Who is Menshikov a.d. “Without such an assistant Peter would not have become Great”: what role did Alexander Menshikov play in the history of Russia
Years of life: 1673-1729
Menshikov Alexander Danilovich - an associate of Peter I, a prominent statesman and military figure of the era. He was the closest ally of Peter I. After his death, he helped Catherine I ascend the throne, under whom he was the de facto ruler of the country. Menshikov's life ended sadly - he was removed under Peter II, accused of treason, and together with his family he was sent into exile, to Berezov, to Siberia. Starting life as the son of a court groom, rising to the heights political power Having reached the highest ranks - count (1702), his serene prince (1707), generalissimo (1727), at the end of his life he again became unknown among his contemporaries. However, people remember Menshikov and honor his deeds. In the memory of the Russian people, Menshikov will remain the greatest associate of Peter I.
What are the areas of activity of Menshikov A.D. and its results?
In domestic policy main activity Menshikova A.D. was involved in public administration country. During his life, he held the most important and responsible positions in the state. He was the first Governor-General of St. Petersburg, supervised the construction of shipyards and cannon factories. Despite the complexity of his character, his temper, arrogance, and desire to enrich himself, sometimes through embezzlement, Peter I greatly valued him for his intelligence, hard work, and diligence. Menshikov held all government posts right hand Tsar Peter I, under Catherine I, the first among the “supreme rulers”.
The result of this activity Menshikova A.D. made a significant contribution to the development of the country, supporting the transformations of Peter I, strengthening the economic and military power of the country. However, one cannot fail to note the greed and desire for luxury. He was one of richest people time, had several palaces, estates, and numerous serfs. For him personally, this is also the result of his activities, although it ended in failure - in Siberian exile and deprivation of all honors and titles.
In foreign policy it should be noted next area of activity: Menshikov participated in almost all the most important military events in Russia, he was the tsar’s right hand. These are the Azov campaigns of 1695-1996, and the Great Embassy (1697-1698), the purpose of which was to find allies in the fight against Sweden, during Northern War(1700-1725) Menshikov’s military leadership talent manifested itself. He commanded infantry and cavalry and showed fearlessness during battles. During the Battle of Poltava (June 27, 1709), commanding the left flank, Menshikov practically predetermined the course of the battle, defeating Ross’s troops. For 7 years he was president of the military college.
The result of this activity became the greatest victories Russian army, expansion of the territory of Russia, increasing the international authority of the country. Menshikov is one of those leaders of the country who, together with Peter I, forged the strength and power of the state. It is no coincidence that in 1727 he was awarded the honorary highest military rank - generalissimo.
Thus, the name of Alexander Danilovich Menshikov stands among the bright personalities of the late 17th and first quarter of the 18th centuries, associates of Peter I who increased the glory of Russia, “Petrov’s chicks” - Sheremetev B., Tolstoy P., Makarov A.
Material prepared by: Melnikova Vera Aleksandrovna
Reliable information about the origin Menshikova no (the exact dates of birth given in most reference books, most often November 6, 1673 according to the old style, are also not exactly confirmed by documents). During his lifetime, there were semi-official versions that his father belonged to the Lithuanian nobility and, having been captured by the Russians, served first the Tsar, and then, who made him a court groom. It was also alleged that Menshikov’s father participated in uncovering the conspiracy of F. L. Shaklovity. According to another version, the Menshikov family was even more ancient and its ancestors came to Rus' along with Rurik. However, contemporaries no longer doubted his “vile” origin. The most reliable statement is that Menshikov’s father had a small shop selling pies, which his son distributed. It is also possible that Danila Menshikov really served in the royal stables, and assigned his son to the pie maker. Such an origin, as well as Menshikov’s occupation in childhood, excluded the possibility of him receiving an education: he knew how to sign, but could hardly write. It is also unknown whether he could read. However, there is no doubt that Menshikov was a capable man, had a sharp mind and strong memory, proved himself to be a talented administrator and a brave military man. His career began with joining Peter's amusement company, and soon he became the Tsar's orderly. In this capacity, he apparently took part in the events of 1689 related to the removal of the princess from power, traveled with the tsar to Pereslavl-Zalessky and Arkhangelsk, and participated in the Azov campaigns. In 1697-98, Menshikov took part in the Great Embassy as a volunteer, worked with the Tsar at the Saardam shipyard, and attended diplomatic ceremonies.
The beginning of the rise and peak of Menshikov’s military career
Upon returning to Russia Menshikov took an active part in the investigation Streltsy revolt and later boasted that he had cut off the heads of 20 archers. By this time, he had become the tsar’s confidant, accompanied him everywhere, and was involved in organizing Peter’s life. In 1700 he received the first land grant, by 1702 he already had the position of chamberlain of Tsarevich Alexei Petrovich, and in the fall of the same year he distinguished himself during the capture of Noteburg (Shlisselburg) and was appointed commandant of the fortress with instructions to create metallurgical plants in Karelia and find a place to found a shipyard in Baltic, which Menshikov successfully dealt with. For his participation in the battle with the squadron of Admiral Numers in May 1703, in which he commanded one of two detachments, Menshikov was awarded the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called, and after the founding of St. Petersburg he became the first governor future capital. Under his leadership, the construction of the city was carried out. In 1704, Menshikov distinguished himself during the capture of Narva, successfully defended St. Petersburg, for which he was awarded the rank of lieutenant general. In 1705 he commanded the Russian cavalry in Poland and was awarded the Order of the White Eagle by the Polish king; in 1706 he received the title of Prince of the Holy Roman Empire. Later, Menshikov won the Battle of Kalisz, participated in the battles of Dobroy and Lesnaya, captured Mazepa Baturin’s headquarters, commanded the cavalry in the Battle of Poltava, and accepted the surrender of the Swedes at Perevolochnaya. At the end of the military campaign of 1709, Menshikov was awarded the rank of field marshal and huge land holdings, becoming one of the richest people in Russia. In 1712-13, Menshikov commanded Russian troops in Pomerania and led the capture of Stettin. In subsequent years, he did not take part in hostilities due to deteriorating health (chronic lung disease).
Menshikov’s personal qualities and relationship with the Tsar
In all positions to which he was appointed, Menshikov proved himself to be a talented, energetic, proactive, courageous and persistent person. He carried out the king's orders exactly and proved himself to be his loyal and staunch supporter. In the Tsar's entourage, Menshikov was the person closest to him; Peter's letters to him were particularly cordial. There is speculation that there was an intimate relationship between them. Menshikov's closeness to the tsar intensified after 1702, when he introduced Peter to Martha Skavronskaya, who later became the empress and defended his interests before the tsar. Having received all possible awards and titles from the tsar, Menshikov was distinguished by his exorbitant vanity and greed. He did not miss a single opportunity for personal enrichment, and did not disdain bribes and embezzlement. In relations with his subordinates, Menshikov was harsh and arrogant. Thus, it is believed that it was his careless behavior that provoked the Ukrainian Hetman Mazepa to betray him. Beginning in 1711, the tsar began to receive information about Menshikov’s abuses, but this began to affect their relationship only a few years later. The prince remained one of Peter's closest collaborators: in 1718 he took part in the investigation and trial of Tsarevich Alexei, and was the tutor of Tsarevich Peter Petrovich. But back in 1714, Menshikov was one of the defendants in the case of abuse of various contracts and a fine of approximately one and a half million rubles was imposed on him. In 1717, the so-called Pochep case began, connected with the accusation of Menshikov in seizing foreign lands and enslaving the Ukrainian Cossacks, which became the subject of proceedings in the Senate and special commissions and undermined the credit of his trust with the tsar. However, things did not come to a complete break: Peter was lenient towards the misdeeds of his favorite and in 1720 made him president of the Military Collegium. However, the investigation of Menshikov continued until the death of the king.
Menshikov After the death of Peter I
Several years after the death of his patron became for Menshikov a time of rise to the heights of power and a rapid fall. In January 1725, he took an active part in deciding the fate of the throne and, in fact, it was through his efforts that the throne was elevated. From that moment on, he became virtually the first person in the state, initiated the creation of the Supreme Privy Council and became its de facto leader. Menshikov regained the position of President of the Military Collegium, lost in 1723, laid claim to the throne of the Duke of Courland and was going to marry his daughter to Tsarevich Peter Alekseevich, for which in May 1727 he obtained from the dying empress the signing of a will in his favor, as well as the arrest of opponents of this plan - A. I. Diviera, P. A. Tolstoy and their like-minded people. Upon his accession to the throne, Menshikov was promoted to generalissimo and full admiral, and the emperor’s engagement to Maria Menshikova was announced. However, he soon fell ill and lost control over the emperor, who was burdened by the tutelage of his future father-in-law; besides, the emperor liked his aunt Elizabeth, and Maria herself was also in love with someone else. Representatives of the old aristocratic families with whom Menshikov tried to reconcile, the Golitsyns and Dolgorukys, took advantage of the situation. In September 1727 Menshikov was first announced house arrest, and then exile to Ranenburg, but soon a new investigation was carried out on him and in the spring of 1728, deprived of all ranks and property, accompanied by only a few servants, he was exiled to Berezov. Here, in Menshikov’s arms, his daughter died, and soon he himself died.
Alexander Danilovich Menshikov(1673-1729) - an outstanding Russian statesman and military figure, favorite and associate of Peter I the Great.
Alexander Danilovich Menshikov was born on November 6, 1673 into a family that did not have a noble position. Alexander's father was, as contemporaries testify, either a court groom or an ordinary peasant. It was he who sent his son to study with a pie maker in Moscow.
In 1686, Menshikov became a servant of F. Lefort, soon Peter I drew attention to him. Alexander Danilovich was part of the Great Embassy; distinguished himself by bravery in the battles of the Northern War. Since 1719 A.D. Menshikov was appointed head of the Military Collegium. Alexander Danilovich’s responsibilities also included guardianship of the children of Peter I when he was outside the country.
Menshikov was an influential person under Catherine I - he headed the Privy Council and had the right to report personally to the Empress. After her death, he wanted to regency under the young Peter II, but illness prevented Alexander Danilovich from realizing his plans - Menshikov lost influence on Peter Alekseevich. In 1727, Menshikov was sent into exile. Alexander Danilovich died on November 12, 1729.
Menshikov was an illiterate man. Be that as it may, contemporaries of Alexander Danilovich stated that Menshikov throughout his life could not read and write. This version is supported by many documents, and to be more precise, the absence of documents written in A.D. Menshikov’s own hand.
One can only wonder how such a poorly educated person could own several foreign languages. And in Alexander Danilovich’s “Yurnal” (diary) there are quite a lot of entries and notes related to the fact that Menshikov became acquainted with the contents of some papers. In addition, the prince had a huge library for those times. Her inventory has survived to this day.
Also of interest is the fact that in 1714, Alexander Danilovich Menshikov was the first Russian to become a member of a foreign academy: the Royal Society of London. The reason for accepting A.D. into its composition. Menshikov appeared to distribute to them " good books and sciences.” Isaac Newton himself called the prince a man of “the greatest enlightenment,” which also refutes the generally accepted opinion about Menshikov’s illiteracy.
Menshikov made his way to the rank of nobleman purely by accident. In many ways, the beginning of Alexander Danilovich’s career was helped by the event of 1686, when Menshikov was taken into the service of Franz Lefort - at that time already an influential person under Peter I. Menshikov was in his service and was noticed by Peter I.
Menshikov - orderly of Peter I. Immediately after Peter I noted the young Menshikov, he appointed him as his orderly. Presumably (there is no exact data on this matter), Alexander Danilovich participated in the struggle of Peter I with Sophia (1689), as well as in the Azov campaigns. The name is A.D. Menshikov was first found in official papers (in the correspondence of Peter I) only in 1694.
Menshikov became part of the Grand Embassy. In 1697, he, among the members of the Great Embassy, went outside the Russian Empire. He was considered a volunteer who wanted to learn shipbuilding. Together with Peter I, Alexander Danilovich, having worked in Dutch shipyards, fully mastered the specialty of a ship carpenter, and then - already in England - he learned artillery and fortification.
Menshikov always strived to be close to the Tsar. Alexander Danilovich personally participated in the suppression of the Streltsy uprising. Menshikov even boasted about his active participation in this matter - after all, he personally cut off the heads of 20 archers. After returning from the Grand Embassy, Menshikov tried to help the Tsar implement any of his undertakings.
From the very beginning of the Northern War, Menshikov showed himself excellently. The year the Northern War began was 1700, and already in 1702 Menshikov was appointed commandant of the newly conquered Noteburg fortress. Alexander Danilovich supported Peter I with all his might in his aspirations to create his own Russian fleet. In this regard, Menshikov developed active work on the construction of the Olonets shipyard. For displaying courage and initiative in battles, Alexander Danilovich was awarded the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called. On beginning of XVIII century, this order was the highest award in the Russian Empire.
Peter I trusted A.D. Menshikov receives the most important assignments. Among them was the management of the acquired territories, as well as the construction of St. Petersburg, which from 1703 became the capital of the Russian Empire. Over the years, the tsar became so accustomed to Menshikov that he could no longer do without Alexander Danilovich, who became an indispensable friend for him. In addition, it was at Menshikov’s that Peter I first saw the maid Martha Savronskaya, who had been captured by the Russians, who later became Empress Catherine I. She also contributed to the advancement of Alexander Danilovich up the career ladder.
Menshikov had a passion for acquiring new wealth. Peter I in every possible way encouraged the activities of his favorite. Alexander Danilovich received more and more ranks, gifts, awards, which came to him, however, not only from the Russian Tsar, but also from the top officials of other countries. For example, the Polish King Augustus presented D.A. Menshikov Order of the White Eagle.
Menshikov was also awarded military laurels. Alexander Danilovich really deserved them. For example, on October 18, 1706, thanks to the energy of Menshikov’s actions, Russian and Polish troops defeated the Swedish in the Battle of Kalisz. Alexander Danilovich at the peak of the battle took the most direct participation and was even slightly wounded. Peter I granted his friend and favorite a cane studded with diamonds and a personal coat of arms.
Another feat of Menshikov dates back to 1708, when on August 30 he again personally rushed into battle; With the help of trusted troops, Russia secured victory near the village of Dobroye, and on September 28 of the same year, Menshikov distinguished himself in the battle of the village of Lesnoy.
In the absence of Peter I during Mazepa's betrayal, Menshikov, taking the initiative into his own hands, actually became the head of the entire Russian army and captured the city of Baturin, abandoned by the traitor.
During the Battle of Poltava near Menshikov, three horses were killed. On June 27, 1709, Alexander Danilovich’s cavalry defeated the Swedes’ cavalry; on this day, indeed, three horses were killed near Menshikov. Menshikov pursued the Swedes who had fled at the head of the Russian troops. For his bravery in the Battle of Poltava, Alexander Danilovich Menshikov was awarded the rank of field marshal; his position under the tsar became so strong that no intrigues against Menshikov shook Peter I’s faith in him. During these years, Menshikov was the second most important person in the state - to him Peter I entrusted all matters when he left the borders of the Russian Empire.
Menshikov - commander-in-chief of Russian troops in Pomerania. It was Alexander Danilovich who was chosen by Peter I to fulfill this position. Menshikov justified the tsar's choice with all responsibility. In 1713, the Swedish garrisons of the fortresses of Stettin and Tonningen were forced to surrender under pressure from troops allied to the Russian Empire.
Menshikov is a good diplomat. But Alexander Danilovich did not succeed in diplomatic skills. So necessary for Russia good relationship with the allies were not retained by Menshikov. After the incident with the Stettin fortress, when A.D. Menshikov was supposed to transfer it to Denmark, but for a high fee he gave it to Prussia (which, naturally, caused the discontent of the Danish king); Peter I no longer trusted his favorite in important diplomatic negotiations.
The siege of Stettin turned out to be the last military action of A.D. Menshikov. The reason for this was not Menshikov’s loss of his military skills, but serious health problems. Alexander Danilovich's attacks of lung disease became more frequent, which did not give Menshikov the opportunity for a long time live in conditions of camp life. Since 1713, he lived permanently in his palace on Vasilyevsky Island in St. Petersburg. His main task was to manage the St. Petersburg province - Menshikov was appointed its head. His responsibilities included managing construction, economics, and solving military and civil issues. Alexander Danilovich took part in meetings of the Senate, always remembered the affairs of the fleet - Menshikov was personally present at the launching of each new ship. And in 1719, the prince also became the head of the Military Collegium.
Menshikov is the guardian of the royal children. During the absence of Peter I, he was responsible for the royal children; Menshikov visited the palace for several hours every day, after which he provided information about his children in letters to the tsar in great detail. Alexander Danilovich took a very active part in resolving the issue of the future fate of the eldest son of Peter I - Tsarevich Alexei Petrovich. The latter openly expressed dissatisfaction with the reforms carried out by his father. Alexei even planned to seize power, and for this purpose he hatched a conspiracy. Menshikov was a member of the investigative commission on the “case” of the prince, conducted interrogations and was even personally present during the torture. It is surprising that Menshikov was listed first on the list of those who signed Alexei’s death warrant.
Menshikov had many enemies. They harmed the name of Alexander Danilovich in every possible way. A wide variety of denunciations with accusations of embezzlement, fraud, etc. filled the capital. In many cases, they were, in principle, truthful, but Peter I turned a blind eye to them, because he believed that even if his favorite was guilty of something similar, then Menshikov had already atoned for his guilt with his merits. Menshikov was supported by Ekaterina and others close to the court. However, Alexander Danilovich’s passion for new awards and the harassment of new awards did their job: the cold attitude and irritability on the part of the tsar happened quite often.
Under Catherine I, Menshikov's position strengthened. After all, it was Alexander Danilovich who stood at the head of the guard, which gave Catherine the opportunity to rule the country. Menshikov became the head of the Privy Council, which, however, was created by him. He could unhinderedly enter Catherine I for a report. And the empress, in turn, did not forget to thank Menshikov. She granted him the city of Baturin - the same one that Alexander Danilovich literally begged from Peter I, but to no avail... Catherine I forgot about all Menshikov’s debts.
Menshikov's daughter Maria was engaged to Peter II. To achieve this goal, Alexander Nikolaevich needed Peter Alekseevich (the son of Tsarevich Alexei) to ascend the throne. True, this could well have been prevented by those dignitaries who at one time signed the death warrant for the son of Peter I, but besides this they were also afraid of the omnipotence of Menshikov himself. Through the efforts of Alexander Danilovich, all these people were exiled in 1727 with the loss of all their ranks - Menshikov agreed on this with Catherine I. The empress herself died on May 6, 1797. On May 23 of the same year, the engagement of A.D. Menshikov’s daughter (she was 16 years old) to Pyotr Alekseevich (he was only 12 years old at that time) took place.
Menshikov - Generalissimo. Since the death of Catherine I, Alexander Danilovich dreamed of a regency over the minor Peter. However, this did not materialize. Menshikov only managed to receive the rank of generalissimo and compose an extensive biography for further achievements, but illness seriously interfered with Menshikov’s plans. Alexander Danilovich lost influence over Pyotr Alekseevich, which was gained by Menshikov’s longtime enemy, Dolgoruky. He managed to get a decree from Peter to exile Menshikov.
Menshikov was exiled to Berezov. But not right away. First, a decree was issued about the exile of Alexander Danilovich to Rannenburg (1727), which was accompanied by the deprivation of Menshikov of all ranks and acquired property. Here Menshikov was interrogated, accused of treason. But no confession was received. In April 1728, the former favorite was sent to the distant Siberian city of Berezov. Fate dealt Menshikov two serious blows: his faithful wife died on the way to exile, and in Berezovo itself his eldest daughter died (from smallpox).
The Siberian exile did not break Menshikov’s spirit. Contemporaries spoke of Alexander Danilovich’s courageous acceptance of the conditions that fate gave him. He calmly exchanged expensive outfits for simple clothes. Menshikov told one officer (who, by the way, did not recognize his former boss) that he was destined to return to the state in which he spent his childhood. On November 12, 1729, Alexander Danilovich Menshikov died, leaving a huge contribution to the history of Russia.
Alexander Danilovich Menshikov was born in 1673. He was the son of a court groom and became famous during the reign of Peter I. In his hectic life he successfully coped with the duties of senator, field marshal, generalissimo, president of the Military College and governor.
Common sense replaced education for him, although Menshikov himself personally valued knowledge and education very highly. It is no coincidence that on October 25, 1714, Newton notified him of his election as a member of the Royal Scientific Society.
The future generalissimo was the tsar's favorite for a long time, but it was possible to earn the affection and friendship of Peter I only with qualities that few possess - inexhaustible energy, complete dedication to the transformation of Russia, selfless courage, and a willingness to sacrifice life for the successful fulfillment of the tsar's commission.
Menshikov's military career
In 1691, Tsar Peter, having met Menshikov, who was then selling pies from a tray, enrolled him in his amusing company, appointing him as his orderly.
In 1695-1696, A.D. Menshikov, together with Peter I, went on the Azov campaigns, where he acquired real commanding skills. In 1697, together with Peter, he went to study the science of shipbuilding; they visited the shipyards of Holland and England. In addition to training, he continued to serve as an orderly under Peter I.
In 1700, the Northern War, which was quite debilitating for Russia, began. In the spring of 1702, Menshikov and Peter I went to Arkhangelsk, and in the fall they took part in the siege of Noteburg.
In 1703, Peter appointed Menshikov governor of St. Petersburg. The governor immediately set about strengthening the city from attack from the sea, and already in the summer of 1704 he repelled a Swedish attack on St. Petersburg, and later on Kronstadt. The reward for this is the rank of lieutenant general.
By that time the Swedish king Charles XII moved his actions to Poland, which had entered into an alliance with Russia. This alliance was beneficial to both sides: the Polish king hoped to retain the crown with the help of Russia, and the Russian tsar, together with his ally, hoped to defeat the army of Charles XII.
In the winter of 1706, the pugnacious Charles XII made a rapid march, swedish army approached Grodno. The forty-thousand-strong group of the Russian army located here was surrounded, and Peter instructed Menshikov to lead it out of the ring. Menshikov excellently organized the retreat. Charles XII tried to catch up with the retreating Russian troops and force a battle that was advantageous for himself, but failed to do so.
An angry Charles marched his army into Saxony and tried to force the Polish king Augustus II to abdicate the throne in favor of his ally Stanislaw Leszczynski. Peter sent the II cavalry corps under the command of Menshikov to the aid of Augustus.
Having united with Polish and Saxon troops, Lieutenant General Menshikov defeated the Swedes at Kilisch. But this victory, unfortunately, did not decide the outcome of the campaign as a whole. Due to the betrayal of Augustus II, Russian troops were forced to retreat to Lvov winter quarters. The burden of the Northern War now fell entirely on Russia's shoulders.
At the beginning of 1708, the troops of Charles XII again moved towards Russia. To stop the advance of the Swedes, Menshikov had to show not only all his skill, but also considerable personal bravery and courage. In the battle near the village of Lesnoye on September 28, 1708, for example, when the outcome of the battle threatened defeat, Menshikov himself, at the head of the cavalry, rushed into the attack and ensured victory.
A month later, Menshikov tried to invite the Ukrainian hetman Mazepa to a military council to discuss joint actions against the Swedes. He evaded in every possible way, and Menshikov suspected Mazepa of treason. In the end, he turned out to be right - the Ukrainian hetman went over to the side of the Swedes. Meanwhile, Charles XII besieged Poltava. In the summer of 1709, a battle took place here that turned the tide of the war in favor of Russia. In the Battle of Poltava, Lieutenant General Menshikov also played a significant role, earning the rank of second field marshal here (the first was Sheremetev).
In April 1710, Menshikov, already in the Baltic states, took a number of Swedish fortresses in Estland and Livonia. Returning from this war, he supervised the construction of the Admiralty, Summer and Winter Palaces, Shlisselburg, Kronstadt and Peterhof in St. Petersburg.
The last military operation in which Menshikov participated together with Peter I was the siege of Friedrichstadt. Having surrendered this fortress, the Swedes settled in Tonningen. Peter, satisfied with the capture of Friedrichstadt, left for Russia, instructing Menshikov to take Tonningen. Menshikov successfully blocked the fortress both from land and sea. The quickly starving Swedish garrison soon surrendered.
Appointment as Generalissimo
After this war, Menshikov returned to economic activity. In this field, the resourcefulness of the “most serene prince” had no limits. He did everything to enrich himself, not disdaining embezzlement. Peter I was more than once forced to “teach” his favorite with a baton.
In the end, the Secret Chancellery of Prince V.V. Dolgoruky, a longtime enemy of the “upstart” Menshikov, revealed the machinations of the “most illustrious one.” The case was brought to court, and Menshikov had to return considerable money for those times - twenty thousand rubles - to the state treasury. Menshikov fell out of favor, and only the Tsar’s wife, Catherine I, put an end to numerous intrigues against him.
But the “most serene prince” continued to “bury himself” even after the death of Peter I. Now he had a crazy idea - to become related to the reigning dynasty. He achieved the betrothal of his daughter Maria to the heir to the throne, Peter II, the grandson of Peter the Great. The engagement took place on March 13, 1726.
Now the rank of field marshal was not enough for Menshikov; he wanted to become a generalissimo. And one day at a reception, Peter II, as advisor to the Saxon Elector Lefort later recalled, grinned and declared to everyone present: “I destroyed the field marshal!” These words perplexed everyone, and Menshikov was completely at a loss, not knowing how to react to such words. Then the pleased Peter II showed the paper he had signed - Menshikov was appointed generalissimo.
Last years of life
Soon after this joyful event for him, Menshikov fell seriously ill. While he was lying in bed, opponents of the “most illustrious”, who hated Peter’s reforms, became more active, and Peter II came under the strong influence of Prince Dolgoruky, who boasted of his origins. Previously inseparable from Menshikov, Peter II began to avoid the Generalissimo in every possible way.
By decree of Peter II of September 9, 1727, “His Majesty Menshikov is prohibited from leaving the palace,” and soon followed by a decree on the expulsion of Menshikov, depriving him of all ranks and awards.
Together with the former “Illustrious Prince”, his entire family went to lifelong exile in Berezov. On the way, his wife Daria Mikhailovna, whom Menshikov truly adored, died. And this loss, presumably, aggravated Menshikov’s experiences. He died on November 12, 1729. The former generalissimo was buried without cannon fire or solemn ceremonies.
On October 25, 1714, Alexander Danilovich Menshikov was elected a member of the Royal Society of London. For all his ranks, Menshikov was a controversial figure. We remembered 7 interesting facts about an outstanding statesman.
Menshikov was a member of the Royal Society
Menshikov became the first Russian member of the Royal Society of London. However, there is no need to talk about his contribution to science. The decision to be elected was primarily of a political nature. It seems that the members of the Royal Society did not dare to refuse “The most powerful and honorable ruler, Mr. Alexander Menshikov, the Roman and Russian empires Prince, Ruler of Oranienburg, first in the Councils of the Tsar's Majesty, Marshal, Governor of the conquered regions, Knight of the Order of the Elephant and the Supreme Order of the Black Eagle, etc.,” who personally wrote to Newton with a request for election. Moreover, such a high-ranking official could support the scientists financially. Perhaps precisely because Menshikov was aware of the modesty of his scientific achievements, he never added these three words to his magnificent title: member of the Royal Society.
Menshikov was illiterate
In our time, when politicians and public figures are regularly caught plagiarizing, and a doctor of historical sciences, who has no idea about the methods of working with sources, is, through a criminal misunderstanding, appointed Minister of Culture, it is hardly surprising that the first Russian member of the Royal Society, Apparently, he could neither read nor write. About the illiteracy of the close associate the emperor testified as foreign diplomats, and courtiers, for example, the personal turner of Peter I Andrei Nartov.
And although many “patriotically”-minded historians have appeared (who understand patriotism very wrongly) who are trying to refute the idea of the illiteracy of His Serene Highness, their arguments are not yet convincing. Historian S.P. Luppov noted: “For many years of work in the archives on the funds of Peter’s time, we were not able to see a single document written by Menshikov, and we only encountered papers written by other persons and only signed by Menshikov’s uncertain hand.” However, the fact that Alexander Danilovich did not understand literacy does not at all negate his numerous merits in the public sphere.
Menshikov sold pies
The question of the origin of His Serene Highness still causes a lot of controversy. Menshikov himself persistently promoted the version that he came from the Lithuanian-Polish noble family of Menzhikov. He even obtained an official document from the congress of the Lithuanian gentry. However, later, not satisfied with this origin, Menshikov tried to substantiate his genealogy from the Varangians, close to the family of Rurik. The version about the noble origin of Peter's favorite raised doubts even during his lifetime.
There was a very popular idea among the people that the Most Serene Prince came from the lowest circles, and before being surrounded by the emperor he was a simple peddler of pies. The version about the pies is in particular confirmed by the evidence of the turner Nartov. The secretary of the Austrian embassy, Johann Korb, disparagingly called Menshikov “Alexashka” and noted that he was “raised to the top of an enviable power from the lowest fate among people.”
Menshikov was a corrupt official
They say that after the death of Lefort, Peter I mournfully remarked: “I have only one hand left, a thief, but a faithful one.” This is him about Menshikov. His Serene Highness was caught stealing more than once. He obtained his untold wealth in a completely ignoble way: illegally seizing lands, enslaving the Cossacks and outright robbing the treasury. Menshikov was charged with embezzling more than one and a half million rubles, and this at a time when the state's annual expenses were about 5 million. The prince was saved by his friendship with the king and the intercession of Catherine. Petitions filed on time noticeably reduced the amount of debt that had to be paid to Menshikov, who was convicted of theft. Peter could not hold his anger against his favorite for long. Everyone knew about the theft of Alexander Danilovich, but while the royal favor overshadowed him, nothing could be done.
Menshikov was an entrepreneur
Entrepreneurship is here main characteristic Prince Menshikov. And he showed it not only on the battlefield, in state affairs, court intrigues and godless embezzlement. Menshikov was an entrepreneur in the most modern and even positive value of this word: he was a businessman. The prince used every opportunity to make a profit. Not content with the standard quitrent, he organized numerous industries on his lands for processing agricultural products and mining minerals. Brick production, timber sawing, distilleries, salt and fisheries, a crystal factory - this is just an incomplete list of enterprises organized by Menshikov. He also created the first silk manufactory in Russia, modeled on the Parisian one. Why not a young, ambitious startup?
Menshikov was a builder
His Serene Highness was a builder in approximately the same sense as Yuri Mikhailovich Luzhkov was. Being the governor of Izhora land (today it is St. Petersburg and Leningrad region), Menshikov was responsible for the construction of Shlisselburg, Kronstadt, Peterhof and St. Petersburg. Naturally, such a position had the best possible influence on the business of a high-ranking official: in fact, he led the formation of the largest construction market Empire, ensuring steady demand for the products of its numerous enterprises.
Menshikov also worked in government food contracts. Prices, of course, were significantly inflated, and contracts were drawn up through dummies. As the investigation found, Menshikov’s net profit for supplying food to the state in 1712 exceeded 60%. The total damage from the prince's food contracting activities was estimated at 144,788 rubles. However, compared to the volume of direct embezzlement by Menshikov, these are mere pennies.
Menshikov was insatiable
It's no secret that Menshikov's ambitions had no limits. After the death of Peter, he brought Catherine to the throne and actually became the main person in the state. Menshikov intended to become related to the imperial family by betrothing his daughter to the grandson of Peter the Great. He even managed to capture his ambitions on state coins. In 1726, His Serene Highness decided to carry out a monetary reform by lowering the standard of the silver coin, which was supposed to bring additional profit from minting. In the future, it was planned to mint ten-kopeck coins from a cheap alloy of the “new invention.”
The new coins were distinguished by an unusual monogram, which consisted not only of the letter “I” (“Empress”) and the letter “E” (“Catherine”), but also included additional element- the letter “Y”, which had no justification in the name of the empress. The fact is that in conjunction with the letters “I” (the letters “I” and “E” were given in mirror image), "Y" gave "M", that is, "Menshikov". The coins, however, were of such poor quality that they were completely unsuitable for circulation and were quickly confiscated. And already in 1727, after the death of Catherine, Menshikov lost in the court struggle, was deprived of property, ranks and awards, and exiled to the Siberian city of Berezov, where he died two years later.
