The events for which the year 1612 is famous went down in history as the end of the Time of Troubles and the beginning of the country's liberation from the Polish military presence. This year became the main one for future events, laid the foundation for the final expulsion of the Poles. It is currently believed that it is in honor of this event that the holiday of national unity is celebrated in November. The history of 1612 cannot be considered without an analysis of previous events. This is logical, since in many respects this time is the final period of a certain stage in the development of the state. Like all key years in history, 1612 was far from easy.
1612: how it all began
Despite the fact that the Time of Troubles is marked in many textbooks as 1605-1612, the seeds of the problem were sown immediately after the death of Ivan the Terrible, the last representative of the Rurik dynasty.
After the death of a strong leader, who did not leave behind the same strong successor, the country began to suffer under the yoke of civil strife among the boyars and the frequent raids of numerous neighbors. Ivan the Terrible had heirs, but they died, so power passed to Godunov. It was a difficult time, as a famine broke out at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries,which was accompanied by rampant gangs and high mortality among the common population. Combined with constant Lithuanian and Polish invasions, this makes the Time of Troubles a truly dark time in Russian history. Against this background, a circle of boyars deposed Godunov from the throne, declaring that he had seized power illegally, and that his rule was contrary to the will of God. After that, the supposedly rescued and surviving descendants of Grozny, the False Dmitry, appeared twice, but they did not reign for long. In the wake of the unstable political situation, Russia became easy prey for foreign invaders. Poland did not miss the opportunity to seize power in a weakened country without a ruler.
Raising the liberating spirit
A few years before the moment when the events of 1612 unfolded, liberation uprisings against foreigners began. To provide military support, Shuisky bought the Swedish army at the cost of the Karelian district.
This united army was defeated largely due to the betrayal of the German mercenaries and their defection to the side of the enemy. This opened the way to Moscow.
Heroes of the people - Minin and Pozharsky
Minin was elected to the role of senior in organizing the militia of Nizhny Novgorod. He collected a large amount for the needs of the army - each farm was obliged to contribute about 20% of its value. Pozharsky became a military leader. He was not associated with foreign invaders, so people rallied around him. Perhaps this decided what the year 1612 will remain in history. Leaders sent letters urging them to join theuprising. The people responded to the call. From all over the country, people began to gather in Yaroslavl to prepare for the campaign. The militia stood there until the end of the summer. Pozharsky de alt with military issues, and Minin took over the economic management. The army set out on a campaign against Moscow in the second half of August.
Siege of Moscow
Despite the fact that the siege of the militia began in August, it ended only in October, according to the old style. So, the Poles settled in the city. For them, 1612 was far from the best year - provisions were running out, and it was a long time to wait for the arrival of carts. The next day after the approach of the rebels, the long-awaited convoy arrived. Contrary to expectations, the militia won this battle. They owe much of their victory to Minin, who acted as a brave warrior and competent strategist. The remnants of the broken convoy retreated, and the Russians received at their disposal provisions, so necessary for the starving Poles and boyars outside the Kremlin walls.
The complete lack of food caused not only high mortality, but also numerous cases of cannibalism in the garrison.
Storm of Moscow
The assault on the weakened garrison began on October 22, and the Poles were driven out of Kitay-gorod. The Russians entered the Kremlin on 24 October. It was November 1612, namely the 4th of the new style. This date is today celebrated as a holiday of national unity in Russia.
Zemsky Sobor
1612 laid the foundation for further developments. After the end of the siege, Minin and Pozharsky convened a Zemsky Sobor, the purpose of which was to choose a newking. According to the decision, in addition to the clergy, people of different classes from different cities will participate in the Cathedral. The decision on the choice of the king was to be made unanimously, and the date of the elections themselves was set for February 21, 1613. According to the results of the Council, Mikhail Romanov became king, who highly appreciated the merits of Pozharsky and Minin. So, the first was granted the boyar title, and the second was elevated to the rank of Duma boyars.
Minin collected taxes in his new post until his death, and Pozharsky continued to lead troops in liberation campaigns against the Poles. The year 1612 became a fateful year for them and for the entire state. Thus ended the Time of Troubles, which brought much suffering to the Russian land.
