In the history of Russia there were many periods when foreigners controlled the main state affairs. Most often they were representatives of the German lands. It is with one of the Germans that the term "Bironism" is associated. This concept is negative. Although not everything is as simple as it might seem at first glance.
Characterization of the concept
Bironovshchina is the reactionary regime of the first half of the eighteenth century in Russia. In the decade when Empress Anna Ioannovna reigned.
Features:
- foreign dominance – Russia was mostly filled with Germans who took up important positions in the civil service;
- exploitation of the people - this attitude was characteristic of most of the rulers of the country;
- persecution of the disaffected - distinguished by cruelty, denunciations were encouraged;
- depletion of the state treasury - this was facilitated by the inability to govern the state, excessive luxury at court, embezzlement by favorites.
The word "Bironism"was invented by Field Marshal Munnich. He was the favorite of Peter the Great. Being a German, Munnich hated the favorite of Anna Ioannovna. As soon as he had such an opportunity, he de alt with him. But about this in order.
The coming to power of Anna Ioannovna
Bironovshchina is a term associated with the reign of Anna Ioannovna. Her coming to power was a complete surprise both for her and for the courtiers. The former Duchess of Courland did not play a special role in the court struggle.
She ascended the throne thanks to the February coup of 1730. Anna Ioannovna became empress without signing any documents that would limit her power. She received all the power of the Russian autocrat.
Anna Ioannovna was not prepared for the role that she got. She did not have the necessary skills and knowledge, and indeed had no desire to learn. At the time of her accession, she was thirty-seven years old. According to contemporaries, she did not have a pleasant appearance, she had a large physique.
In her youth, she was given in marriage to the Duke of Courland, who soon died. For security reasons, Peter the Great did not look for a groom for Anna. So she remained in foreign lands for eighteen years. Despite her status as a widow, she was not alone. She had prominent favorites at various times. One of them was Biron.
Biron
Bironovshchina is a term associated with the period when Biron was Anna Ioannovna's favorite. In fact, in the history of Russia there were four Birons,who once played a role in the history of the state. The favorite was Ernst Johann. He had two brothers who also served in Russia.
The older brother's name was Carl. He is known for his escape from Swedish captivity, he later became the governor-general of Moscow. The second brother's name was Gustav. He distinguished himself during the capture of Ishmael.
The favorite of the Empress had a son. His name was Peter. Biron sought to marry him to Anna Leopoldovna, who was to become the heir to the throne. These attempts were unsuccessful.
Ernst Biron came from a small estate nobles. He began serving under Anna Ioannovna in 1718. He was married to the lady-in-waiting of the Duchess. In his marriage, he had three children. Some researchers suggest that some of Biron's children were born to the Empress. But there is no evidence for this.
Biron had a great influence on the Empress. Before her death, she appointed him regent. He was supposed to govern the state while Ivan Antonovich was a minor. The appointment took place in the presence of many witnesses, while the empress was of sound mind. It was made in oral and written forms. But this did not save Ernst Johann from problems. He was accused of taking over the regency and eliminated.
Who was the main figure in the court?
Although Bironism in Russia is associated with the activities of Biron, many historians agree that Heinrich Osterman was involved in the main internal and external state affairs.
He was born in the family of a pastor in Westphalia, receivededucation at the University of Jena. The duel changed his life. He was forced to flee to Amsterdam and then to Russia. Once in a foreign country, he quickly learned Russian. Three years later, in 1707, he became the translator of the embassy order. Osterman gained confidence from Peter the Great. He was his adviser. The ruler appreciated Osterman, granting him many lands.
He was one of the associates of Peter the Great, and after his death he became the de facto leader of Russia's foreign policy. Since 1730 he received the dignity of a count.
Government activity favorites
The policy of the state during the Bironovshchina (the reign of Anna Ioannovna):
- established cabinet of ministers - all initiative belonged to Osterman;
- conclusion of trade agreements with Holland, England;
- conclusion of the Belgrade peace, which ended the war with the Turks;
- navy reform – creation of the Arkhangelsk shipyard.
Such actions can hardly be called those that undermine the state. The persecution of Osterman and Biron began after the death of Anna Ioannovna. They were accused of handing out government seats to foreigners and persecuting Russians.
Both favorites were sentenced to death, which was changed to exile on the day of execution.
The reign of Anna Ioannovna is connected with the concept of "Bironism". As Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin once noted, Biron was not lucky in that he was a German. That is why they decided to hang all the sins of that time on him. But if you study the activities of the rulers of that era, it becomes clear that at that time no one thought about the people. Each new ruler sought to benefit for himself and stay on the throne for as long as possible.
Modern meaning of the concept
The term "Bironism" today means the dominance of foreigners in the public and political life of the state. It is used with a negative message.
Associations with the term:
- stealing;
- espionage;
- looting the treasury;
- repression;
- crazy holidays.
In folklore, no mention of Bironism has been preserved. This is due to the fact that Biron's activities concerned the life of nobles, officials, guards soldiers. Palace coups had little to do with the lives of ordinary people.
