Alexander Sergeevich Menshikov (1787-1869), great-grandson of the famous A. D. Menshikov, a favorite and close associate of Peter I, was one of the prominent military, political, statesmen of Russia in the 19th century. In addition, he was a diplomat, headed naval institutions, participated in many campaigns, and was close to two emperors. In society, he was famous for his wit and gaiety. He was also the largest bibliophile of his time, amassing a library of over fifty thousand books.
Some facts of life
A short biography of Alexander Menshikov, which will be described in this article, is interesting because it shows how versatile and multifaceted his activities were. He was born into a military family, received an excellent education at home, studied at German universities. He was fluent in several foreign languages, therefore, having returned to his homeland, he entered the service of the Collegium of Foreign Affairs, where he served for some time. During this period, Alexander Sergeevich Menshikov was in diplomatic missions in Europeancapitals.
However, very soon he entered the military service and distinguished himself in the war with Turkey (in 1810-1811). Alexander Sergeevich took part in the siege and capture of a number of fortresses, in the crossing of the Danube. The young man proved himself well, showing courage and performing various assignments, for which he received the Order of St. Vladimir. After that, he became the emperor's adjutant, thus entering his retinue.
Military career
He distinguished himself during World War II. During this period, Menshikov was at the main headquarters and participated in all major battles with the French. Then he received a promotion, becoming a captain. He, along with the Russian troops, went on foreign campaigns and at that time managed to prove himself well to the emperor, having completed one very difficult assignment. Menshikov Alexander Sergeevich had to tell the Swedish commander that the Allied forces had united and went on the offensive. He successfully coped with the task, which earned the almost complete trust of Alexander I. Menshikov fought in several battles, for which he received a new award - the Order of St. Vladimir. An indicator of the emperor's confidence in him is that he accompanied his ruler in all European congresses dedicated to deciding the fate of countries after the Napoleonic wars.
Civil service
In 1816 Menshikov Alexander Sergeevich received a new responsible post inoffice at the main headquarters. But at this time, Arakcheev, who did not like him, advanced at the court. As a result, Menshikov's position was shaken.
The final break with the court occurred after he decided to create a project to free the serfs of the landlords. In principle, this issue was relevant at the beginning of the reign of the emperor, but at the end of his reign, many liberal projects were curtailed, including various options for the abolition of serfdom. However, Menshikov Alexander Sergeevich in 1821, together with two other prominent statesmen, presented a plan for the elimination of serfdom, which was perceived by the tsar as too bold. After this incident, he even became known as a freethinker, which led to his removal from the court, and under what circumstances: he was asked to take a diplomatic post in Dresden, which he took as a personal insult and as a hint of the need to move away from the ruler. Alexander Sergeevich refused this post and left for his estate.
Navy reform
The next stage of his life is associated with the accession of the new emperor - Nicholas I. At his own request, he was returned to the service. The first stage of the reign of the new ruler was marked by a desire to reorganize the fleet, which had hardly been reformed under his predecessor. Nicholas I energetically undertook its transformation, he himself delved into all the details, followed the construction of ships, drawing up plans. Menshikov was not familiar with maritime affairs in practice, but during his stay in the village he studieda required book course taught by a neighbor who was knowledgeable in the subject.
New stage of activity
After his return to the capital, Alexander Sergeevich presented to the emperor a project for the transformation of the maritime department, which was supposed to be changed following the example of military administration. A special role was assigned to the main headquarters under the maritime department, the head of which acted as an intermediary between the tsar and the fleet. Menshikov served as head of the naval headquarters for quite a long time - from 1829 to 1855. Subsequently, his activities led to the fact that the naval minister, in fact, lost his importance, giving way to his new chief of staff. As the Governor General of Finland, Menshikov nevertheless continued his military career.
Participation in wars
Occupying high civilian positions, Alexander Sergeevich, however, continued to participate in military battles. Menshikov distinguished himself in the war with Turkey. He took a number of fortresses, and before the start of the Crimean War, he carried out diplomatic missions. After the outbreak of hostilities, he headed the naval and ground forces, but his activities in this post did not bring him fame. Under his command, the Russian army suffered a series of serious defeats from the allies. Despite the fact that the first decades of the reign of Nicholas I, reforms were carried out to reorganize the fleet, nevertheless, Russian sailing ships could not resist the enemy steam ships. After failurein the war, Menshikov was removed from military posts, retaining the rank of adjutant and member of the state council. After that, he retired to his village, where he died in 1869.
