Among the figures of outstanding people who devoted their lives to serving the Fatherland, the personality of Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov arouses genuine interest. A man who managed not only to fight back, but also to defeat one of the greatest geniuses of military affairs, Napoleon Bonaparte, simply cannot but arouse admiration and respect among his descendants. For those who do not know who Kutuzov is, a short biography of the Field Marshal General will be very useful and instructive.
Childhood and youth
Mikhail Kutuzov was born into the family of a military engineer. From a very early age, the boy showed a thirst for knowledge. His favorite activities were mathematics and foreign languages. Having entered the Noble Artillery School, Kutuzov very quickly got used to it and soon became one of its best students. At the age of 16, Kutuzov began serving as an adjutant to the Governor General of Revel. However, after just six months, with the rank of warrant officer, he continues his career in active military service. Promoting quite quickly in rank, in 1864 Kutuzov arrived in Poland with the rank of captain.
Wound
Kutuzov, whose short biography is not able to contain all the dangerous moments of his life, in August 1774, in a battle with a Turkish landing near Alushta, received a serious bullet wound to the head. Doctors did not believe that Kutuzov could survive, but the young body soon began to recover, and treatment in Austria by personal order of Catherine II restored the young man’s ability to serve his Motherland. The second time Kutuzov was wounded in the head during the siege of Izmail in 1788, where a bullet knocked out his eye.
Diplomatic activities
Kutuzov, whose short biography also contains little-known facts, was also a good diplomat. In 1793, he was appointed to the post of ambassador in Constantinople. In addition, he later commanded in Finland, and in 1802 became governor-general of St. Petersburg.
Foreign campaign of 1805
Nominally leading the campaign of 1805, Kutuzov (a brief biography of the field marshal general contains such data) for the first time came face to face with the military genius of Napoleon. It is unknown how the war would have ended if Kutuzov had really commanded the army, but the excessive ambitions of Alexander I led to defeat and the signing of a humiliating
Turkish War 1806-1812
At the height of the war in 1809, Russian troops failed to take the Turkish fortress of Brailov, which played a strategic role. Kutuzov was found guilty of the unsuccessful assault, and he was removed from the army.
War of 1812
After an unsuccessful start to the war, he was forced to appoint a new commander-in-chief of the Russian army. It was Mikhail Kutuzov. A brief biography of the commander indicates that this decision of the king was completely justified. Having given the French a general battle at Borodino, Russian troops were forced to surrender the capital, Moscow. However, thanks to Kutuzov’s precisely calculated plan, the enemy was forced to retreat, and this retreat turned into a shameful flight.
Death of a Commander
Pursuing the remnants of Napoleon's army on April 13, 1813 in the city of Bunzlau on the border of Poland and Germany, the Russian army suffered a great loss - the commander-in-chief Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov died. A brief biography of the commander says that the soldiers carried the coffin with the body of the Field Marshal in their arms across all of Moscow. Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov was buried in the Kazan Cathedral in Moscow.
Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov (1745-1813) - Russian field marshal general from the Golenishchev-Kutuzov family, commander-in-chief during the Patriotic War of 1812. He also proved himself as a diplomat (he brought Prussia to the side of Russia in the fight against France, signed the Bucharest Peace Treaty of 1812). The first full holder of the Order of St. George.
Mikhail Illarionovich Golenishchev-Kutuzov was born into a family that belonged to an old noble family. His father, Illarion Matveevich, was a high-ranking officer in the Russian army. He completed his military service with the rank of lieutenant general, and then was a member of the Senate for several years.
Less certain information has been preserved about the mother. For a long time, family biographers believed that Anna Illarionovna came from the Beklemishev family. However, facts established by family biographers not so long ago showed that she was the daughter of retired captain Bedrinsky.
It turned out to be a difficult task to accurately establish the year of birth of the commander. In many sources and even on his grave, 1745 is indicated. At the same time, in private correspondence, in some formal lists and according to Mikhail Illarionovich himself, he was born in 1747. This date has recently been increasingly perceived by historians as more reliable.
The general's son received his initial education at home. At the age of twelve, he was enrolled in the Artillery and Engineering Noble School, of which his father was a teacher. Having proven himself to be a gifted student. Mikhail Illarionovich in 1759 received the rank of 1st class conductor, took the oath and was even involved in training officers.
After graduating from school, he remains within its walls for further service and teaches mathematics. A few months later he was transferred as an aide-de-camp to the Governor-General of Revel, Prince P. A. F. of Holstein-Beck. Having proven himself well in this field, in 1762 the young officer received the rank of captain and was assigned to the Astrakhan Infantry Regiment as a company commander.
For the first time, M.I. Kutuzov took part in hostilities in Poland, in the troops of Lieutenant General I.I. Weimarn in 1764. His detachment repeatedly participated in skirmishes with the Confederates. Mikhail Illarionovich’s excellent knowledge of foreign languages helped him take part in the development of the new Code of 1797 as a secretary.
War with Turkey in 1768-1774.
In 1770, in the third year of the next Russian-Turkish war, M. I. Kutuzov was sent to the 1st active army under the command of Field Marshal P. A. Rumyantsev. He gradually gained combat experience, participating in a number of battles at Kagul, Ryabaya Mogila and Larga. Each time, demonstrating outstanding tactical thinking and personal courage, he successfully advanced through the ranks. For his distinction in these battles, he was promoted to prime major, and after victory in the Battle of Popesty at the end of 1771, he received the rank of lieutenant colonel.
According to legend, the successful development of a military career in the first army was interrupted by a parody of the commander, shown in a narrow friendly circle. Nevertheless, P. A. Rumyantsev became aware of it, and he did not like such jokes. Soon after this, the promising officer was transferred to the 2nd Crimean Army at the disposal of Prince P. P. Dolgorukov.
The summer of 1774 was marked by fierce battles in the vicinity of Alushta, where the Turks landed a large landing force. In the battle near the village of Shuma on July 23, M.I. Kutuzov took part at the head of the Moscow battalion and was dangerously wounded in the head. A Turkish bullet pierced the left temple and exited near the right eye. For this battle the officer was awarded the Order of St. George 4th century. and was sent to Austria to restore his health. Mikhail Illarionovich spent two years of his stay in Regensburg studying military theory. At the same time, in 1776, he joined the Masonic lodge “To the Three Keys”.
Upon returning to Russia, M.I. Kutuzov was engaged in the formation of new cavalry units. In 1778, the thirty-year-old commander married Ekaterina Ilyinichna Bibikova, the daughter of Lieutenant General I. A. Bibikov. She was the sister of the prominent statesman A.I. Bibikov, a friend of A.V. Suvorov. In a happy marriage, he became the father of five daughters and a son, who died in early childhood during a smallpox epidemic.
After being awarded the next rank of colonel, he takes command of the Lugansk Pike Regiment, stationed in Azov. In 1783, already with the rank of brigadier, he was transferred to Crimea as commander of the Mariupol light cavalry regiment. The commander takes part in the suppression of the Crimean uprising of 1784, after which he receives another rank of major general. In 1785, he headed the Bug Jaeger Regiment and served on the southwestern border of the empire.
Turkish War 1787–1791
In 1787, Mikhail Illarionovich again took part in the war with Turkey, winning a brilliant victory near Kinburn. During the siege of Ochakov in 1788, Kutuzov was again wounded in the head and again it was as if he was “born in a shirt.”
Having recovered from a terrible wound, he takes part in the battles for Akkerman, Kaushany and Bendery. During the storming of Izmail in 1790, the general commanded the sixth column. For his participation in the capture of the fortress, M. I. Kutuzov received the Order of St. George 3rd degree, the rank of lieutenant general and the position of commandant of Izmail.
The Russian army in 1791 under his command not only repelled all attempts by the Turks to return the fortress, but also delivered a crushing retaliatory blow near Babadag. In the same year, in a joint operation with Prince N.V. Repnin, M.I. Kutuzov won a brilliant victory near Machin. This success in the theater of military operations brought the commander the Order of St. George 2 tbsp.
Diplomatic Service
After the end of the war, M.I. Kutuzov clearly demonstrated his abilities in the diplomatic field. Appointed ambassador to Istanbul, he successfully contributed to the resolution of complex international problems to the benefit of Russia. M. I. Kutuzov fully demonstrated his audacity and courage in the capital of the Ottoman Empire. Despite the strict ban on men visiting the garden at the Sultan's palace, he did not fail to do so with impunity.
Upon returning to Russia, the general brilliantly used his knowledge of Turkish culture. The ability to brew coffee correctly made an indelible impression on Catherine II’s favorite P. Zubov. With his help, he gained the favor of the empress, which contributed to his obtaining high positions. In 1795, Kutuzov was simultaneously appointed commander-in-chief of all branches of the military in the Principality of Finland and director of the Land Cadet Corps. The ability to please the powers that be helped him maintain his influence and important positions under Emperor Paul I. In 1798, he received another rank - general of infantry.
In 1799 he again carried out an important diplomatic mission in Berlin. He managed to find convincing arguments for the Prussian king in favor of Prussia entering into an alliance with Russia against France. At the turn of the century, M.I. Kutuzov occupied the post of military governor, first in Lithuania, and then in St. Petersburg and Vyborg.
In 1802, a dark streak came in Mikhail Illarionovich’s fully accomplished life. Having fallen out of favor with Emperor Alexander I, he lived for several years on his estate in Goroshki, formally remaining the commander of the Pskov Musketeer Regiment.
First war with France
In accordance with the agreement with the countries of the anti-Napoleonic coalition, Russian troops entered the territory of Austria-Hungary. During this war, the Russian army won two victories at Amstetten and Dürenstein, but suffered a crushing defeat at Austerlitz. The assessment of the role of M. and Kutuzov in this failure is contradictory. Many historians see its reason in the commander’s compliance with the crowned heads of Russia and Austria-Hungary, who insisted on a decisive offensive without expecting reinforcements. Emperor Alexander I subsequently officially admitted his mistake and even awarded M.I. Kutuzov the Order of St. Vladimir, 1st class, but in his heart he did not forgive the defeat.
Turkish War 1806–1812
After the sudden death of the commander of the Moldavian Army N.M. Kamensky, the emperor instructed Kutuzov to lead the Russian troops in the Balkans. With an army of 30,000 people, he had to confront a hundred thousand Turkish troops. In the summer of 1811, two armies met near Rushchuk. The tactical ingenuity demonstrated by the commander helped defeat the forces of the Turkish Sultan, which outnumbered him three times.
The defeat of the Turkish troops was completed by a cunning operation on the banks of the Danube. The temporary retreat of the Russian troops misled the enemy; the divided Turkish army was deprived of logistical support, blocked and defeated.
As a reward for victory in this war, even before the formal conclusion of peace, M.I. Kutuzov and his children were granted counthood. According to the soon concluded Peace of Bucharest in 1812, Bessarabia and part of Moldavia went to Russia. After this military and diplomatic victory, Count Kutuzov was recalled from the active army to organize the defense of St. Petersburg.
Patriotic War of 1812
Mikhail Illarionovich met the beginning of a new war with the Emperor of France in the position of chief of the St. Petersburg, and a little later, Moscow militia. In mid-summer, at the insistence of part of the nobility, he was appointed commander-in-chief of all the armed forces of Russia. At the same time, he and his descendants were granted the title of His Serene Highness. The army was headed by M. I. Kutuzov on August 17, 1812.
The onslaught of superior enemy forces forced Russian troops to retreat deeper and deeper into their territory. The Russian commander for the time being sought to avoid a decisive open clash with the French. The general battle in the vicinity of Moscow took place on August 26 near the village of Borodino. For organizing this stubborn battle and maintaining a combat-ready army, Kutuzov was awarded the rank of Field Marshal. Although the Russian army was able to inflict significant damage on the interventionists, the balance of power after the battle was not in its favor, and the retreat was continued. After the famous meeting in Fili, it was decided to leave Moscow.
Having occupied the former capital, Napoleon waited in vain for more than a month for Russia’s capitulation and, in the end, due to poor supplies, was forced to leave Moscow. His plans to improve the supply of the army at the expense of the southwestern Russian cities soon failed. Russian troops, having completed the famous Tarutino maneuver, blocked the path of the French army near Maloyaroslavets on October 12, 1812. French troops were forced to return to the war-ravaged areas of the country.
Subsequently, M.I. Kutuzov again sought to avoid major battles, preferring numerous small operations to them. As it turned out, such tactics subsequently brought victory. The huge army, invincible until that time, was defeated and was eventually forced to retreat from Russia in a disorderly manner. For commanding the Russian army in 1812, Field Marshal Kutuzov received the Order of St. George I Art. with a contradictory and paradoxical formulation: “For the defeat and expulsion of the enemy from Russia” and became its first full cavalier in history.
In the January days of 1813, the Russian army crossed the border of its country and in mid-spring reached the Elbe. On April 5, near the town of Bunzlau in Silesia, the field marshal caught a bad cold and took to bed. Doctors were powerless to help the hero of 1812, and on April 16, 1813, His Serene Highness Prince M.I. Kutuzov died. His body was embalmed and sent with honors to St. Petersburg, where he was buried in the Kazan Cathedral.
The role of the personality of M. I. Kutuzov in historical events
The opinions of historians and contemporaries about Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov as a historical figure differed radically during his lifetime. Not only court ill-wishers, but also many famous military officers questioned his military genius, especially after the defeat at Austerlitz and for the lack of decisive action at the end of the War of 1812.
Heroes of the Patriotic War N. E. Raevsky, P. T. Bagration, M. B. Barclay de Tolly. A.P. Ermolov spoke impartially of him as a person prone to intrigue, capable of appropriating other people's ideas and merits. The famous historian Academician E. Tarle also expressed the opinion that the fame of Kutuzov’s military talent is greatly exaggerated and spoke about the impossibility of considering him equal to A.V. Suvorov or Napoleon.
At the same time, it is impossible to deny his military successes during numerous campaigns against the Ottoman Empire. Evidence of his talent as a commander are also awards from foreign countries: Prussia, Austria-Hungary, and the Duchy of Holstein. The extraordinary diplomatic skills of M. I. Kutuzov contributed to the resolution of complex issues in Russia’s international relations not only with Turkey, but also with other European states.
During short periods of peaceful life, Mikhail Illarionovich established himself as a capable statesman, holding the post of governor-general in various regions of the country. He used his knowledge and invaluable experience in organizing military education in the Russian Empire.
The memory of the outstanding Russian commander is immortalized in numerous monuments and names of city streets in Russia and beyond, in the name of a warship and an asteroid.
Mikhail Illarionovich Golenishchev-Kutuzov is a famous Russian commander, field marshal general, commander-in-chief of the Russian army during the Patriotic War of 1812. He is the first full holder of the Order of St. George.
Mikhail Kutuzov was born in 1747 (previously it was believed that in 1745). Participated in many battles and battles. He remained in Russian history as one of the most famous commanders. Currently, more than ten monuments have been erected to Kutuzov, which are located in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Veliky Novgorod (one of the figures on the “1000th Anniversary of Russia” Monument), Kaliningrad, Smolensk, Tiraspol, near Alushta, etc.
Mikhail Illarionovich Golenishchev-Kutuzov died on April 16 (28), 1813. According to historians, he caught a cold and received a severe form of polyneuritis. Doctors could not save him, and he died in the town of Bunzlau (Prussia, now the territory of Poland).
Where is Kutuzov buried?
Kutuzov is buried in two places at once. After his death, he was embalmed, and his entrails were buried in a lead coffin on a hill three miles from the city of Bunzlau, near the village of Tillendorf. Currently, at the site of Kutuzov’s first burial there is a monument in the form of a broken column; on the pedestal there is an inscription: “Prince Kutuzov-Smolensky passed from this life to a better world on April 16, 1813.” The embalmed body of the commander, as well as his heart, enclosed in a silver vessel, was taken to St. Petersburg to perform all the necessary ritual services and see off the commander-in-chief with all honors. Several months passed from the time of death to burial in St. Petersburg. Here he was buried on June 13 (25), 1813 in the Kazan Cathedral in St. Petersburg. There is an inscription above the grave that reads: “Prince Mikhail Illarionovich Golenishchev-Kutuzov-Smolensky. Born in 1745, died in 1813 in the city of Bunzlau."
Kutuzov (Golenishchev-Kutuzov) Mikhail Illarionovich (1745-1813), Russian commander and diplomat.
Born on September 16, 1745 in St. Petersburg in the family of a lieutenant general from an old noble family. He graduated with honors from the artillery school in St. Petersburg (1759) and became a company commander of the Astrakhan infantry regiment (1761).
From 1762 he served as adjutant to Governor General Revel (now Tallinn); took part in hostilities in Poland in 1764-1765, participated in the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774.
In 1774, near Alushta, Kutuzov received a bullet wound to his temple and lost his right eye.
After treatment abroad, he served for six years under the command of A.V. Suvorov, organizing the defense of the Crimean coast.
In 1784, Kutuzov was promoted to major general and retired, and in 1787 he was appointed governor-general of Crimea.
During the Russian-Turkish War of 1787-1791. Kutuzov received a second severe bullet wound to the head (1788), distinguished himself during the storming of the Izmail fortress (1790), was highly decorated and received the rank of lieutenant general.
At the conclusion of the Peace of Jassy (January 9, 1792), he was unexpectedly appointed envoy to Turkey (1792-1794).
Upon returning to Russia, Kutuzov became director of the Land Noble Cadet Corps in St. Petersburg. Under Emperor Paul I, Kutuzov was appointed to high positions and was entrusted with responsible diplomatic missions.
Alexander I, who ascended the throne, made him military governor of St. Petersburg.
In 1805, Kutuzov began to command the troops operating in Austria against Napoleon 1, and in 1811 he took command of the Moldavian Army.
During the Patriotic War of 1812 (August 20, 1812), Kutuzov became commander-in-chief of the Russian army and, after the expulsion of Napoleon, received the Order of St. George, 1st class, as well as the title of Prince of Smolensk. He opposed the persecution of Napoleon in Europe, but was appointed commander-in-chief of the united Russian and Prussian armies.
Before the start of the campaign he fell ill.
Most often, when speaking about the Patriotic War of 1812, many people remember two names - Napoleon and Kutuzov. A brief biography of the Russian commander-in-chief of that time will make it possible to understand why the emperor entrusted the war to this particular general.
Basic facts from life
Mikhail Illarionovich was born into the Golenishchev-Kutuzov family. His father was a lieutenant general and later became a senator. The mother belonged to the family of a retired captain.
Kutuzov's date of birth is not known for certain. According to different versions, two years appear - these are 1747 and 1745. A second date is indicated on his grave and in early sources, and modern printed publications call 1747 the year of birth.
The boy's education began at the age of seven. He first received home education, and then studied at the Artillery Noble School. His father worked there too. Kutuzov, whose brief biography is discussed in this article, showed good learning abilities. At the age of 12-13 he was given a salary at an educational institution. Further, his career advancement was also successful. In 1762, he became a captain and was appointed company commander in the Astrakhan Infantry Regiment, commanded by A.V. Suvorov.
Participation in the Russian-Turkish war
The military leader's skills were accumulated in battles during the Russian-Turkish wars. During the first war of 1768-1774, Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov became a lieutenant colonel and acquired the quality of restraint and secrecy, which was important for his future career.
The experience of hiding his feelings and thoughts is associated with the episode as a result of which he was sent by Commander-in-Chief Rumyantsev to the 2nd Crimean Army. At that time, the 25-year-old officer allowed himself to parody the field marshal’s behavior among his friends.
In the new army, Kutuzov, whose brief biography is described, distinguished himself in 1774. In one of the battles, his battalion performed excellently in the fight against the Turkish landing, and the commander himself was wounded by a bullet. It pierced the temple and came out near the right eye. Despite popular belief, Kutuzov retained his vision, but his eye was mutilated.
Afterwards there was a two-year rest with treatment in Austria and the second Turkish war of 1787. In it, the major general was already under the command of Suvorov. A year later, he was seriously wounded again, and the bullet passed near the old canal. Suvorov wrote about Kutuzov as a brave, undaunted warrior, whom he considered his right hand.
Kutuzov won victory after victory over the Turks, crushing their numerous troops. For this he received new ranks and orders of St. George of various degrees.
Participation in the war with Napoleon
Kutuzov, whose brief biography is being reviewed, was not held in high esteem by Emperor Alexander II of Russia at the time of the war. However, the difficult military situation and the superior skill of the commander became decisive factors, and he was entrusted with leading the Russian army and militia. Also, the Kutuzov family was elevated to princely dignity.
Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov, with his very arrival, was able to raise the patriotic spirit both in the army and among the people. The difficult and heroic path to victory began. The Russian commander-in-chief chose the method of retreating into the interior of the country and waiting. It was decided to leave Moscow. After leaving the city, Mikhail Illarionovich made a hidden flank maneuver (Tarutinsky). Russian troops found themselves south and west of Napoleon's troops and blocked their path to the southern regions.
Napoleon tried to negotiate peace with Russia, but in vain. Then he began to withdraw his troops to provide them with food and warm equipment. Russian troops and partisan detachments carried out attacks in small groups, as a result of which the French army was destroyed. Kutuzov's strategy worked and the offensive began. At the same time, the Field Marshal General earned the Order of St. George, 1st degree.
Skillful politician
The characterization of Kutuzov as a military man shows how brave and resilient he was in battle. He led his subordinates by example, and this was often a decisive factor in battles. The intelligence that he possessed since childhood helped him develop the necessary strategy in a particular war.
Kutuzov was also a good diplomat. He found contact with rulers using different methods. So, under Catherine II, he was able to get closer to her through her favorite Zubov. To do this, Kutuzov came to him an hour before he woke up and brought him personally brewed coffee. He was able to maintain his position under Paul.
Kutuzov was able to improve the subtleties and tricks of negotiations in various diplomatic missions in which he was a participant.
