Page 32
Question 1. Why do you think the war between Russia and France became inevitable by 1812? What goals did each side pursue? How did the upcoming war take on its character for Russia and Napoleonic France in this regard?
War between Russia and France became inevitable by 1812 because Napoleon hatched plans and strived for European and world domination. He conquered all the countries of Europe and Russia remained the only unconquered power. France's goals in this war are aggressive, Russia's goals are defensive, liberation. That is why the war was called the Patriotic War.
Question 2. Compare the forces of both sides on the eve of the invasion of Napoleon’s army; Russia. Why did the Emperor of France count on a quick victory in a lightning war? What did the “conqueror of Europe” not take into account when starting the war with Russia?
The forces of both sides on the eve of Napoleon's army's invasion of Russia were unequal: Napoleon's army was 2 times larger than the Russian army in terms of the number of soldiers, guns and cavalry. That is why Napoleon hoped for a lightning war, believing that not only a large army, but also serfs who rebelled against the landowners would help to win. Napoleon did not take into account patriotism, love for the homeland of the Russian people, who had the historical experience of repelling the enemy. And another unusual strategy of the Russian command - not to engage in large battles, to drag the enemy deep into the country.
Page 33
Question 1. What was the strategic plan of Prince M.B. Barclay de Tolly? How did the army and society react to the retreat maneuvers?
The strategic plan of Prince M.B. Barclay de Tolly consisted of retreating without major battles and drawing the enemy deeper into the country. This plan caused discontent both in the army and in society, in noble circles.
Question 2. Where and when before the Patriotic War M.I. Did Kutuzov glorify his name? Why did his appointment as commander-in-chief cause an unprecedented uplift in all layers of Russian society?
Kutuzov M.I. In 1784, Kutuzov received the rank of major general for successful activities in the Crimea. In 1788-1790, he took part in the siege of Ochakov, the battles near Kaushany, the assault on Bendery, Izmail, for which he received the rank of lieutenant general. Kutuzov also took part in the Russian-Polish war, taught a lot of military disciplines, and served as a military governor. His appointment as commander-in-chief caused an unprecedented upsurge in all layers of Russian society because the victories of the Russian army under his command instilled hope of victory over the French army.
Question 3. Who joined the militia? Remember when in Russia the people's militia played a decisive role in the liberation of the Fatherland.
People from different social strata volunteered to join the militia units. Such a patriotic upsurge during the formation of the militia was observed in 1605-1607 during the Time of Troubles during the liberation of Russia from the Polish invaders.
Page 34
Question. What were the plans of Napoleon and Kutuzov in the Battle of Borodino? Why did the Emperor of France rate it as “terrible”?
Napoleon's plans in the Battle of Borodino: defeat the Russian army
M.I.'s plans Kutuzov in the Battle of Borodino: to stand on the battlefield, not to retreat from their positions.
Napoleon assessed the Battle of Borodino as “terrible”, because the losses of the French army in this battle amounted to about 50% of soldiers and even more guns; after the Battle of Borodino, plans for a lightning victory of the French troops completely failed.
Page 35
Question. Using the map (p. 42-43), show the movement of Russian troops during the Tarutino maneuver?
During the Tarutino maneuver, Russian troops moved as follows: from the Borodino field east to Moscow, passed through Moscow, then turned south towards the village of Tarutina on the Kaluga road.
Page 37
Question. Tell us about the last stage of the Patriotic War of 1812.
The last stage of the Patriotic War of 1812
October 12 - battle at Maloyaroslavets, forcing the French to retreat along the devastated Smolensk road.
Page 37
Question 1. Give three or more arguments to justify the War of 1812 as a domestic war.
Arguments proving that the War of 1812 was patriotic:
The presence of a militia, in which representatives of all layers of Russian society participated (burghers, peasants, including serfs, townspeople, nobles, merchants)
Collecting donations for the war - about 1 million rubles collected in a short time
Guerrilla warfare
Heroism of the participants in the battles
Question 2. Select from the following the main reasons for Russia’s victory over Napoleonic France in the War of 1812:
a) patriotic sentiments and participation of broad sections of Russian society in the fight against the conquerors;
b) Napoleon’s miscalculations in the development and implementation of the plan for a lightning war against Russia;
The main reasons for Russia's victory over Napoleonic France in the War of 1812:
a) patriotic sentiments and participation of broad sections of the population in the fight against conquerors
c) heroism and courage of Russian soldiers and officers, residents of cities and villages
d) military talent and art of the commander-in-chief of the Russian army M.I. Kutuzov and other commanders.
Question 3. What is the significance of this war in Russian history? How is her memory immortalized in monuments? What works of literature and art are dedicated to the heroes and events of 1812? Prepare a presentation message about “places of memory” of 1812 in Russia (perhaps using the example of your native land).
c) heroism and courage of Russian soldiers and officers, residents of cities and villages;
d) the inability of the “Grand Army” to protracted military campaigns far from their homes and in the harsh natural conditions of Russia;
e) military talent and art of the commander-in-chief of the Russian army M.I. Kutuzov and other commanders.
For Russian history, the significance of the victory in this war is enormous: Russia retained its independence, contributed to the formation of national identity, and gave rise to the appearance of many works of art in literature, sculpture, painting, and music.
"Borodino" M.Yu. Lermontov, “War and Peace” by L.N. Tolstoy, portraits of Russian commanders, the war of 1812 in the works of Russian artists P. Hess, A.D. Kivshenko, V.V. Vereshchagina. In the 20th century, director E. Ryazanov made the film “The Hussar Ballad” and many, many. other works.
On the territory of the Chelyabinsk region, the events of the Patriotic War of 1812 are preserved in the names of settlements:
BORODINOVKA, village, center and unity. population point of Borodinovsky village. settlements (Varna district). Located in the north. parts of the area, on the banks of the river. Upper Toguzak. Village main in 1843 in Novolineiny district as detachment No. 26. Named in honor of the Russian victory. troops over the French in the Battle of Borodino (September 7, 1812).
TARUTINO, village, center of Tarutino village. settlements (Chesm. district). Located in the east. parts of the area, on the shore of the lake. Tarutininskoye (Gorkoye). Village main in the Novolineiny district in 1843-44 as a military man. OKW settlement. Named in memory of the battle on October 18, 1812 in the area of the village of Tarutino, Kaluga region, which took place between Russian troops under the command of Field Marshal Kutuzov and the French troops of Marshal Murat during the Fatherland. war of 1812.
KRASNINSKY, village, center of Krasninsky village. settlements (Verkhneural district). Located in the east parts of the area, on the shore of the lake. Lebyazhye. Village main in the 1840s when settling the New Border Line. Named in honor of the Russian victory. armies over the French in the battle near the village Krasny near Smolensk (November 15-18, 1812).
BEREZINSKY, village, center of Berezinsky village. settlements (Chesm. district). Located in the north parts of the region, in the upper reaches of the river. Upper Toguzak. Basic As a military man. settlement - post No. 25 OKV (Novolineiny district). Named in memory of history. event of the times of the Fatherland. war of 1812 - crossing of the Napoleonic army, pursued by the Russians. troops, across the river Berezina (Belarus).
Page 38 Questions about documents
Question 1. To which stages of the Patriotic War of 1812 do fragments of N.M.’s letters belong? Karamzin? In connection with what events does the writer share his emotions and experiences with I.I. Dmitriev?
N.M. Karamzin’s first letter refers to the first stage of the Patriotic War of 1812. The second and third correspond to the second stage of the war. In the first two letters there are worries about the fate of Moscow - leaving it to be ruined by the enemy. The third letter contains joy that the Fatherland has survived, which confirms the correctness of the decision to leave Moscow.
Question 2. How do you understand the words of N.M. Karamzin about Napoleon: “...runs as a hare, having come as a tiger”?
The words “runs like a hare, having come as a tiger” can be understood this way: all the aggressive, grandiose plans of Napoleon’s lightning war were crushed in Russia and he retreats, or rather quickly runs away, which gave Karamzin a reason to compare Napoleon with a hare.
Question 3. Why N.M. Karamzin calls himself and Count F.V. Rostopchin patriots? How did both show their patriotic position in the Patriotic War of 1812?
Karamzin calls himself and Count Rostopchin patriots because both he and the count worry about the fate of the state, and are ready, despite their advanced age, to join the ranks of the Russian army. As patriots, both of them did not leave Moscow.
Page 39, questions for the document
Question 1. What expectations were associated in the army and the people with the appointment of M.I. Kutuzov commander-in-chief of the Russian army?
Expectations in the army and people with the appointment of M.I. Kutuzov as commander-in-chief of the Russian army were associated with the hope of victory over the enemy.
Question 2. What do you think the words of the new commander-in-chief meant: “Not to win, but God forbid to deceive Napoleon”? What tactics was Kutuzov himself inclined to choose?
The words of the new commander-in-chief meant Kutuzov's desire to defeat Napoleon with small losses for the Russian army and the greatest losses in the enemy army. That is why Kutuzov chose the tactic of wearing out the enemy and preserving the Russian army.
The main reasons for the war were: Napoleon’s policy in Europe, without taking into account the interests of Russia and the latter’s reluctance to tighten the continental blockade of Great Britain. Bonaparte himself preferred to call this the 2nd Polish War or the “Russian Company”, since he considered the main goal of the military invasion to be the revival of the Polish independent state. In addition, Russia demanded the withdrawal of French troops from Prussia, which were there in defiance of the Treaty of Tilsit, and twice rejected Napoleon’s proposals for marriages with Russian princesses.
After the invasion, the French quite quickly, from June to September 1812, managed to advance deep into Russian territory. The Russians fought back all the way to Moscow, fighting the famous Battle of Borodino on the outskirts of the capital.
Turning a war into a patriotic one
At the first stage of the war, of course, it could not be called domestic, much less popular. The Napoleonic offensive was perceived rather ambiguously by the common people. Thanks to rumors that Bonaparte intended to free the serfs, give them land and give them freedom, serious collaborationist sentiments emerged among ordinary people. Some even formed detachments, attacked Russian government troops and caught landowners hiding in the forests.
The advance of Napoleon's army deeper into the country was accompanied by increased violence, a decline in discipline, fires in Moscow and Smolensk, looting and robberies. All this led to the fact that the common people rallied in resistance to the invaders, and the formation of militia and partisan formations began. Peasants everywhere began to refuse to supply the enemy with provisions and fodder. With the advent of peasant detachments, guerrilla warfare began to be accompanied by unprecedented cruelty and violence on both sides.
The battle for Smolensk, which destroyed a large city, marked the development of a nationwide war between the Russian people and the enemy, which was immediately felt by both ordinary French suppliers and Napoleon’s marshals.
By that time, flying partisan detachments were already actively operating in the rear of the French troops. Comprised of ordinary people, nobles, and military personnel, these detachments seriously annoyed the invaders, impeded supplies and destroyed the greatly extended communication lines of the French.
As a result, all representatives of the people rallied in the fight against the invaders: peasants, military men, landowners, nobles, which led to the fact that the War of 1812 began to be called the Patriotic War.
During its stay in Moscow alone, the French army lost more than 25 thousand people from partisan actions.
The war ended in defeat and the almost complete destruction of Napoleonic troops, with the liberation of Russian lands and the transfer of the theater of military operations to the territory of Germany and the Duchy of Warsaw. The main reasons for Napoleon's defeat in Russia were: participation in the war of all segments of the population, courage and heroism
How Napoleon's invasion turned into the Patriotic War
Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, Europe fought, redrawing borders and snatching crowns and other regalia from each other. The Russian Empire often took part in wars. As a rule, peasants and other classes were indifferent to what was happening and only tried to save their own property or harvest.
This was reflected even in the literature of that time. For example, in the works of Grimmelshausen or Swift.
Everything changed when the ambitious Napoleon Bonaparte marched his glorious army against Russia in the summer of 1812. I think it is necessary to know that this war was called “patriotic” later in order to distinguish it from the foreign campaign of 1813.
Whatever the reasons for the start of this war, it soon became a liberation struggle for our land and independence.
Numerous militia units were created in the cities, and peasants spontaneously created partisan units. Soon the army adopted the practice of such warfare. The entire people rose to defend the fatherland. This is well described in the epic War and Peace.
The most glorious and loud battles:
- battle for Smolensk;
- Battle of Borodino;
- battle on the Berezina.
War of 1812 Museum
If you are interested in this era or simply want to pay tribute to the brilliance of Russian weapons, then I highly recommend visiting the Museum of the Patriotic War of 1812. It is located in Moscow, on Revolution Square 2/3, within walking distance from the Okhotny Ryad, Teatralnaya or Revolution Square subway stations.
A huge variety of household items, clothing and weapons of that time are collected here. It is especially interesting to see the personal belongings of Napoleon (they were found in the train he abandoned) and Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov.
Heroes of the Patriotic War The War of 1812 was won thanks to the partisans. The following names will forever go down in the history of the war: D.V.Davydov D.V.Davydov M.I.Platov M.I.Platov A.N. Seslavin A.N. Seslavin A.S.Figner A.S.Figner I.S.Dorokhov I.S.Dorokhov Starostika Vasilisa Kozhina Starostika Vasilisa Kozhina Peasant Gerasim Kurin Peasant Gerasim Kurin
Denis Vasilyevich Davydov (gg) The famous partisan poet, one of A.S. Pushkin’s friends, was an adjutant to Prince Bagration. Before the Battle of Borodino, he obtained permission from Kutuzov to switch to partisan actions and began them with a detachment of 130 horsemen. The rapid successes of the partisans convinced Kutuzov of the feasibility of this “small war.” Near the village of Lyakhov, Davydov, together with other partisans, captured the 2000 brigade of the French General Augereau. His detachment destroyed the French cavalry depot near the city of Kopys and scattered enemy troops near Belynichi. Continuing their actions to the Neman, Davydov’s partisans were the first to occupy Grodno.
Noble partisans As Napoleonic troops advanced deeper into Russia, the partisan war flared up more and more. The theater of combat for the partisans was Smolensk, Kaluga, Moscow, and partly Tula provinces. All segments of the population took part in the partisan movement: soldiers of the Russian army who escaped from captivity (Ermolai Chetvertakov, Stepan Eremenko, Fyodor Samus), landowners (Major Khrapovitsky, Lieutenant Boreysha, Major Grinev, Captain Belsky, Navy Lieutenant Melnikov, veteran of Suvorov's campaigns Major Emelyanov )
Partisans from the people The peasant leaders of the partisan detachments also became famous: Gerasim Kurin, Gerasim Kurin, Fyodor Stulov, Fyodor Stulov, Vasily Polovtsev, Vasily Polovtsev, Fyodor Anufriev, Fyodor Anufriev, Sidor Timofeev, Sidor Timofeev, Ivan Ivanov, Ivan Ivanov, Fedul Dmitriev. Fedul Dmitriev. In the Sychevsky district of the Smolensk province, the partisan detachment was led by Vasilisa Kozhina, the elder of the Gorshkovo farm. Vasilisa Kozhina, elder of the Gorshkovo farm.
“Why is the War of 1812 called Patriotic” In our opinion, from the very first days the war had a nationwide, domestic character. In the cities, militias were being formed and funds were being collected for the needs of the active army. Throughout Russia there was a collection of material assets for the army. The amount of donations exceeded the revenue portion of the country's annual budget. The popular character of the war was most evident in the actions of the peasants. They fought the enemy, refused to sell food and fodder, went into the forests and became partisans. Along with the Russians, Belarusians, Ukrainians, Tatars, Bashkirs and representatives of many other nations made their contribution to the victory. Therefore, the War of 1812 was rightly called the Patriotic War.
Sources Encyclopedia of 19th Century History. M., 2004 Encyclopedia of the history of the 19th century. M., 2004 Tarle E.V. Napoleon. M., 1991 Tarle E.V. Napoleon. M., 1991 Sirotkin V.G. Patriotic War of 1812 M., 1988 Sirotkin V.G. Patriotic War of 1812. M., 1988 Wikipedia. Patriotic War of 1812 // Wikipedia. Patriotic War of 1812 // Heroes of the Patriotic War of 1812 // Heroes of the Patriotic War of 1812 //
1812 - Great Year of Russia
The history of the Patriotic War of 1812 has not been sufficiently studied to date. In scientific circles, there are many controversial issues related to the War of 1812, including: the diplomatic preparation of the war, its international significance, the role of the army, the fate of the soldiers of Napoleonic France who found themselves in Russian captivity, statistics of participants in the war, periodization of the stages of the war, the causes of the Moscow fire etc.
Why is the War of 1812 called the Patriotic War?
The significance of the victory in the Patriotic War of 1812 is evidenced by the fact that this event is reflected in the Federal Law “On the Days of Military Glory of Russia”, where the list of days of military glory of Russia included September 8 - day of the Battle of Borodino. In 2007, Russian President V. Putin signed the Decree “On the celebration of the 200th anniversary of Russia’s victory in the Patriotic War of 1812”; in 2009, by decree of D. Medvedev, the State Commission for preparations for the celebration of the 200th anniversary of Russia’s victory in the Patriotic War of 1812 was created .
The Patriotic War of 1812 became a severe test for the Russian people. All Russian classes, regardless of state rank and property status, stood up to defend their Fatherland. That's why it was called Patriotic.
Bonaparte's aggression against Russia was international, pan-European in nature. French, Prussian, Austrian, Bavarian, Saxon, Polish, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Swiss, Portuguese, Lithuanian, Westphalian, Württemberg, Baden, Berg, Hesse-Darmstadt formations, units and subdivisions made up the Grand Army of about 610 thousand people.
The Patriotic War lasted 7 months.
From the very beginning, this war acquired the character of a national liberation movement led by the great Russian people. It was the nationwide nature of the war of 1812 that became the main reason for the death of Napoleon and his army. The people were the mighty force that destroyed the hordes of foreign invaders who invaded Russia.
Stages of the Patriotic War of 1812
1st stage: Belarusian-Lithuanian operation. This period covers June and July, when the Russians managed to avoid encirclement in Lithuania and Belarus, repel the onslaught in the St. Petersburg and Ukrainian directions and unite in the Smolensk region.
2nd stage: Smolensk operation. It includes military operations in the Smolensk area.
3rd stage: March on Moscow, or the culmination of the Napoleonic invasion.
4th stage: Kaluga campaign. It represents Napoleon's attempt to break out from Moscow in the Kaluga direction.
5th stage: Expulsion of Napoleonic troops from Russia.
At 6 o'clock in the morning on June 24 (June 12 old style), 1812, the vanguard of the French troops crossed the Neman and entered the Russian city of Kovno (modern Kaunas, Lithuania).
To invade Russia, Napoleon concentrated a huge group of 300 people near the Russian border (historians also call the figure 480 thousand people).
On January 1, 1801, the Russian army numbered 446,000 people; thanks to active recruitment, by 1812 there were about 597,000 people under arms. Emperor Alexander I appealed to all Russians to sacrifice themselves “for the most reliable protection of the Fatherland.” Anyone could join the militia without distinction of class or occupation. Number of members people's militia was brought to 420 thousand. During the time of the Napoleonic invasion, the Holy Governing Synod adopted an unprecedented resolution allowing seminarians to join the people's militia.
Losses of the Russian army in 1812
In the historical literature there are still large discrepancies in the assessment of the number and losses of Russian troops. Taking into account the militias, troops with a total number of 720-740 thousand people (combatant and non-combatant ranks) arrived at the theater of military operations from June to October 1812. During the fighting, the losses of Russian troops amounted to approximately 300 thousand people. Most of the losses - about 175 thousand people - were non-combat. Among the factors that had a strong influence on the increase in non-combat losses in the Russian army, it should be noted: exhaustion of people due to movement over vast distances on bad roads in unfavorable climatic conditions, lack of food, water, fodder, warm uniforms, diseases that took on the character of epidemics.
Losses of Napoleon's army in 1812
After the defeat of Napoleon's army, the cadres of the French army disappeared. In 1813-1814, the number of participants in the Moscow campaign was less than 5% of Napoleon’s army. This is how Napoleon’s attempt to defeat Russia ended ingloriously. In his report, M.I. Kutuzov summed up the following results of the military campaign: “Napoleon entered with 480 thousand, and withdrew about 20 thousand, leaving at least 150,000 prisoners and 850 guns. The number of deaths in Russian troops was 120 thousand people. Of these, 46 thousand people were killed and died from wounds.”
Factors that led to the death of Napoleon's army:
Political restraint on the part of Alexander I and military restraint on the part of Kutuzov
The high patriotism of the Russian people, who donated enormous funds to wage the war and form militias
A stubborn, persistent guerrilla war, in which even women participated;
The amazing valor of the Russian troops, the dedication and skillfully demonstrated private initiative of the commanders
The brilliant activity of the Cossacks, indispensable for partisan actions and unexpected attacks.
Great commanders of the Patriotic War of 1812
Mikhail Illarionovich Golenishchev-Kutuzov (1745-1813)
Pyotr Ivanovich Bagration (1765-1812)
Mikhail Bogdanovich Barclay de Tolly (1761 - 1818)
Matvey Ivanovich Platov (1753-1818)
Dmitry Sergeevich Dokhturov (1756-1816)
Alexander Ivanovich Kutaisov (1784 – 1812)
Ivan Semyonovich Dorokhov (1762 – 1815)
Alesey Petrovich Ermolov (1772 -1861)
Dmitry Petrovich Neverovsky
Nikolai Nikolaevich Raevsky (1801 -1843)
Denis Vasilievich Davydov (1784 -1839)
Peter Christianovich Wittgenstein (1768-1843)
Among the heroes of the Patriotic War, many other names can be named: S. Volkonsky, D. Golitsin, P. Konovnitsin, Y. Kulnev, M. Miloradovich, F. Uvarov, etc. But the main hero of the Patriotic War of 1812 was the Russian Soldier. It was he who bore on his shoulders all the hardships of a hitherto unprecedented war, survived and won. Award documents testify to the massive heroism of Russian soldiers and officers. Kutuzov personally introduced 44 officers to the Order of St. George.
Borodino Field - a sacred place of Russian valor and glory
The Battle of Borodino is the largest battle of the Patriotic War of 1812. It took place on August 26, 1812 (September 7, new style) near the village of Borodino. In recent years, more and more historians are inclined to believe that the Battle of Borodino lasted for three days (August 24-25-26). About 120 thousand Russians and Napoleon's 135 thousand army fought in the battle. The Russian army lost 44 thousand killed and wounded, the enemy - 58 thousand. The Battle of Borodino marked the beginning of the defeat of Napoleon's army.
According to the recollections of the French participants in the campaign, the night inspection of the Borodino field made a stunning impression on Napoleon. Having traveled around the Russian positions, the emperor saw that, despite all the hellish efforts of his army, it was practically impossible to move them. It was time to ask myself: “Where is my army that brought Europe to its knees? Why didn’t everything happen as planned?” When, at Berezina, the carriage with all the things and papers of Marshal Berthier fell into the hands of the Cossacks, an order given by Napoleon late in the evening of August 26 was found among various documents. Here is his text:
"French people!
You are broken! You allowed yourself to be covered with dishonor and shame. Only with Russian blood alone can you wash away this stain! In two days I will fight again, even more bloody than yesterday. Let the cowards die in it, I want to command only the brave.”
Interesting historical facts:
French soldiers, unlike Russians, never cooked or ate porridge - their field kitchens had different traditions.
For the first time, the reconstruction of the Battle of Borodino was carried out by Nicholas I in 1839. Then he brought 150 thousand soldiers to the Borodino field. The centenary of the battle was celebrated on an equally large scale in 1912. The cinematic archive preserves rare chronicle footage of Nicholas II walking around the line of participants in the battle reconstruction. Celebrations near the village of Borodino resumed in the 70s of the 20th century. The holiday acquired state status in 1995, when the anniversary of the Battle of Borodino officially became the Day of Military Glory of Russia.
In 2008, a lyceum named after the hero of the Patriotic War of 1812, Ataman Matvey Platov, opened in the village of Grigoropolisskaya in the Stavropol Territory, where students are educated and trained taking into account Cossack and Orthodox traditions.
On December 12, 1812, Alexander I, in honor of the victory over Napoleon, proclaimed “general and private forgiveness” for residents of the western provinces who helped the French. The famous Russian writer Thaddeus Bulgarin was forgiven. A graduate of the St. Petersburg cadet corps became captain of the French lancers legion, participated in the campaign against Russia, and was awarded the Order of the Legion of Honor.
The memory of the Patriotic War of 1812 is immortalized by the construction of churches, for example, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow. The date of the end of the war was celebrated on the day of the Nativity of Christ, until the October Revolution.
A classic of French fiction, Stendhal (real name Marie-Henri Beyle) witnessed the battles of the Patriotic War of 1812, in particular the fire of Moscow. During his retreat from Russia, he lost the manuscript of his new work, “The History of Painting in Italy.”
Field Marshal General, His Serene Highness Prince M.I. Golenishchev-Kutuzov never wore an eye patch. There is not a single memoir or epistolary evidence from Kutuzov’s contemporaries describing the field marshal with a bandage on his right eye. Kutuzov had no need to hide his eye under a bandage, since he saw with this eye, although not as well as with his left. In all pre-revolutionary images of Kutuzov (including those during his lifetime), you can see that he does not have any bandage on his right eye.
The Chelyabinsk region is one of the few regions of Russia where, next to populated areas, you can see regional centers and villages named after European capitals. The Southern Urals have their own Varna, Paris, Berlin and Leipzig. Their appearance is inextricably linked with the history of the South Ural Cossacks in memory of the great battles and victories of the Russian army in Italy, Germany and France from 1799 to 1814.
On the eve of the War of 1812, Mikhail Barclay de Tolly created a military intelligence service for the first time in Russia. In 1810, he began organizing the Secret Expedition under his department. The office operated in strict secrecy; it did not appear in any way in annual ministerial reports, and the responsibilities of its employees were determined by “specially established rules.”
