reported to the Headquarters. Then there were no objections, but now, when everything has already been approved by the Headquarters and there are no grounds for revising the plan of operation, objections suddenly follow. From what? In response, Tolbukhin noted, not too confidently, that getting reinforcements is always a good idea.
This is where the character of Vasilevsky affected. Alexander Mikhailovich told Voroshilov that he was immediately contacting Stalin, reporting everything to him and would ask the following: since Tolbukhin refuses to carry out the operation under these conditions, he himself, at the head of the 4th Ukrainian Front, will conduct the Crimean operation.
Against the backdrop of conviction and a well-reasoned recruitment of a representative of the Headquarters, the arguments of the opponents somehow immediately withered. Tolbukhin admitted that he jumped to conclusions, did not think carefully. Voroshilov, in turn, assured that he would not interfere in the actions of the 4th Ukrainian Front. But for the report to the Headquarters, which Vasilevsky was supposed to draw up, he would give his comments. And then he refused to comment.
Here Vasilevsky’s answer to the gentle reproach of one military leader comes to mind: “As for my “prudence” and “caution” ... then, in my opinion, there is nothing wrong with them if a sense of proportion is observed. I think that every military leader, whether it be the commander of a unit or division, the commander of an army or a front, should be moderately prudent and cautious. He has such a job that he is responsible for the lives of thousands and tens of thousands of soldiers, and his duty is to weigh his every decision think over, look for the most optimal ways to accomplish a combat mission ... "
The operation to liberate the Crimea was, as Vasilevsky intended, successful. In just 35 days, our troops broke into the powerful enemy defenses and defeated almost 200,000 enemy groupings. Although for the marshal himself, this victory almost turned into a tragedy. On the second day after the liberation of Sevastopol, while driving through the ruined city, his car ran into a mine. The entire front end, instead of with the motor, was turned around and thrown to the side. Just miraculously, the marshal and his driver survived ...
For the second time, Marshal Vasilevsky was awarded the Order of Victory for the successful leadership of the military operations of the 3rd Belorussian and 1st Baltic fronts already in the final of the war to eliminate the East Prussian grouping of the enemy and capture Koenigsberg. The citadel of Prussian militarism collapsed in three days.
Here it is appropriate to refer to the opinion of the former commander of the troops of the 1st Baltic Front, Marshal Baghramyan, who in those days worked very closely with Alexander Mikhailovich. “In East Prussia A.M. Vasilevsky with honor passed the most difficult military leadership exam and showed his full potential as a military strategist on a large scale, as well as excellent organizational skills.
All the commanders of the front, and these were highly experienced generals, such as N.I. Krylov, I.I. Lyudnikov, K.N. Galitsky, A.P. Beloborodov, unanimously declared that the level of leadership ... was beyond praise.
In the opening remarks, one should note the importance of the topic, emphasize the role of generals and military leaders in the war, and show their close connection with the soldier masses.
When considering the first question, taking into account the interests of the listeners, it is desirable to reveal the military talent of several military leaders of Imperial Russia, to show their best human qualities, to name the reasons for success in the most important battles and wars.
In the course of the disclosure of the second question, it is desirable to name the Soviet commanders of the Great Patriotic War and major military leaders of a kind of troops, to reveal their merits to the Fatherland, to show their close connection with the soldier masses and care for them.
At the end of the lesson, it is necessary to draw brief conclusions, answer questions from the audience, and give recommendations on how to prepare for the conversation (seminar).
1. Alekseev Yu. Field Marshal Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky // Landmark; - 2000. No. 1.
2. Alekseev Yu. Generalissimo Alexander Vasilievich Suvorov // Landmark. - 2000. No. 6.
5. Rubtsov, Yu. Georgy Konstantinovich Zhukov, Orientir. - 2000. No. 4.
4. Rubtsov Yu. Konstantin Konstantinovich Rokossovsky // Orientir. -2000. No. 8.
5. Sokolov Yu. Outstanding Russian commanders through the eyes of contemporaries (IX - XVII centuries). - M, 2002.
Captain 1st rank reserve,
Candidate of Historical Sciences Alexey Shishov
What weapon is the most powerful? Nuclear! Or maybe space technologies or the latest defense systems come to the fore? Not! The most important weapon is people! The history of Russia is the courage, honor and courage of our commanders. Ingenuity and competent tactics, that's what distinguishes the heroes below. So 30 great commanders in the entire history of Russia 1. Prince Oleg (Prophetic Oleg)
Prince of Novgorod (since 879) and Kyiv (since 882), unifier of Ancient Russia. He expanded its borders, dealt the first blow to the Khazar Khaganate, concluded agreements with the Greeks that were beneficial for Russia. The legendary commander, about whom Pushkin wrote: "Your name is glorified by victory: Your shield is on the gates of Constantinople." 2. Svyatoslav prince 942 - 972
Prince of Novgorod, Grand Duke of Kyiv from 945 to 972. The famous ancient Russian commander went down in history as a prince-warrior. Karamzin called him the Russian Alexander Makednosky. Having lived only about 30 years, the last 8 of them Svyatoslav personally led squads on campaigns. And invariably smashed stronger opponents or reached a profitable peace with them. Killed in battle. 3. Monomakh Vladimir Vsevolodovich (1053 - 1125)
Prince of Rostov, Chernigov, Pereyaslav, Grand Duke of Kyiv (1113-1125), an outstanding ancient Russian statesman, military leader, writer, thinker. The best Russian commander of his time, Vladimir Monomakh won one victory after another on the battlefield. From the age of 13 to 25, he had already made 20 military campaigns - "great routes", in the words of Monomakh himself. In total, he will have 83 "great paths" in his life. His Greek nickname, inherited from the Byzantine emperor, translates as "Combatant". 4. Nevsky Alexander Yaroslavich (1221 - 1263)
Prince of Novgorod, Grand Duke of Kyiv, Grand Duke of Vladimir. An outstanding Russian commander and statesman. His victories in the Battle of the Neva and in the Battle of Lake Peipsi brought him posthumous fame, which surpassed the lifetime fame of the prince. The image of the holy prince Alexander Nevsky, the defender of the Orthodox faith, grew from century to century ... 5. Ivan III Vasilyevich January 22 (1440 - 1505)
The Grand Duke of Moscow from 1462 to 1505, also became known as the Sovereign, under him Moscow was freed from the Horde yoke. Ivan the Great himself did not personally lead a single operation or battle, but one can speak of him as the supreme commander in chief. And the results of the wars of the reign of Ivan III are the most successful in the entire history of Muscovite Russia. 6. Ivan IV the Terrible August 25 (1530 - 1584)
The reign of Ivan the Terrible (1547-1584) is one of the key moments in Russian history. It was during these years that the fragments of the Golden Horde - the Kazan and Astrakhan khanates - were finished, Russia achieved significant territorial expansion in the east, stepping over the Urals, starting the development of Siberia, in the west it entered the struggle for access to the Baltic, along the way, putting an end to another age-old enemy - Livonian order. In military terms, these were perhaps the most intense years of Russian history. All this creates a temptation to recognize as a major military leader the sovereign under whom all this happened - Ivan IV the Terrible. Such characteristics are quite common in the literature. To evaluate them, one should consider those events of Russian military history of the 16th century in which Ivan the Terrible personally participated. 7. Pozharsky Dmitry Mikhailovich (1577 - 1642)
Prince Dmitry (baptismal name - Kosma) Pozharsky is a national hero of Russia. Military and political figure, head of the Second People's Militia, which liberated Moscow during the Time of Troubles. When the foundations of the state staggered, the governor invariably demonstrated loyalty to his duty and his principles: to serve only the motherland and the legitimate monarch - and not to catch a chance. At that confused time, the clarity of his position attracted people, making Pozharsky a people's leader. 8. Apraksin Fedor Matveyevich (1661 - 1728)
One of the creators of the Russian fleet, an associate of Peter I, Admiral General, the first president of the Admiralty Board. On land, Apraksin defended St. Petersburg from the Swedish army, which the Swedes were going to raze to the ground, and at sea inflicted a decisive defeat on them in the skerries at Gangut. 9. Peter I the Great (1672 - 1725)
“Peter attracts our attention first of all as a diplomat, as a warrior, as an organizer of the victory,” Academician E. Tarle said about him. Peter the Great created a new regular Russian army and navy, defeated the Swedes and "cut a window" to Europe. From the reign of Peter begins a new - imperial - period of our history. The entire course of the 21-year war with Sweden was determined by the will and instructions of Tsar Peter. All campaigns and battles took place with his detailed instructions and under his guiding hand. And often - with his direct participation. 10. Golitsyn Mikhail Mikhailovich (1675 - 1730)
Russian commander, field marshal general, ally of Peter I, participant and hero of the Northern War. Perhaps the best Russian military leader of the Petrine era. “The winners are not judged,” Peter said of him after Golitsyn disobeyed his order to retreat and took impregnable Noteburg. “I, as I began to serve, such fire and decent action from our soldiers have not heard or seen,” the king said about his other battle ... And for the naval victory at Grengam, he was awarded a sword studded with diamonds. 11. Minich Christopher Antonovich (1683 - 1767)
He earned himself the fame of an invincible field marshal, the successor of the work of Peter the Great. Under his command, the Russian army invaded the Crimea for the first time and took the capital of the Khanate, Bakhchisaray. It was he who laid the foundation for the victorious wars between Russia and the Porte, opening a new page of Russian military glory. The most active military leader during the reign of Anna Ioannovna, statesman, engineer. 12. Spiridov Grigory Andreevich (1713 - 1790)
Outstanding Russian naval commander, full admiral (1769). A long naval career led the admiral to the Mediterranean - to his main battle of Chesme. Then, during one night, the Turks lost 63 ships in the Chesme Bay - linear, caravels, galleys, galliots. Turkish losses amounted to more than 10,000 people. The losses of the Russian united squadron amounted to 11 people: 8 - on the battleship "Europe", 3 - on the battleship "Do not touch me." 13. Rumyantsev Petr Alexandrovich (1725 - 1796)
Russian military and statesman, count, who ruled Little Russia for many years. Member of the Seven Years' War, commander of Russian troops in the wars with Turkey under Catherine II, hero of the battles at Larga and Cahul, was awarded the title of "Transdanubian". Field Marshal General (1770). Brilliantly demonstrated in the landmark battles of the Seven Years and two Russian-Turkish wars the effectiveness of the principles of offensive strategy and tactics formulated by him. Count Pyotr Alexandrovich is also rightfully considered the founder of the Russian military doctrine. 14. Suvorov Alexander Vasilyevich (1729 - 1800)
Count Rymniksky (1789), Prince of Italy (1799). Generalissimo (1799). Great Russian commander and military theorist. The military genius of Suvorov is reflected in the chased wording: "he did not lose a single battle, and all of them were won with the numerical superiority of the enemy." A bright man in all respects, he became famous among his contemporaries not only for his victories, but also for his eccentricity or, as they said then, eccentricities. For us, the descendants, the lessons of Suvorov are his entire military path, from Berlin and Warsaw to Izmail and Ochakov, from the Volga to the Alps. 15. Potemkin Grigory Alexandrovich (1739 - 1791)
G.A. Potemkin-Tavrichesky - an outstanding Russian statesman and military leader, His Serene Highness Prince, organizer of New Russia, founder of cities, favorite of Catherine II, Field Marshal General. The great Suvorov wrote about his commander Potemkin in 1789: "He is an honest man, he is a kind man, he is a great man: my happiness is to die for him." 16. Ushakov Fedor Fedorovich (1744 - 1817)
Great Russian naval commander, admiral, commander of the Black Sea Fleet. He did not know defeat in naval battles. Already in our days, the Russian Orthodox Church has ranked him among the church-wide saints in the ranks of the righteous. 17. Kutuzov Mikhail Illarionovich (1745 - 1813)
Great Russian commander. Count, Most Serene Prince of Smolensk. Field Marshal General. Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Army during the Patriotic War of 1812. His life was spent in battles. Personal courage brought him not only many awards, but also two wounds to the head - both were considered fatal. The fact that he survived both times and returned to duty seemed like a sign: Golenishchev-Kutuzov was destined for something great. The answer to the expectations of contemporaries was the victory over Napoleon, the glorification of which by descendants elevated the figure of the commander to epic proportions. 18. Bagration Pyotr Ivanovich (1765 - 1812)
"The Lion of the Russian Army", the hero of 1812. At the turning points of the battle, General Pyotr Ivanovich Bagration, sometimes dismounting, went on the attack or to the battle line ... During his entire military career, Bagration did not suffer a single defeat. 19. Pavel Stepanovich Nakhimov (1802 - 1855)
Russian admiral, hero of the defense of Sevastopol in 1854-1855, who occupies an exceptional place among the remarkable Russian naval commanders as one of the brightest representatives of the school of Russian military art. Nakhimov saw in the service in the Navy the only meaning and purpose of his life. 20. Kornilov Vladimir Alekseevich (1806 - 1854)
The famous naval commander, vice-admiral of the Russian fleet, hero and head of defense of Sevastopol in the Crimean War. Kornilov died during the first bombardment, but his short emotional order remained with the defenders of the city of Russian glory: “We are defending Sevastopol. Surrender is out of the question. There will be no retreat. Whoever orders to retreat, stab him." 21. Skobelev Mikhail Dmitrievich (1843 - 1882)
“Convince the soldiers in practice that you are paternally caring about them outside the battle, that in battle there is strength, and nothing will be impossible for you,” said Skobelev. And with this conviction he won in Central Asia and the Balkans. The conqueror of Khiva and the liberator of Bulgaria, he went down in history under the name of the "white general". 22. Brusilov Alexey Alekseevich (1853 - 1926)
Russian and Soviet military leader, World War I hero, cavalry general. After the revolution, he went over to the side of the Soviet government. It was this person who was most often remembered in Soviet times and is remembered now when it comes to the history of the First World War. One of the brightest operations of this period, the Brusilovsky Breakthrough of 1916, was named after the general. 23. Denikin Anton Ivanovich (1872 - 1947)
