Dmitry Tolstoy is a statesman who held high positions under the three emperors of Russia: Nicholas I, Alexander II and Alexander III. An opponent of the reforming activities of Alexander II, he conscientiously fulfilled the duties assigned to him, but resigned, feeling disapproval from the sovereign. Summoned by the next emperor, Alexander III, he inquired: “Does it please the sovereign to see in his service an opponent of the reforms of your predecessor?” Post accepted after hearing a positive response.
Childhood, education
Dmitry Andreevich was born almost 200 years ago, in March 1823, in Moscow. The Tolstoy noble family gave Russia many talented people who glorified it in politics, economics and culture.
Until the age of seven, the boy was brought up at home, but the death of his father changed his usual way of life. In addition to him, two more children grew up in the family, and the mother accepted the proposal that V. Ya. made to her. Venkstern.
Study Dmitry Tolstoy was sent to a boarding school at Moscow University, from that moment his uncle Dmitry Nikolaevich became his trustee. A staunch monarchist, he had a huge impact on shaping the views of his nephew.
The next stage of the young man's education was the famous Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum, which was considered the best educational institution in Russia. Enrolled here at the age of fourteen, he was very serious about getting a good education. Looking at things soberly, the young man understood that in the absence of an inheritance, he should rely only on himself.
Education at the lyceum was equal to university education, and careful selection of disciplines, excellent teachers, thoughtful daily routine of a closed institution gave very good results. Even among the chosen youth, well-educated and well-read, Dmitry stood out for his success, knowledge and diligence.
In 1842 he graduated from the Lyceum with a gold medal. "Distribution" was carried out depending on the rating. Dmitry, who received the highest class IX (corresponded to the rank of captain), was awarded a benefit and enlisted in the "highest personnel reserve".
A successful nobleman, not obliged to serve, he could lead an idle life, traveling, attending balls and concerts. But in the absence of any money (he had to visit friends at dinners without invitations), he went to serve in the office of Nicholas I.
Beginning of service career
The emperor trusted his office more than the government, all the most important matters that requireddirect government intervention. Therefore, during the four years spent here, Dmitry Tolstoy went through a good administrative school. But in 1847 he resigned to do scientific work.
His work on the history of the finances of the Russian state was highly appreciated by the Academy of Sciences, and the author was awarded the Demidov Prize of five thousand rubles. In addition, Count Dmitry Andreevich Tolstoy was noticed by Nicholas I and granted him a diamond ring.
In September 1847, he returned to the service, having received the post of official for special assignments of the VI class at the Department of Spiritual Affairs. Soon Dmitry Andreevich will become vice-director of this institution, continuing not only bureaucratic, but also scientific activities.
Personal life of Count Tolstoy
Being in love with the beautiful Maria Yazykova, Dmitry Andreevich refused to marry her. Listening to the opinion of his uncle, who considered it reckless to marry for love when both spouses have no money, he chose a girl with a good dowry.
Sofya Dmitrievna Bibikova, the daughter of the Minister of Internal Affairs, was not a beauty, did not shine with her mind, but she brought several Mikhailovsky estates near Ryazan with her to her family. In addition, she became a loving and caring wife, fulfilling all the whims of her husband.
The count, who for the first time received large material property in his power, enthusiastically took up the management of economic affairs, establishing strict order in everything, demanding from the managers timely and completereports, delving into the smallest nuances. His wife, the lady-in-waiting, and later the lady of state of the empress, did not interfere with her husband's management of the estate.
By the way, Count Dmitry Tolstoy wanted to turn his beloved estate in the village of Makove into a majorat, that is, indivisible when the owner of the land changes. In addition, in order to be different from the numerous Tolstoys, he wanted to complicate his surname, making it "Tolstoy-Makovsky" so that the descendants would be called that way. But he simply did not have time to finish any of this.
Career under Alexander II
In 1865, Dmitry Tolstoy received the post of chief prosecutor of the Holy Synod, which he led for 15 years. Here, with his characteristic energy, he carried out a number of measures for the department and for the transformation of theological educational institutions. After the assassination attempt on the tsar, Tolstoy received the post of Minister of Public Education, remaining the head of the Synod, a senator and chamberlain.
With his energy, he got everywhere. Strictly, in a businesslike way, he monitored the spending of state money for its intended purpose, made changes to the curricula. In 1871 he carried out a reform in secondary education. During this period, he was awarded the highest rank of the empire - a real privy councillor. By virtue of his nature, the count did not recognize compromises, did not take into account public opinion, and therefore amassed many ill-wishers. Criticizing the emperor's reforms, he fell out of favor and retired in 1880, returning all posts to the sovereign.
Career under Alexander III
Alexander III, who ascended the throne after the death of his father, the enemyinnovations of the previous emperor, called on Tolstoy to lead the Imperial Academy of Sciences. Scientists warmly approved and gladly accepted such a candidacy, as his scientific activity, business acumen, energy, as well as scientific works and awards were widely known.
Dmitry Andreevich combined this post with the post of Minister of the Interior and, feeling the support of the emperor, vigorously began counter-reforms in the areas entrusted to him: he stopped the work of many illegal parties, held many political courts, and closed dubious publishing houses. By the end of the 1980s, terrorist attacks in the country had stopped, and the revolutionary movement had died down.
During his faithful service to his country, the count was awarded many high Russian and foreign awards. In the photo, Dmitry Tolstoy, still a young man, in full dress uniform and with a very serious face, which was very consistent with his character.
The emperor accepted the death of Dmitry Andreevich in 1889 with great sadness.
