How many generalissimos are there in history? How many generalissimos were there in Russia? Generals by God's Grace
Generalissimo is the highest rank a military officer can receive. The peculiarity is that it is often given not just for length of service or skillful leadership, but for special achievements before the Motherland. First of all, this statement is typical for the 20th century, when literally only a few people throughout the world received this title. Almost all generalissimos were distinguished by special qualities that were not available to every military man. We will consider a list of the most famous of them in this review.
Historical background
The term "generalissimo" is translated from Latin as "the most important in the army." Indeed, throughout the entire period of human civilization, there has never been a higher military rank.
This high rank was first bestowed in 1569 by the King of France, Charles IX, on his brother, who later succeeded him on the throne and became known to the world under the name of Henry III. True, then it was rather not a title, but an honorary title. And the eighteen-year-old youth that Henry was was unlikely to have seriously distinguished himself on the battlefield by that time.
This title was then assigned in various countries, often without any systematization. In some cases it was truly the highest military position, and in others it was just a title; some states awarded this rank for life, while others only for the duration of hostilities. So not all generalissimos of the late Middle Ages were associated with the army.
One of the most famous generalissimos of this period was great commander Holy Roman Empire Albrecht von Wallenstein, who became famous during (1618 - 1648).
What about in Russia?
In Russia, the rank of generalissimo was first officially awarded to voivode Alexander Sergeevich Shein by Tsar Peter I in 1696 after the second Azov campaign.
Then Duke Alexander Danilovich Menshikov was awarded this honorary title. True, he stayed there for only a few months, and then was stripped of his rank, falling out of favor. The father of Russian Emperor John VI, Anton Ulrich, did not hold the rank of generalissimo much longer, namely before the overthrow of his son. It followed in 1741.
But the most famous holder of the title of Generalissimo in Russia was the greatest commander, who more than once won victories over the Turks and the French, Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov (1730 - 1800). His famous Italian campaign is included in almost all textbooks on military strategy. Probably, the number of his victories would be the envy of all the generalissimos in the world. The list of Suvorov's achievements is truly impressive.
Generalissimos of the 19th century
The 19th century produced a galaxy of remarkable people awarded this title. Almost all the generalissimos of this period were major military leaders. The only exception is the Duke of Angoulême Louis, who nominally even managed to be the king of France for twenty minutes.
The rest were all commanders who showed themselves to be worthy generalissimos of the world. Their list is crowned by the famous winner of Bonaparte - the British Duke Arthur Wellesley Wellington. In addition, this title was received by such famous commanders as the Austrian Archduke Karl, Generalissimo of America Miguel Hidalgo, Prince Karl Philip zu Schwarzenberg, Napoleon's General Jean-Baptiste Jules Bernadotte, who was awarded the highest military rank, like the King of Sweden Karl XIV Johan, the Bavarian Prince Karl Philip von Werde.
But in the Russian Empire, despite the large number of worthy commanders, no one in the 19th century was awarded the title of generalissimo.
Great Generalissimos of the Last Century
The twentieth century brought two major global conflicts and many This led to the militarization of many countries in the world, in which often the highest leader held a civilian and military position at the same time. Almost all 20th century generalissimos were heads of state. These include such prominent figures as the leader of the Soviet Union Joseph Stalin, the President of the Republic of China Chiang Kai-shek, the dictator of Spain Francisco Franco, the head of the DPRK Kim Il Sung and others. Let's look at their biographies and learn in more detail how the great generalissimos of the world lived and did. Photos and biographies of these outstanding people are presented below.
Sun Yat-sen - the first generalissimo of the 20th century
Sun Yat-sen (1866 - 1925) - statesman, revolutionary and leader of the Republic of China. He was awarded this important title before other generalissimos of the 20th century world.
It was Sun Yat-sen who was at the origins of the founding of the revolutionary Chinese Kuomintang party. During the struggle for power after the revolution that overthrew the monarchy in the Middle Kingdom, a government was formed in the south of the country. Sun Yat-sen received the highest position there - Generalissimo of the Military Government of Nationalist China.
Until the end of his life, he fought for the unification of the country into a single democratic state, but his death in 1925 prevented this matter.
Chiang Kai-shek - President of the Republic of China
Probably the most famous Chinese generalissimo of the 20th century was Chiang Kai-shek (1887 - 1975).
This great commander and politician in 1933 took the helm of the Kuomintang party, which he actually led immediately after the death of Sun Yat-sen. It was he who insisted on the start of the Northern Expedition in 1926, which made it possible to significantly expand the borders of the Republic of China during the civil war. In 1928, Chiang Kai-shek became head of government.
In 1931, Japanese intervention in Manchuria began, and in 1927 open war broke out, in which Chiang Kai-shek took an active part. At the same time he was given the title of Generalissimo. After the victory of the Allied forces over Japan during World War II, a civil war began in China between supporters of the Kuomintang and the Communists led by Mao Zedong. Chiang Kai-shek, at the head of his troops, was defeated and had to retreat to Taiwan. There, the Kuomintang formed the government of the Republic of China. Chiang Kai-shek remained president of this partially recognized state until his death in 1975.
Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin (Dzhugashvili) (1878 - 1953) - an outstanding political figure, leader of the USSR. It was during his reign that the Soviet Union achieved a great victory over Nazi Germany. For this he was awarded the title of Generalissimo. This happened for the first time in Russian history since the time of Suvorov.
Following the victory of the October Revolution, Stalin found himself in the top leadership of the young state. After Lenin's death, he gained the upper hand in the struggle for power and in the second half of the 20s became virtually the sole leader of the Soviet Union.
The policies pursued by Stalin caused many conflicting opinions among historians due to their harshness, and sometimes cruelty, and mass repressions. And, nevertheless, significant results were achieved, since the USSR, from a country with a collapsed economy after the civil war, was rapidly turning into an industrial power.
Stalin and the Great Patriotic War
Immediately after Germany’s surprise attack on the territory of the USSR, it became clear that the Soviet army approached combat operations unprepared. The Reich soldiers were rapidly advancing, and our troops retreated deeper into the country, suffering huge human losses. The blame for the army's unpreparedness lies largely with Stalin.
But still, at the cost of incredible efforts, the Red Army managed to turn the tide of the Great Patriotic War, push the enemy beyond the country’s borders, and then take Berlin.
This was also the significant merit of Joseph Stalin as the head of state and Despite the failures of the first months of the war, he managed to take control of the situation and choose strategically the right decision in the organization of defense. For these services, Stalin was awarded the highest military rank- Generalissimo. This rank was assigned to him by decision of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR in June 1945. he skillfully combined with the activities of a state leader, as, indeed, other generalissimos of the world did during that period. The list of people awarded this high rank in our country is closed by Joseph Stalin.
Francisco Franco - dictator of Spain
Thus, in the 20th century, Franco stayed in power longer than all the generalissimos in the world. In total, he ruled, combining the highest government and military positions, for 36 years.
Kim Il Sung - founder of the DPRK
Kim Il Sung (1912 - 1994) - the first leader and founder of the DPRK. He spent less time in the highest military rank in the 20th century than all the generalissimos in the world - just over two years.
Kim Il Sung was born in Korea in 1912. His biography still causes a lot of controversy, although almost all the generalissimos of the world were shrouded in a certain mystery. During his revolutionary activities, Kim Il Sung often changed his names, although he was Kim Song Ju by birth.
In 1945, Kim Il Sung became chairman of the Communist Party of Korea, and from the following year - head of the new state of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. In the 50s, a brutal war broke out with South Korea, which was supported by the United States. But, in essence, fighting did not bring any tangible advantage to anyone. The war ended without a clear winner.
After this, Kim Il Sung focused on domestic affairs. His regime bore strong features of authoritarianism and a cult of personality. In 1992, two years before his death, Kim Il Sung was awarded the title of Generalissimo.
Generalissimos: historical role
It is difficult to overestimate the historical role of almost every outstanding personality who held the highest military rank. Almost all the generalissimos of the world have made the greatest contribution to history. The list of their victories and achievements is contained in any history textbook. And the memory of them is passed on from mouth to mouth.
And this is not surprising, because the glory of military and state achievements in itself is a monument to such outstanding historical figures as the generalissimos of the world. The names of Suvorov, Wallenstein, Menshikov, Sun Yat-sen, Stalin, Kim Il Sung and other famous figures will forever remain part of history.
Generalissimo of Russia
Despite the history of our country, rich in military events, the title of generalissimo did not become widespread in Russia; almost every production in it was extremely politicized, which in fact makes it special historical significance and increased interest in this extraordinary highest honorary military rank.
“Generalissimo” translated from Latin means general, the most important in the army. In the dictionary V.I. Dahl interprets this word as “commander-in-chief, chief of the entire military force of the state.”
The title of Generalissimo was first granted by the French King Charles IX in 1569. to his eighteen-year-old brother Henri (later King Henry III).
There was no uniformity in the assignment of the highest military rank: in some cases they became generalissimos for life, and in others - only for the period of a particular military campaign. The Venetian commander Morosini, for example, held the title of generalissimo four times - in 1678, 1681, 1684 and 1694, and Archduke Charles of Austria - twice.
.jpg)
Francesco Morosini Karl Ludwig of Austria
The word “generalissimo” was introduced into the Russian language by foreign commanders during the reign of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich when they addressed the governor of the Great Regiment.
In Russian history, he became the first Russian generalissimo in 1696. comrade-in-arms of the young Tsar Peter, boyar Alexei Semenovich Shein, who commanded all the troops in the second Azov campaign.
The second Russian generalissimo was the closest associate of Peter I, His Serene Highness Prince Alexander Danilovich Menshikov (1673-1729). Many victories in the Russian-Swedish Northern War (1700-1721) are associated with his name. On the field of the Poltava victory in 1709. triumphant Peter promoted his favorite and comrade-in-arms to field marshal general. However, the highest rank of A.D. Menshikov received only after the death of Peter the Great under the following circumstances. The latter's grandson, Emperor Peter II, May 12, 1727. declared: “Today I want to destroy the field marshal!” Everyone present looked at each other in bewilderment. Then the emperor handed Menshikov a signed patent for the rank of generalissimo. But soon the Most Serene Prince, involved in court intrigues, was exiled to Siberia to the city of Berezov.
True, F. Yu. Romodanovsky and I. I. Buturlin were awarded the rank of “generalissimo of the amusing troops” 2 years earlier in 1694.
Fedor Yuryevich Romodanovsky Ivan Ivanovich Buturlin
Officially, the rank of generalissimo in Russia was introduced by the Military Regulations of 1716.
Along with the largest commanders, one of the members of the imperial dynasty also had the title of generalissimo in Russia. Anna Leopoldovna (mother of the non-reigning infant emperor John VI) during her short reign on November 11, 1740. awarded this rank to her 26-year-old husband, Prince Anton-Ulrich of Brunswick, who had virtually no military merit.
October 28, 1799 The great Russian commander Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov (1730-1800), who victoriously completed his legendary Swiss campaign in 1799, became the generalissimo of the Russian land and naval forces. Emperor Paul I, erecting A.V. Suvorov to the rank of generalissimo, wrote: “Now, rewarding you according to my gratitude and placing you at the highest level of honor and heroism, I am confident that I will elevate you to the most famous Commander of this and other centuries.” Suvorov took part in six major wars, was wounded six times in battle, made 20 campaigns, fought 63 battles and did not lose a single one, and his army outnumbered the enemy only three times.
It should be noted that of the above persons, only A.V. Suvorov received the rank of generalissimo in full accordance with the Military Regulations, since he was the prince of the Kingdom of Sardinia, the prince of the Russian Empire, the Count of the Holy Roman Empire and the commander-in-chief of the Russian, Austrian and Sardinian troops.
After the October Revolution, the rank of generalissimo was abolished along with other military ranks.
In the USSR, the military rank of Generalissimo of the Soviet Union was introduced after the victorious end of the Great Patriotic War by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated June 26, 1945. For outstanding services to the Soviet Motherland in the leadership of all armed forces of the state during the Great Patriotic War, this title was awarded on June 27, 1945. was assigned to Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin.
In 1993 Together with other military ranks of the Soviet Army, the title of Generalissimo of the Soviet Union was formally abolished.
The first Russian generalissimo A.S. Shein
Russian commander, Generalissimo Alexey Semenovich Shein was born in August 1652. He came from an ancient old Moscow boyar family, which, according to family legend, originated from a native of Prussia, Mikhail Prushenin, who decided to serve in Russia since the time of Grand Duke Alexander Morozov, from which branches of the famous Russian families of the Sheins, Saltykovs and Choglokovs were formed.
The Sheins were one of the sixteen noble families of the ruling elite of the Moscow state and had the right to bypass the lower ranks when promoted to the boyar class. The commander’s grandmother, Maria Borisovna, the wife of the steward’s grandfather Ivan Mikhailovich Shein, was from the Lykov-Obolensky princes, and her mother Anastasia Nikitichna, from the royal family of the First Russian Generalissimo A.S. Shein Romanov, was the niece of the beloved wife of Ivan the Terrible, who died untimely, and the aunt of Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich. The commander's great-grandmother, Maria Mikhailovna, the wife of his great-grandfather, boyar Mikhail Borisovich Shein, came from the Godunov family. Alexei Semenovich began serving at the royal court in 1672. in the positions of sleeping bag and room attendant. In 1680-1682 - was in the voivodeship in Tobolsk and ruled all of Siberia.
April 10, 1682 one of the nearby stewards, in the thirtieth year of his life, was granted a boyar status. In 1683-1684 Shein was in the voivodeship in Kursk. Participated in the Crimean campaigns in 1687 and 1689. In the last campaign, Shein led the service people of the Novgorod rank and was the second governor after the commander-in-chief, Prince V.V. Golitsyn, while being called a close boyar and Pskov governor.
After the unsuccessful first Azov campaign in 1695. Alexey Semenovich Shein led the second campaign in 1696, which ended in the complete defeat of the enemy on land and in a naval battle, as well as the complete surrender of the garrison of the Azov fortress. Peter the Great, who won his first victory, awarded the commander the highest military rank - generalissimo.
assault on the Azov fortress
To meet the victors returning from the campaign, for the first time in Russia, a triumphal arch was built in Moscow and a ceremonial reception of the troops was organized. Generalissimo A.S. occupied a place of honor in this procession. Shein, riding a horse with a white feather on his hat. When the procession reached the triumphal gates, cannon fire thundered, music played and hymns and poems were sung with greetings to the victors and wishes to the troops that they would always return with such victories. At the same time, Lefort and Shein were especially “great.” Alexey Tolstoy in his novel “Peter the Great” artistically described the commander at the most solemn moment of his life: “With great pomp... riding a Greek chariot, a squat, pompous, with a face that extended wide, boyar Shein, the generalissimo, bestowed with this honor before the second Azov campaign... Behind him, sixteen Turkish banners were dragged along the ground in banners.”
For the capture of Azov, the commander was awarded a gold medal of 13 chervonets, a cup, a brocade caftan with sables and extensive patrimonial land holdings.
The next year A.S. Shein had to again lead troops in southern Russia and oppose the Turks, who were plotting to retake Azov, and the Crimean Tatars, who were preparing for a campaign against Western allies Peter I. According to the treaty, Russia was supposed to distract the enemy from attacking the allies. Upon receiving news of the movement of a large Turkish army to Azov, the troops led by Shein advanced and defeated the enemy at the Kagalnik River, after which they brought the Nogais and Tatars living near the Kuban River into submission.
“Third” Azov campaign A.S. Sheina 1697 consolidated Russia's conquests in the south of the state and accelerated the end of the war between Russia and Turkey and the conclusion of the Peace Treaty of Constantinople in 1700.
From 1696 to 1700 Shein headed the Inozemsky, Pushkarsky and Reitarsky orders, which corresponded to the status of the commander-in-chief of all Russian troops.
Recent years The commander's life was devoted to strengthening the southern borders of the Fatherland. Under his leadership, a new Trinity Fortress (the city of Taganrog) was built on the Azov coast - the first naval base of Russia, which, according to the first plans of Peter I, was to become the new capital of the Russian state.
Taganrog fortress
The international situation and the military-political situation in the country did not allow the early plans of the future emperor to come true.
The first Russian generalissimo died on February 12, 1700. at the age of 48 and was buried in the Trinity-Sergius Monastery at the altar of the Church of the Descent of the Holy Spirit (currently the Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra in the city of Sergiev Posad, Moscow region).
Generalissimo A.D. Menshikov
Menshikov Alexander Danilovich (1673, Moscow - 1729, Berezov) - Russian statesman and military leader, associate and favorite of Peter the Great. The first member of the Supreme Privy Council of the Russian Empire, president of the Military Collegium, the first Russian senator. Full Admiral (1726), Field Marshal General (1709), Generalissimo of the Naval and Land Forces (12 May 1727), Count of the Roman Empire (1702), His Serene Highness Prince of the Holy Roman Empire and Duke of Izhora (1705), His Serene Highness Prince of the Russian Empire (1707) . Awarded the orders of St. Andrew the First-Called, St. Alexander Nevsky, White Eagle (Poland), Black Eagle (Prussia) and Elephant (Denmark).
During Northern War 1700-1721 Menshikov commanded large forces of infantry and cavalry, distinguished himself in the siege and assault of fortresses, and in many battles. In 1702 during the siege of Noteburg, he promptly arrived with fresh forces to M. Golitsyn, who began the assault, and the fortress was taken.
.jpg)
assault on Noteburg
In the spring of the following year, acting with Peter at the mouth of the Neva, he won the first naval victory over the Swedes, capturing two enemy ships with a bold boarding attack. Extremely pleased with this success, the tsar ordered a medal to be knocked out with a laconic inscription: “The unthinkable happens.”
boarding the Swedish ships Gedan and Astrid
Alexander Danilovich was the first governor-general of St. Petersburg, supervised the construction of the city, as well as Kronstadt, shipyards on the Neva and Svir rivers, Petrovsky and Povenetsky cannon factories. Providing assistance to Field Marshal Sheremetev, he contributed to the conquest of Dorpat, Narva and Ivangorod, was awarded the rank of lieutenant general (1704), then led military operations in Lithuania and Poland.
October 18, 1706 Menshikov won a brilliant victory over the Swedish-Polish corps near Kalisz. As a reward for this victory, Alexander Danilovich received from the king a staff decorated with precious stones, and was promoted to colonel of the Life Guards Preobrazhensky Regiment. September 28, 1708 he took part in the glorious battle of Lesnaya, which became, in Peter’s words, “the mother of the Poltava victory.”
In 1709 Menshikov played a big role in the Battle of Poltava, where he commanded first the vanguard and then the left flank of the Russian army. Even before the main forces were brought into battle, he defeated the detachment of General Schlippenbach, capturing the latter. At the moment of the collision of the armies, General Ross attacked the corps, scattering it, which largely predetermined the victory of the Russian army. During the battle of Menshikov, three horses were killed. For Poltava, Menshikov was awarded the rank of Field Marshal.
(1)(1).jpg)
Battle of Poltava
For his participation in naval affairs against the Swedes and taking care of the fleet, he received the rank of rear admiral (1716). In 1718-1724 and 1726-1727. His Serene Highness was the president of the Military Collegium and was responsible for the organization of all the Armed Forces of Russia. On the day of the conclusion of the Peace of Nystadt, which ended the long struggle with the Swedes, Menshikov was awarded the rank of vice admiral.
After the death of Peter, His Serene Highness, relying on the guard and the most prominent state dignitaries, in January 1725. He enthroned the wife of the late emperor, Catherine I, and became the de facto ruler of the country, concentrating enormous power in his hands and subjugating the army. With the accession of Peter II (the son of Tsarevich Alexei Petrovich) to the throne, he was awarded the rank of full admiral and the title of generalissimo (May 12, 1727), and his daughter Maria was engaged to the young emperor.
But, having underestimated his ill-wishers and due to a long illness, he lost influence on the young emperor and was soon accused of abuse and embezzlement, removed from government, deprived of all positions, awards, property, titles and exiled with his family to the Siberian town of Berezov.
HELL. Menshikov in Berezovo
Died during a smallpox epidemic on November 12, 1729. at the age of 56, he was buried at the altar of the church he built.
Generalissimo A.U. Brunswick
Anton Ulrich (1714, Bevern - 1774, Kholmogory), Duke of Brunswick-Bevern-Luneburg. Father of the Russian Emperor Ivan VI Antonovich. Generalissimo of Russian troops from November 11 to 25, 1741.
Second son of Duke Ferdinand Albrecht of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel and Antoinette Amalia of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, brother of the famous Prussian commander Duke Ferdinand of Brunswick and Juliana Maria, second wife of the Danish king Frederick V.
Husband of Empress Anna Ioannovna's niece, Princess Anna Leopoldovna of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. This marriage took place on July 14, 1739. August 23, 1740 their first child, Ivan, was born. Soon the empress became mortally ill and, at the insistence of Biron and Chancellor Bestuzhev, declared Ivan Antonovich heir to the throne and Biron regent. Afterwards the regency passed to Anna Leopoldovna.
Enlisted in the Russian service, Prince Anton in the year of his arrival in Russia (1733) was appointed colonel of the third cuirassier regiment, named after him first Bevernsky (later - His Majesty's cuirassier regiment), and then Brunswick.
Serving in 1737 A volunteer in Minich's army, Prince Anton distinguished himself during the capture of Ochakov and was promoted to major general.
assault on Ochakov
Taking part in the campaign to the Dniester in 1738, he was awarded the prime major of the Semenovsky regiment and the Order of St. Alexander Nevsky and Andrew the First-Called. In February 1740 Prince Anton, on the occasion of the conclusion of peace with the Ottoman Porte, was promoted to lieutenant colonel of the Semenovsky regiment with the rank of lieutenant general, then appointed chief of the cuirassier regiment. According to the manifesto of January 12, 1741. Prince Anton received the title of “Imperial Highness”, and by Decree of November 11, 1741. awarded the title of Generalissimo Russian troops and the rank of lieutenant colonel of the Horse Guards.
As a result of the palace coup, carried out on the night of December 5-6, 1741, Empress Elizabeth Petrovna was elevated to the throne, and the Brunswick family was elevated to the throne from 1744. imprisoned in Kholmogory, Arkhangelsk province.
Generalissimo A.V. Suvorov
Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov (1729-1800) is a national hero of Russia, an outstanding Russian commander who did not suffer a single defeat in his military career (more than 60 battles), one of the founders of Russian military art.
Prince of Italy (1799), Count of Rymnik, Count of the Holy Roman Empire, Generalissimo of the Russian land and naval forces (October 28, 1799), Field Marshal of the Austrian and Sardinian troops, Grandee of the Kingdom of Sardinia and Prince of the Royal Blood (with the title "King's Cousin").
Knight of all Russian and many foreign military orders awarded at that time:
Order of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called (1787) - for the battle of Kinburn (awarded with diamond insignia for the order (1789) for the battle of Focsani). Order of St. George, 1st class (1789) - “For excellent art and excellent courage in any case, especially during the attack of numerous Turkish forces, led by the Supreme Vizier on the 11th day of September on the Rymnik River.” Order of St. George, 2nd class (1773) - “For the brave and courageous deed performed with the detachment entrusted to his leadership during the attack on Turtukai.” Order of St. George, 3rd class (1771) - “For bravery and courageous deeds performed in 1770 and 1771. with the detachment entrusted to him against the Polish rebels, when, through prudent orders in the battles that took place, hitting their parties everywhere, he won victories over them.” Golden sword with diamonds and laurels (1775) awarded in honor of the victory over the Turks; The second sword with diamonds and laurel wreaths - for the victory at Rymnik (1789). Order of St. Vladimir, 1st degree (1783) - for victories over the Nogais in Crimea. Order of St. Alexander Nevsky (1771) - for the victory over the Polish Confederates. Order of St. Anne (1770) - for battles with the Polish Confederates.
Foreign awards: Grand Cross of John of Jerusalem; Austrian Military Order of Maria Theresa 1st class; Order of the Red Eagle 1st class, Order of the Black Eagle, Order of Merit (all Prussian); orders of St. Anunziata, St. Mauritius and Lazarus (all Sardinian); Orders of St. Hubert and the Golden Lion (Bavarian); Order of Our Lady of Carmel and Saint Lazarus (1800) (French).
In 1742 the future commander was enrolled as a soldier in the Semenovsky Life Guards Regiment, in which in 1748. started serving as a corporal. In 1754 promoted to officer and sent as lieutenant to the Ingria Infantry Regiment. In 1756-1758 served in the Military Collegium. During Seven Years' War 1756-1763 consisted from 1758 in staff and command positions, participated in the Battle of Kunersdorf (1759), in the capture of Berlin (1760) and Kolberg (1761). In 1762 promoted to colonel and appointed commander of the Astrakhan infantry, and in 1763. - Suzdal Infantry Regiment (until 1769). In 1764-1765 compiled and put into effect the so-called “Regimental Institution” - an original manual on military regulations, rules for training and education of officers and soldiers. In 1768-1772, commanding a regiment, brigade and individual detachments in the corps of General I. I. Weimarn, he acted in Poland against the troops of the Bar Confederation, inflicted defeats on them at Orekhovo (1769), Landskrona, Stolovichi (1771) and captured Krakow Castle ( 1772). In 1770 promoted to major general. In 1772 commanded the St. Petersburg division. In 1773 at his personal request, he was sent to the theater of the Russian-Turkish war in the 1st Army of Field Marshal P. A. Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky. In May - June 1773 Suvorov's detachment crossed the Danube twice and defeated the Turks at Turtukai. In September 1773 led the defense of Girsovo and drove back the Turkish troops.
In June 1774 together with General M.F. Kamensky, he defeated the 40,000-strong Turkish corps at Kozludzha. In August 1774 by order of Empress Catherine II, he was sent with troops to suppress the Peasant War under the leadership of E. I. Pugachev. In 1774-1786 commanded divisions and corps in various regions of Russia; supervised the construction of the Kuban fortified line and the strengthening of the defense of Crimea, and prevented it in 1778. Turkish landing in Akhtiar Bay, which thwarted Turkey’s attempt to unleash new war in an international situation unfavorable for Russia. In 1786
Suvorov was promoted to general-in-chief. At the beginning of the Russian-Turkish war of 1787-1791. commanded a 30,000-strong corps that defended the coast in the Kherson-Kinburn region, and destroyed a Turkish landing near Kinburn (1787). In 1788 participated in the siege of Ochakov, where he was wounded (in total, Suvorov received 6 serious wounds during his combat activities). In 1789 commanded a division in Moldova and, directing the actions of the Russian and allied Austrian troops, defeated the superior forces of the Turks in the battles of Focsani and Rymnic (1789). In 1790 The commander, commanding a 30,000-strong siege corps near Izmail, prepared an assault on this strongest fortress within 2 weeks and captured it.
A.V. Suvorov at the walls of Izmail
In August 1794 appointed commander of Russian troops sent to suppress Polish uprising 1794 and promoted by Catherine II to field marshal.
Adopted in 1796 command of troops in the south (in Tulchin), Suvorov wrote the famous work “The Science of Victory,” which summarized many years of experience in training and educating troops. “The Science of Victory” was a direct protest against the new military regulations of Emperor Paul I, borrowed from the Prussian army. Criticism of Pavlov’s regulations and the commander’s refusal to carry out the emperor’s order to bring the troops subordinate to him “in my order” led to his dismissal from the army in 1797. and exile to the village of Konchanskoye, Novgorod province. In connection with the formation of the 2nd anti-French coalition with the participation of Russia, Paul I, at the request of the allies, in February 1799. appointed Suvorov commander-in-chief of Russian troops sent to Italy; Austrian troops were also subordinate to Suvorov. During Suvorov's Italian campaign in 1799. Russian-Austrian troops under his command in April-August defeated French troops in a number of battles, liberating all of Northern Italy from them. In unprecedented military history Russian troops in the Swiss campaign of Suvorov in September 1799. overcame exceptional difficulties and escaped encirclement.
In October 1799 Paul I broke the alliance with Austria and recalled troops to Russia. Suvorov again fell into royal disgrace for violating the “highest charter” and soon died.
Generalissimo Imam Shamil
When listing generalissimos, they often forget that this highest military rank was held by another subject of the Russian crown, although he received it during the period when he was at war with Russia. Formally, while living in Russia and having sworn allegiance to Alexander II, the former imam of Dagestan and Chechnya Shamil remained a Turkish generalissimo (the rank was awarded in 1854). The highest military rank was received by Shamil by right. He fought against Russian troops for 25 years, winning many victories. At times his army exceeded 30 thousand people. After his capture, Shamil was treated with due respect in Russia, receiving the highest military honors.
Shamil (1797 - 1871) - Sufi sheikh of the Naqshubandi tariqa, leader of the Eastern Caucasian highlanders, in 1834 recognized as the imam of the theocratic state - the North Caucasian Imamate, in which he united the highlanders of Western Dagestan and Chechnya. By nationality - Avar.
Shamil is the son of the Avar bridle blacksmith - Dengav-Magomed and the daughter of the Avar bek Pir-Budakh - Bahu-Meseda. Shamil was born in the village of Gimry (Genub) of the Hindalal Avaria society (Avaristan; now Untsukul district, western Dagestan) on June 26 (July 7), 1797, according to the Muslim calendar, the first day of the month of Muharram, that is, on the first day of the New Year. His name was given in honor of his grandfather - Ali. As a child, he was sick a lot, and according to legend, his parents gave him a new name - Shamil (Shamuel - “Heard by God”).
In his youth, Shamil was distinguished by his unyielding will, curiosity, pride and power-hungry disposition. He loved gymnastics passionately and was unusually strong and courageous. He became addicted to fencing; a dagger and a saber never left his hands. In summer and winter, in all weathers, he walked with bare feet and an open chest. Shamil's first teacher was his childhood friend Adil-Muhammad (1795-1832) (Kazi-Magomed, Kazi-mullah), originally from Gimra. Teacher and student were inseparable. Shamil began serious study at the age of twelve in Untsukul. At the age of twenty he completed courses in grammar, logic, rhetoric, Arabic and began courses in higher philosophy and law.
The sermons of Gazi-Muhammad, the first imam and preacher of the “holy war,” tore Shamil away from his books. The new Muslim teaching “Muridism” spread quickly. "Murid" means pathfinder to salvation. Muridism did not differ from classical Islam either in rituals or in teaching.
Having become the third imam of Chechnya and Dagestan, Shamil at the age of 25 unites the highlanders, successfully fighting against the Russian troops who outnumbered him. Shamil had military talent, and most importantly, great organizational skills, endurance, perseverance, and the ability to choose the time to strike. Distinguished by his strong and unyielding will, he knew how to inspire the highlanders to selfless struggle, but also to force them to obey his authority.
In the 1840s, Shamil won a number of major victories over Russian troops. However, in the 1850s, Shamil's movement began to decline. The conclusion of the Paris Peace Treaty of 1856 allowed Russia to concentrate significant forces against Shamil: the Caucasian Corps was transformed into an army (up to 200 thousand people). The new commanders-in-chief, General Nikolai Muravyov (1854-1856) and General Alexander Baryatinsky (1856-1860), continued to tighten the blockade ring around the Imamate. In April 1859, Shamil’s residence, the village of Vedeno, fell. And by mid-June the last pockets of resistance in Chechnya were suppressed. After Chechnya was finally annexed by Russia, the war continued for another five years.
.jpg)
On August 25, 1859, Shamil, along with 400 associates, was besieged in Gunib and on August 26 (September 7 according to the new style) surrendered under conditions that were honorable to him.
On September 15, the first meeting of Shamil and Emperor Alexander II takes place in Chuguev. On September 22, Shamil arrived in Moscow, where the next day he met with General Ermolov. September 26 - to St. Petersburg, three days later in Tsarskoe Selo he was presented to Empress Maria Alexandrovna. After being received in St. Petersburg by Emperor Alexander II, Shamil was given Kaluga to live, where he arrived on October 10, and on January 5, 1860, his family also arrived there.
In 1868, knowing that Shamil was no longer young and the Kaluga climate was not in the best possible way affected his health, the emperor decided to choose a more suitable place for him, which was Kyiv, where Shamil moved in November - December of the same year. On February 16, 1869, Alexander II allowed him to travel to Mecca for pilgrimage. On May 12, Shamil and his family left Kyiv. May 19 - arrived in Istanbul. November 16 - took part in the opening of navigation on the Suez Canal. November 20 - Arrived in Mecca. At the end of March 1870, after performing the Hajj, Shamil visited Medina, where he died on February 4 (16), 1871. He was buried in Medina at the al-Baqi cemetery (now Saudi Arabia).
Describing Imam Shamil, the famous Turkish historian Albay Yashar Inoglu writes: “In the history of mankind there was no such commander as Shamil. If Napoleon was the spark of war, then Imam Shamil was its pillar of fire.” The Russian emperors sent the most experienced generals to fight against Shamil. Thus, the Russian troops in the Caucasus in the war against Shamil were commanded by Adjutant General G. V. Rozin (1831-1837), Adjutant General E. A. Golovin (1837-1842), Adjutant General A. I. Neitgart (1842- 1844), Field Marshal M. S. Vorontsov (1844-1854), Adjutant General N. N. Muravyov (1854-1856) and Field Marshal A. I. Baryatinsky (1856-1862).
Stalin Joseph Vissarionovich ( real name- Dzhugashvili) (1879 in the city of Gori, Tiflis province - 1953 in Kuntsevo, Moscow) - Russian revolutionary and Soviet state, political, party and military figure. People's Commissar for Nationalities of the RSFSR (1917-1923), People's Commissar of State Control of the RSFSR (1919-1920), People's Commissar of the Workers' and Peasants' Inspectorate of the RSFSR (1920-1922); General Secretary of the Central Committee of the RCP(b) (1922-1925), General Secretary of the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks (1925-1934), Secretary of the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks (1934-1952), Secretary of the Central Committee of the CPSU (1952-1953), Chairman of the People's Council Commissars of the USSR (1941-1946), Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR (1946-1953); Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the USSR (since 1941), Chairman State Committee Defense (1941-1945), People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR (1941-1946), People's Commissar of the Armed Forces of the USSR (1946-1947).
Marshal of the Soviet Union (1943), Generalissimo of the Soviet Union (1945). Honorary member of the USSR Academy of Sciences (1939). Hero of Socialist Labor (1939), Hero of the Soviet Union (1945), holder of two Orders of Victory (1943, 1945).
During the period Stalin was in power, a number of the most important events in the history of the USSR occurred: the defeat of Nazism in World War II, mass labor and front-line heroism, the transformation of the USSR into a superpower with significant scientific, military and industrial potential, the entry of the USSR into the club of world nuclear powers, the strengthening of geopolitical influence of the Soviet Union in the world.
A month and a half before the start of the war (from May 6, 1941), Stalin took the post of head of the USSR government - chairman of the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR. July 19, 1941 Stalin replaced Timoshenko as People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR. By decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of August 8, 1941. Stalin was appointed Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the USSR.
During the Great Patriotic War, Stalin went to the front several times to the front lines. In 1941-1942. The commander-in-chief visited Mozhaisk, Zvenigorod, Solnechnogorsk defensive lines.
From November 28 to December 1, 1943 Stalin participated in the Tehran Conference - the first conference of the Big Three during the Second World War - the leaders of three countries: the USSR, the USA and Great Britain. February 4-11, 1945 Stalin participated in the Yalta Conference of the Allied Powers, dedicated to the establishment of the post-war world order.
The assessment given to I.V. Stalin in the book of Marshal of the Soviet Union G.K. Zhukov “Memories and Reflections” is known: “I can firmly say that I.V. Stalin mastered the basic principles of organizing front-line operations and operations of groups of fronts and led them with knowledge of the matter, well versed in large strategic issues... In leading the armed struggle as a whole, J.V. Stalin was helped by his natural intelligence, experience in political leadership, rich intuition, and broad awareness. He knew how to find the main link in a strategic situation and, seizing on it, counter the enemy, carry out this or that offensive operation. Undoubtedly, he was a worthy Supreme Commander."
According to the memoirs of contemporaries, the issue of conferring the title of Generalissimo was discussed several times, but Stalin invariably rejected this proposal. And only after the intervention of Marshal of the Soviet Union K.K. Rokossovsky gave his consent when the latter stated: “Comrade Stalin, you are the Marshal and I am the Marshal, you cannot punish me!”
The uniform and insignia of the Generalissimo of the Soviet Union were developed by the Red Army Logistics Service, but were not officially approved. In one of the variants, the uniform had epaulettes on which the coat of arms of the USSR was placed in a wreath of oak leaves. A winter overcoat and riding uniform, reminiscent of a general's uniform of the mid-19th century, were also submitted for approval. The manufactured samples were rejected by Stalin, who considered them too luxurious and outdated.
Currently they are kept in the Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War in Moscow on Poklonnaya Hill.
In fact, Generalissimo Stalin wore a standard general's uniform (before the introduction of shoulder straps) jacket with a turn-down collar and four pockets, but in a unique light gray color. Shoulder straps on the jacket - Marshal of the Soviet Union.
General's overcoat buttonholes are red with gold trim and buttons. This uniform was official and was depicted in portraits and posters.
Generalissimo of Russia:
F. Yu. Romodanovsky and I. I. Buturlin (generalissimos of the amusing troops 1694)
Boyarin Alexey Semenovich Shein (assigned in 1696)
Prince Alexander Danilovich Menshikov (appropriated May 12, 1727)
Prince Anton Ulrich of Brunswick (granted 11 November 1740)
Count Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov (assigned on October 28, 1799)
Imam Shamil (rank awarded in 1854)
Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin (assigned June 27, 1945)
Other famous generalissimos:
Prince Albrecht Wallenstein (1583-1634)
Prince Raimondo Montecuccoli (1609–1680)
Prince Charles of Lorraine (1712-1780)
Prince Maximilian of Bavaria (1662–1726)
Prince Eugene of Savoy (1663-1736)
Count Leopold Joseph Daun (1705–1766)
Count Ernst Gideon Loudon (1716–1790)
Archduke Charles (1771—1847)
Prince Carl Philipp of Schwarzenberg (1771-1820)
Francisco Franco Bahamonde (Spain) (1892-1975)
Fredrick I (King of Sweden)
Rafael Trujillo (Dominican Republic)
Francisco Miranda (Venezuela)
Alfredo Stroessner (Paraguay)
Kim Il Sung (DPRK)
Kim Jong Il (DPRK)
Yuan Shikai (1859-1916) China
Sun Yat-sen (1866—1925) China
Tang Jiyao (1882—1927) China
Chiang Kai-shek (1887-1975) China
Zhang Zuolin (1875—1928) China
Pu Yi (1906-1967) China
"Future Generalissimo"
Generalissimos of Russia - who are they?
In Russia, being a generalissimo was very honorable, probably because not so many people were awarded this rare title. The point is that for everything for a long time existence Russian state only four people became generalissimos - A. S. Shein, A. D. Menshikov, A. Braunschweigsky, and, of course, A. V. Suvorov. Of course, you can also name Peter the Great’s associates Buturlin and Romodanovsky, who were generalissimos of the “amusing troops." After the Great Patriotic War, Stalin was declared generalissimo.
The rank of generalissimo itself comes from France, where it appeared in the sixteenth century. The rank of generalissimo was then awarded to the person who commanded the united army. The first generalissimo in history was the eighteen-year-old Duke of Anjou, who was the brother of the king and was in the position of commander-in-chief. Over time, the rank of generalissimo spread not only to Europe, but also to Asia.
In Russia, generalissimos appeared in the seventeenth century, when Peter the Great bestowed this rank on Buturlin and Romodanovsky, making them generalissimos of his amusing troops. But no one took these ranks seriously at that time; they were considered a “childish prank.”
The first true generalissimo in Russia was Voivode Alexey Semenovich Shein in 1696. At that time he was still relatively young - 34 years old. Shein became a boyar thanks to Sophia, and received the generalissimo from the hands of her brother, Peter the Great. In 1696, the Azov campaign took place, during which Shein was entrusted with command of all troops on land. Azov was taken, and Peter the Great awarded Shein the rank of generalissimo on June 28 of the same year.
The next generalissimo in Russia was Alexander Danilovich Menshikov, 
to whom this rank was granted by Peter the Second in connection with his engagement to Menshikov's daughter. Menshikov did not remain in rank for long, as he quickly fell into disgrace and lost all ranks and titles.
In 1740, Prince Anton Ulrich of Brunswick became the next Generalissimo. 
who received it only for being the father of the infant Emperor John the Fourth. After another coup took place, Elizaveta Petrovna took the throne, and the prince was deprived of all ranks and titles and sent into exile.
Perhaps the only Russian generalissimo who received this military rank thanks to his victories was Suvorov Alexander Vasilyevich. He was awarded this rank in 1799 on October 28, for the Swiss and Italian campaigns. 
In 1945, Stalin received the Generalissimo, however, it was not the Generalissimo of Russia, but the Generalissimo of the Soviet Union. After his death, no one else was awarded the rank of generalissimo in the USSR, although this title was valid even before 1993. In total, during the entire existence of this title, it was awarded to one hundred people. 
Generalissimos of the world.
To this day, history knows exactly 77 generalissimos. The very first of this title was awarded in 1569 to the 18-year-old brother of the French king Charles IX, the Duke of Anjou, who later became King Henry III of France.
The generalissimos were:
* In France:
Duke of Anjou (1551-1589)
Duke of Guise (1550-1588),
Prince of Condé (1621-1688),
Marshal Turenne (1611-1675),
Duke de Villars (1653-1734),
Duke of Arsenac of Anjou
Cardinal Richelieu (1585-1642)
Count of Saxony (1696-1750)
General Soult (1769-1851)
*In Austria:
Prince R. Montecuccoli (1609-1680),
Prince Eugene of Savoy (1663-1736),
Earl L. Down (1705-1766),
Prince A.W. Brunswick (1714-1774)
Archduke Karl (1771-1847),
Prince K. Schwarzenberg (1771-1820).
* In Germany:
Count A. Wallenstein (1583-1634)
Count Wrede, Karl-Philipp (1767-1839)
In Russia, the first to receive this title on June 28, 1696 was Voivode A.S. Shein from Peter I for successful actions near Azov, and Fyodor Romodanovsky was awarded the title of “Generalissimo of the Amusement Troops”; officially, the title of Generalissimo in Russia was introduced by the Military Regulations of 1716:
* On May 12, 1727, the title was awarded to Prince A. D. Menshikov,
* November 11, 1740 - Prince Anton Ulrich of Brunswick (1714-1774),
* October 28, 1799 - to A.V. Suvorov.
After the October Revolution, the title of Generalissimo was abolished along with other military ranks, but on June 26, 1945, by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the title of Generalissimo of the Soviet Union was introduced and on June 27 it was awarded to I.V. Stalin.
Other famous generalissimos:
* Gregory Pakurian (Byzantium) 11th century.
* Chiang Kai-shek (China) (1887-1975)
* Francisco Franco Baamonde (Spain)
* Josip Broz Tito
* Fredrik I (King of Sweden)
* Kim Il Sung (North Korea)
* Zhang Zuolin (China)
* Than Shwe (Myanmar)
* Trujillo (Dominican Republic)
Generalissimos For a long time, there have been debates among historians: how many Generalissimos were there in the world? At one time we knew that there were very few of them - a few people. Naturally, the image of a “real” general above generals was associated with Joseph Stalin, who, the only one in the Soviet country, was awarded this title.
GENERALISSIMOS The title and title of Generalissimo arose a long time ago. It is historically known that this title was first granted by the French King Charles XI in 1569 to his brother Henri of Anjou, who later became King Henry III. This title was assigned only to persons of royal blood, and as a rank - to the commander-in-chief of the armed forces or coalition armed forces. The names of 76 people are known who were awarded this title, among whom not all were military leaders. This title or rank was assigned to the reigning person or supreme body state power- Senate, Parliament, etc. They became generalissimos for life or for the duration of the war.
GENERALISSIMO Let's start with Russia. There this title and rank was introduced by Peter the Great in the “Military Regulations” in 1716. But even before this Charter, a similar title was awarded to the boyar A.S. Shein, who commanded all ground forces during the Azov campaign in 1669.
GENERALISSIMOS This title was also awarded to Menshikov, who proved himself to be a talented commander, with whose name many victories of the Russian army over the Swedish king Charles X are associated!! during the Northern War (). But the title was awarded much later, and the patent for the title of Generalissimo was issued to him by Peter the Second, the grandson of Peter the Great.
GENERALISSIMOS I. Stalin became Generalissimo. At the same time, the history of assigning him this military rank (not a title, but a rank) is very interesting. On June 26, 1945, Marshal Stalin was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union and he was awarded the second Order of Victory, which he agreed to accept only on April 20, 1950. To be fair, it should be noted that he did not express his approval on this matter and never received the Hero’s Star. On the same day, June 26, the highest military rank of Generalissimo of the Soviet Union was established. On June 27, 1945, based on a written proposal from the front commanders, he was awarded this highest military rank. He had 9 orders and 5 medals, among which were those that were awarded to all participants in certain battles. For example, he was the first to be awarded the medal “For the Defense of Moscow”, “800 Years of Moscow”, etc. In total, the leader had 14 awards.
GENERALISSIMOS The most outstanding commander in Russian history was A.V. Suvorov. During his life he fought more than 60 battles and never lost a single one. And only three times did he have numerical superiority over the enemy. Under his leadership, the Russian army won a number of brilliant victories near Focsani, Izmail, Trebbia, and Novi. He was elevated to this rank by Emperor Paul the First, who on this occasion wrote to Suvorov: “Now I reward you according to my gratitude and, placing you at the highest level of honor granted to heroism, I am confident that I will elevate him to the most famous commander of this and other centuries.” In Switzerland, the memory of Suvorov is highly revered. It is immortalized by monuments and there are several museums.
GENERALISSIMOS Before the Soviet period of history, there was one more person in the Russian Empire who was awarded the title of Generalissimo - Shamil! Yes, yes, the same Shamil who led the liberation war Caucasian peoples. This title was granted to him by the Turkish Sultan. Therefore, the leader and unifier of the highlanders of Dagestan and Chechnya is quite rightly called the Turkish Generalissimo. Militarily, he was a very talented man. At the age of 25, Shamil ruled over the highlanders of Dagestan and Chechnya. At this time, he successfully fought against the enormous forces of Russia. In the end he was forced to give up. But the attitude of the Russian Tsar towards him is an example of nobility in relations with a defeated enemy. Shamil died in March 1871 at the age of 73. His body bore traces of 19 stab wounds and 3 gunshot wounds. He was buried in Medina, not far from the grave of the Prophet Magomed.
Generalissimo Among the people who fully deserve this title, I would like to name the name of the descendant of baptized Jews, Franco Bahamonde Francisco. In 1926, at the age of 33, he became a general, which was incredible for Spain. The Generalissimo died in 1975. As we have already noted, he bequeathed himself to be buried in the Valley of the Fallen. On his grave lies a light marble slab with the inscription “Francisco Franco”, and at the foot there are always flowers from grateful fellow citizens.
Generalissimos There were several Generalissimos in China. The most famous of them was Sun Yat-sen. He was born in 1866. He was a doctor by profession. He actively participated in the revolutionary movement and was one of the founders of the Kuomintang. Took an active part in civil war. Was elected president of China. It was he who reorganized the Cantonese army and created a military school on Whampoa Island to train communist and Kuomintang youth. Many teachers there were from the USSR. Back in 1922, he turned to the USSR for help to defeat his opponents - the militarists. The future Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek went there, to Moscow, for the same purpose. Sun Yat-sen became Generalissimo in 1917. It was then that an emergency session of parliament elected him Generalissimo of the country's armed forces. On March 12, 1925 he died.
Generalissimo Unlike Sun Yat-sen, Chiang Kai-shek was a military man to the core. He received a military education in Japan, a very solid one at that, and even served for some time in the Japanese army. He took an active part in the civil war. By the end of 1926, the army he commanded was the largest in the world. It numbered 2 million people. The commander-in-chief, who was 40 years old, began to be called Generalissimo. Everything else about this military leader is known quite fully. But in China, few people knew about Chiang Kai-shek’s decision to convert to Christianity. After his marriage, he studied the Bible for four years and then, in 1931, became a Christian.
Generalissimo It should also be noted that the Generalissimo was very tolerant towards Jews. It is known that during the Second World War a very significant number of Jews fled and settled in China. Shanghai, Harbin and other Jewish communities felt very at ease under the rule of Chiang Kai-shek. And the ruler himself more than once expressed his sympathy for them. During the years of communist rule, these communities ceased to exist in the country. Most of the Jews left this country. And this page of Jewish history awaits its pioneer.
Generalissimos I think that we have not yet fully appreciated Franco and Chiang Kai-shek. Their role in the fate of Jews during the Second World War requires fundamental research. After defeat in the civil war, he headed the government in Taiwan and managed to make this island province prosperous. On April 5, 1975, at the age of 82, the head of the Kuomintang and President of Taiwan, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, died. His son Jiang Jingguo became the new president.
Generalissimos There was another Generalissimo in China - Tang Ji-Yao - Generalissimo of Yunnan, during the Xinghai Revolution (), and after it he was its governor. However, little is known about him even to the authors of the Encyclopedia. And he became famous more for robberies than for military operations.
The list of which you will see below most often received this rank as recognition of military merit. The acquisition of office was often an episode of a political career and was associated with military victories.
Generalissimos of Russian history
The word generalissimo can be translated from Latin as “most important” or “most important”. In many countries in Europe and later Asia, this rank was used as the highest military rank. The Generalissimo was not always a great commander, and the best of them won their greatest victories before gaining a high-profile position.
In the history of Russia, five commanders were awarded this highest military rank:
- Alexey Semenovich Shein (1696).
- Alexander Danilovich Menshikov (1727).
- Anton Ulrich of Brunswick (1740).
- Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov (1799).
- Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin (1945).
Who was the first?
Alexey Semenovich Shein in historical literature is most often called the first generalissimo in the history of our country. This man lived a short life and was one of the associates of Peter I at the beginning of his achievements.
Alexey Shein came from a noble boyar family. His great-grandfather, Mikhail Shein, was a hero of the defense of Smolensk during the Time of Troubles, and his father died during the war with Poland in 1657. Alexey Semenovich began serving in the Kremlin. He served as a steward under Tsarevich Alexei Alekseevich, then as a sleeping steward for the Tsar himself.
In 1679-1681 A.S. Shein was a governor in Tobolsk. Under his leadership, the city, which burned down in a fire, was rebuilt. In 1682, Alexey Semenovich received the rank of boyar. In 1687, the boyar took part in the Crimean campaign, and in 1695 - the first campaign against Azov.
In 1696, he led Russian troops during the second campaign against the Azov fortress. It was then that A.S. Shein received the title “Generalissimo”, unusual for Russia. However, researchers of his biography N.N. Sakhnovsky and V.N. Tomenko questioned this fact. In their opinion, the tsar ordered Shein to be called generalissimo only during the campaign, and the name indicated only the powers of Alexei Semenovich as commander-in-chief of the ground forces. After the end of the campaign against Azov A.S. Shein did not retain the title of Generalissimo, given to him during the fighting. If we accept this point of view, A.D. should be recognized as the first generalissimo. Menshikov.
Alexander Menshikov went down in history as the closest ally of the first Emperor of Russia and one of the greatest commanders of his time. He took a direct part in the military reforms of Peter I, starting with the amusing troops. And in 1706, he defeated the Swedes in the Battle of Kalisz, and participated as one of the military leaders in the victorious battles of Lesnaya and Poltava. For his military services, Alexander Menshikov rose to the rank of president of the Military Collegium and field marshal.
For the first time, the commander tried to claim the highest military rank during the reign of Catherine I, when he had exclusive power. He was able to receive the rank of generalissimo under her successor Peter II, when he still had influence on the tsar.
The Saxon ambassador Lefort recalled the staging of this action. The young emperor entered the chambers of his Serene Highness and, with the words “I destroyed the field marshal,” handed him a decree appointing him generalissimo. At this time Russian Empire did not wage wars, and the prince did not have the opportunity to command armies in a new capacity.
The conferment of military rank was one of a whole series of awards that that year rained down on His Serene Highness the Prince and his family. The most important thing was the betrothal of his daughter to the emperor. But already in September 1727, Menshikov lost the fight for the monarch’s favor and lost all awards and ranks, including the title of generalissimo. The following year, Peter I's comrade-in-arms was exiled to Berezova, where he died in November 1729.
Anton Ulrich was the second son of the Duke of Brunswick and nephew of the famous King Frederick II. In 1733 he was summoned to Russia, and a few years later became the husband of Anna Leopoldovna, niece of the Empress of Russia.
In 1740, after the death of Empress Anna Ioannovna, Anton Ulrich's young son became emperor. A temporary worker from the previous reign, Biron became regent under the infant ruler, and Anton Ulrich was actually removed from making serious government decisions.
Biron feared for his position and, fearing a conspiracy, subjected the emperor's father to public interrogation. Anton Ulrich was forced to admit that he wanted to remove the temporary worker from power. Then Biron pointedly offered the highest dignitaries a choice between the prince and himself, and they preferred the current regent. Head of the Secret Chancellery A.I. Ushakov threatened the emperor’s father that, if necessary, he would treat him like any other subject. After this, Anton Ulrich lost all military positions.
On November 7, 1740, Field Marshal Minich organized a coup and arrested Biron. Contemporaries wrote that Minich, who had previously supported the regent, hoped to receive the rank of generalissimo. But under the new regime, the best Russian commander of his time again did not receive the highest military rank.
Two days later, on November 9, a new manifesto was released on behalf of Ivan Antonovich. It reported that Biron had been removed, inter alia, for the insults and threats he made to the emperor’s father. The powers of the regent were received by Anton Ulrich's wife, Anna Leopoldovna, and the German prince himself was declared co-ruler and generalissimo.
Anton Ulrich remained Generalissimo until the next palace coup, which brought Empress Elizabeth to power. During the year he was in the highest rank, the prince did nothing. He just quarreled with Minikh, who was counting on this rank himself and later retired.
After the coup on November 25, 1741, Anton Ulrich lost all his ranks and found himself in the position of a hostage. He lived with his wife and children in the northern provinces of the country. In 1744 he was separated from his son, the emperor, and transferred to live in Kholmogory. In 1746, his wife died, and he and his remaining children continued to live as an exile. In 1774, the old and blind former generalissimo died. A few years later, Empress Catherine allowed his children to leave Russia and provided them with an allowance.
Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov became famous as the greatest Russian commander of his time and one of the greatest in Russian history. During his long military career, he successfully fought against the rebel Poles, Ottoman Empire, revolutionary France. He received the highest military rank less than a year before his death, after his last military campaign.
In November 1799, after completing the difficult Swiss campaign, Alexander Suvorov was awarded the highest military rank by the Emperor of Russia as a reward for his service and leadership skills. From now on, the military board had to send messages to the commander not decrees.
The Generalissimo withdrew his troops from Switzerland by order of the emperor and returned with them to Russia. When the army was on Polish territory, Suvorov went forward to the capital. Along the way, the Generalissimo fell ill and went to his estate. His condition changed for the better, then worsened. And in May 1800, Generalissimo Alexander Suvorov died.
The decree introducing the highest military rank of generalissimo in the USSR appeared on June 24, 1945. A day later, at the proposal of the Politburo, I.V. received this rank. Stalin. The title of Generalissimo was a sign of recognition of merit Secretary General during the war years. In addition to the highest military rank, Joseph Vissarionovich received the title of “Hero of the Soviet Union” and the Order of “Victory”. According to the recollections of contemporaries of the events, the leader of the USSR several times refused to introduce this rank.
Home Front Service Soviet army developed uniforms and insignia for the new position. They were not approved during the lifetime of the Secretary General, who, if necessary, wore the uniform of a USSR general with marshal shoulder straps. One of the options for the Generalissimo's dress uniform was rejected by Stalin, who considered it too luxurious.
The military regulations of the USSR after the death of Joseph Vissarionovich allowed for the possibility of someone accepting the rank of generalissimo, but no one else was awarded this rank. The 1975 Charter allowed for the award of the title of Generalissimo for special services to the country related to the leadership of all armed forces in wartime. The title of generalissimo was not introduced into the military regulations.
Military and ordinary citizens of the USSR have repeatedly made proposals to give the title of Generalissimo to the current general secretaries - N.S. Khrushchev and L.I. Brezhnev. But they did not receive an official move.
Not all the generalissimos of Russia and the USSR, the list of which was above, became famous as major commanders. But for all of them (except Shein), the title of generalissimo was nothing more than an additional award or a sign of recognition of military merit.
