Ad Menshikov was the first governor. Menshikov, Prince Alexander Danilovich. Menshikov, His Grace Prince Alexander Danilovich

On September 19, 1727, Emperor Peter II signed a decree on the exile and deprivation of all ranks of Alexander Danilovich Menshikov. The most powerful man in Russia, the president of the Military Collegium, the Generalissimo, the man who, after the death of Peter I and during the reign of Catherine I, became the de facto ruler of the Russian Empire, received a royal decree on house arrest. The brilliant career of the most famous "chick of Petrov's nest" came to an end. "The minion of fate", according to A. S. Pushkin, who rose "from rags to riches" thanks to his natural inquisitive mind, rare energy and devotion to Peter I, died on November 12, 1729 at the age of 56 in exile in the Siberian town of Berezov, Tobolsk province .

Almost nothing is known about Alexander's childhood and youth. According to the official version, he was a descendant of impoverished Lithuanian (Belarusian) nobles, but researchers doubt it. There is an opinion that before getting into the environment of the favorite of Peter Franz Lefort, Menshikov was a pies merchant. Other historians believe that this is an invention of his enemies, invented in order to humiliate the most illustrious prince. Soon he became Peter's batman, his closest confidant in all undertakings and hobbies. Thanks to his energy and intelligence, Menshikov accompanied the tsar and helped him in almost all the famous affairs of that time, participated in the Azov campaigns of 1695-1696, in the "Great Embassy" of 1697-1698. to Western Europe. During the Northern War, Alexander Menshikov showed talent as a military leader, led large formations of infantry and cavalry (he showed himself especially well as a cavalry commander), distinguished himself in many battles, sieges and assaults on cities. Menshikov was one of the first to receive the highest award in Russia - the Order of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called (received together with Peter for the brave boarding of two Swedish ships at the mouth of the Neva in 1703). Alexander Danilovich became the first governor-general of St. Petersburg - he was from 1703 until his disgrace in 1727, played a big role in the construction of the new capital of Russia, as well as Kronstadt, shipbuilding enterprises on the Neva and Svir rivers, weapons factories. In the famous Battle of Poltava on June 27, July 8, 1709, Menshikov led the Russian vanguard, and then the left flank of the Russian army. He forced the defeated Swedish army to capitulate at Perevolochna. For this battle, Alexander Danilovich was awarded the rank of field marshal general.

For active participation in maritime affairs, he received the rank of rear admiral (1716), after the conclusion of the Nishtad peace in 1721 - the rank of vice admiral. Under Peter, Menshikov became the second soul-owner in the empire after the tsar. Despite the large number of useful deeds, Menshikov also had several serious vices. His main sin is exorbitant greed, the Most Serene Prince was repeatedly convicted of stealing state funds. However, Peter forgave him, believing that Menshikov's merits to the Fatherland were higher than his abuses.

ruler of the empire

After the death of Peter, the most illustrious prince, relying on the guards regiments and the most prominent state dignitaries, in January 1725 elevated the wife of the late emperor Catherine I to the throne of the empire and became the de facto ruler of Russia. The reign of Catherine became the "finest hour" of the most illustrious prince. His energy and resourcefulness can only be amazed. By intrigues, persuasion, intimidation, he elevated Catherine to the throne and kept his position, strengthened it. He received more and more awards, estates and thousands of serfs.

Menshikov planned to intermarry with the imperial house: to marry one of his daughters to Grand Duke Peter Alekseevich. The prince knew that the empress would not live long - she had poor health, which she intensively undermined with a wild lifestyle. Therefore, Menshikov was looking for ways to maintain his position in the empire. In the spring of 1727, the engagement of Menshikov's daughter Maria with Pyotr Sapieha was annulled. The Empress agreed to the marriage of Maria Menshikova with Tsarevich Peter Alekseevich. The daughters of the Empress Elizabeth and Anna, as well as her son-in-law, the Duke of Holstein, begged Catherine to cancel this decision. But Catherine was deaf to their requests. No matter how sick the empress was, this did not prevent her from continuing her amorous affairs - she made Sapieha her favorite.

Just before Catherine's death, the Most Serene Prince eliminated several of his associates in the "Petrov's nest" (they were against the marriage of Menshikov's daughter with the prince and wanted to elevate Peter's daughter Elizabeth to the throne). The following were accused of conspiracy: the owner of the capital, General Police Chief Count A. M. Devier (under torture he pointed to other participants in the “conspiracy”), member of the Supreme Privy Council Count P. A. Tolstoy, General I. I. Buturlin, Ober- Prosecutor of the Synod G. G. Skornyakov-Pisarev and some others. On the day of Catherine's death on May 6 (17), 1727, a royal decree was signed on their punishment - the death penalty, which was replaced with a life sentence.

Menshikov spent the whole of April and March in secret negotiations with D. Golitsyn, Cabinet Secretary Makarov and Osterman. The "group of authors" composed the testament of the Empress. According to the document, the throne was succeeded by the grandson of Peter I, Tsarevich Peter Alekseevich. Guardianship of the minor emperor was to be carried out by the Supreme Council, and Article 11 ordered the nobles to facilitate the betrothal of the young emperor to one of the daughters of His Serene Highness Prince Menshikov, and then, upon reaching adulthood, to marry them. The second clause of the will provided for the transfer of the throne, in the event of the emperor's childlessness, to Anna Petrovna and her heirs. In the second place, Elizaveta Petrovna received the right to the throne, in the third - Grand Duchess Natalya Alekseevna. The document was supposed to coordinate the interests of the aristocracy and the "new nobility", Grand Duke Peter, princesses, Menshikov and the Supreme Council.

Menshikov ignored the clause on collective management and, in fact, for a very short time, he again became the ruler of the empire. On May 13, 1727, Menshikov achieved the rank of Generalissimo of the Naval and Land Forces. The Order of St. Catherine was awarded to the prince's youngest daughter and sister-in-law, Varvara Arsenyeva. Thirteen-year-old son Alexander Alexandrovich received the Order of St. Andrew and the court rank of Chief Chamberlain. On May 25, Archbishop Theophan betrothed Emperor Peter to Princess Mary. Mary was assigned a court staff.

Menshikov made a mistake when he entrusted the education of the emperor to Andrei Ivanovich Osterman. The prince considered Osterman a reliable and obedient person. However, Osterman began to bend his line in the upbringing of Peter. The “underground” work of Osterman and Ivan Dolgoruky (and the Dolgoruky clan behind him), who became close to the young emperor, could last a long time, but the situation changed the case - in July Menshikov fell seriously ill. The illness lasted more than a month and was so severe that Menshikov wrote a spiritual letter and a political testament, asking influential people not to leave his family in trouble.

This time was enough for the young sovereign to “breathe the air of freedom” (and he preferred revelry and hunting to training), made friends with people who encouraged his hobbies, fulfilled any desire and set him against the imperious guardian. The main favorite of Peter II was his Hoff Junker Ivan Dolgoruky.

An important role in the fall of Menshikov was also played by the personality factor of the new emperor. It was not for nothing that the English envoy noted in the character of the emperor noticeable signs of a “bilious and cruel temperament.” Back in 1725, the Prussian envoy Axel Mardefeld wrote about the "hard heart" and mediocre mind of Peter Alekseevich. The Saxon resident Lefort noted that the tsar resembled his grandfather and father - people, as you know, of a very difficult disposition, "he stands his ground, does not tolerate objections and does what he wants." The Austrian envoy Count Vratislav sent similar information to Vienna: “The sovereign knows well that he has full power and freedom, and does not miss the opportunity to use this at his own discretion.” Such a person as Peter II Alekseevich could not tolerate a real “ruler” next to him, who interfered with him with the mere fact of his existence.

By August Menshikov recovered, but the situation changed dramatically. The emperor avoided him. Alexander Danilovich, apparently at the pinnacle of success, having lost his usual clarity of mind, continues to live as before: in state affairs, the chores of building his country palace in Oranienbaum. The emperor moved to Petersburg. On August 30, not only Peter II, but also the most prominent nobles did not come to Menshikov's name day in Oranienbaum. The matter took a serious turn, but Menshikov did nothing. The tsar missed the consecration ceremony of the church in Oranienbaum. On September 5, the prince returned to the capital, two days later the emperor arrived and defiantly settled not with him, but in his Summer Palace. It was a formal break. However, Alexander Menshikov still hesitated, not taking any decisive action for his own salvation. It was amazing. Literally four months ago, Menshikov radically changed the dynastic situation in his favor, despite the resistance of many dignitaries, emerged victorious from the struggle. He showed initiative, great energy, unceremonious arrogance. In September, Menshikov seemed to have been replaced - he was a passive, lethargic person. It's not like he didn't do anything at all. Menshikov wrote letters to his comrades in the Supreme Council, Grand Duchess Natalya, asking for support. But there was no former energy and resourcefulness. Although he could resist and spoil the enemies a lot of blood. He was the actual supreme commander, the garrison of the fortress, the fleet, the guards and the army were subordinate to him. He was loved by the guards, a reflection of Peter's glory lay on him, the soldiers remembered his military merits. Obviously, Menshikov could, in the name of the sovereign, suppress the conspiracy of the "traitors", wresting the "monarch beloved by the people" from their clutches.

Apparently, we will not know the true reason for the slowness, inaction of the Most Serene Prince. On the morning of September 8 (19), 1727, the 53-year-old President of the Military Collegium received an order for house arrest. No guard was posted either that day or the next. Menshikov spent the day calmly: he had lunch, dinner, and went to bed. It was logical to put on the uniform of the Generalissimo and go to the barracks in order to regain control over the situation, directing the anger of the army against the "schemers". Perhaps he was simply tired of being at the top, or believed that they would not dare to touch him. There is an opinion that fear of the royal power worked in him. Thus, Menshikov tried to “put pressure on pity”, sent his wife and children to the tsar to beg for mercy. He himself began to compose a petition, asking for mercy.

In an instant, Menshikov "from the princes collapsed into the mud." A void formed around him: no friends, no allies. A significant part of the former associates, he himself sent to exile or prison. The decisive role in the collapse of the "omnipotent" nobleman was played by Vice-Chancellor Osterman. Osterman's letters about the upbringing and education of the young emperor calmed and lulled the vigilance of the prince. On September 9, the Supreme Council discussed Osterman's memorandum on the fate of the disgraced prince. They decided to exile him to the Nizhny Novgorod estates, without the right to leave, to deprive him of all ranks and orders. Menshikov asked to be exiled not to the Nizhny Novgorod province, but to Voronezh, to his own city of Rannenburg. His request was granted. On September 11 (22), Menshikov moved from the capital under escort. He was accompanied by more than a hundred servants, many of whom were armed. Soon, by decree of the Soviet, Menshikov's bodyguards were disarmed. The prince fell ill again, but the request to stop until he recovered was not granted. The patient was placed in a special rocking chair and taken through Novgorod, Valdai, Vyshny Volochek, Tver. Along the way, news came of the break in the engagement of Maria Menshikova with Peter II.

Osterman at that time was collecting compromising materials on the prince. Fortunately, a lot of them had accumulated, Menshikov had not distinguished the state treasury from his own kalita for a long time. Osterman, who actually headed the state at that time, was especially helped by the Russian ambassador in Stockholm, Nikolai Golovin. On November 3, he sent a message stating that Menshikov in 1726 allegedly negotiated with the Swedish government on the transfer of Riga, Reval and Vyborg to Sweden. Now Menshikov could be accused of the gravest crime - high treason.

Soon Menshikov was deprived of all his property and sent to the Siberian town of Berezov in the Tobolsk province. On the way, his wife, Princess Darya Mikhailovna, died. In Berezovo, he built a house and a church with several devoted servants who did not leave him. Alexander Danilovich died on November 12, 1729 at the age of 56 from smallpox, his daughter Maria died a little later.

Alexander Danilovich Menshikov was born in 1673. He was the son of a court groom and became famous during the reign of Peter I. In his turbulent life, he successfully coped with the duties of a senator, field marshal, generalissimo, president of the Military Collegium and governor.

Common sense replaced education for him, although Menshikov personally highly valued knowledge and education. It is no coincidence that Newton on October 25, 1714 informed him of his election as a member of the Royal Scientific Society.

The future generalissimo was a favorite of the tsar for a long time, and after all, one could only earn the affection and friendship of Peter I with qualities that few possess - inexhaustible energy, complete devotion to the transformation of Russia, selfless courage, readiness to sacrifice one's life for the successful fulfillment of the tsar's commission.

Military career of Menshikov

In 1691, Tsar Peter, having met Menshikov, who was then selling pies from a stall, enrolled him in his amusing company, appointing him as his batman.

In 1695-1696, A. D. Menshikov, together with Peter I, went on the Azov campaigns, where he acquired real commanding skills. In 1697, together with Peter, he went to comprehend the science of shipbuilding, they visited the shipyards of Holland and England. In addition to training, he continued to perform the duties of a batman under Peter I.

In 1700, the rather exhausting Northern War began for Russia. In the spring of 1702, Menshikov and Peter I went to Arkhangelsk, and in the fall they took part in the siege of Noteburg.

In 1703, Peter appointed Menshikov governor of St. Petersburg. The governor immediately began to fortify the city from an attack from the sea, and already in the summer of 1704 he repulsed the attack of the Swedes on St. Petersburg, and later on Kronstadt. The reward for this is the rank of lieutenant general.

By that time, the Swedish king Charles XII had transferred his actions to Poland, which had made an alliance with Russia. This alliance was beneficial to both parties: the Polish king hoped to retain the crown with the help of Russia, and the Russian tsar, together with an ally, to defeat the army of Charles XII.

In the winter of 1706, the pugnacious Charles XII made a swift march, the Swedish army approached Grodno. The forty-thousandth group of the Russian army that was here was surrounded, and Peter instructed Menshikov to take it out of the ring. Menshikov perfectly organized the retreat. Charles XII tried to catch up with the retreating Russian detachments and impose a battle advantageous for himself, but failed to do so.

Angry, Charles moved his army into Saxony and tried to force the Polish king August II to abdicate in favor of his ally Stanislav Leshchinsky. Peter sent a cavalry corps under the command of Menshikov to help Augustus II.

Having united with the Polish and Saxon troops, Lieutenant General Menshikov defeated the Swedes at Kilisz. But this victory did not decide, unfortunately, the outcome of the campaign as a whole. Due to the betrayal of August II, Russian troops were forced to withdraw to Lvov for winter quarters. The burden of the Northern War now fell entirely on the shoulders of Russia.

At the beginning of 1708, the troops of Charles XII again moved to Russia. To stop the advance of the Swedes, Menshikov had to show not only all his skill, but also considerable personal courage and courage. In the battle near the village of Lesnoye on September 28, 1708, for example, when the outcome of the battle threatened with defeat, Menshikov himself, at the head of the cavalry, rushed to the attack and ensured victory.

A month later, Menshikov tried to invite the Ukrainian hetman Mazepa to a military council to discuss joint actions against the Swedes. He evaded in every possible way, and Menshikov suspected Mazepa of treason. In the end, he was right - the Ukrainian hetman went over to the side of the Swedes. Meanwhile, Charles XII laid siege to Poltava. In the summer of 1709, a battle broke out here, which turned the tide of the war in favor of Russia. Lieutenant-General Menshikov also played a significant role in the Battle of Poltava, earning the rank of second field marshal here (the first was Sheremetev).

In April 1710, Menshikov, already in the Baltic, took a number of Swedish fortresses in Estonia and Livonia. Returning from this war, he supervised the construction of the Admiralty, the Summer and Winter Palaces, Shlisselburg, Kronstadt and Peterhof in St. Petersburg.

The last military operation in which Menshikov participated together with Peter I was the siege of Friedrichstadt. Having surrendered this fortress, the Swedes settled in Tonningen. Peter, satisfied with the capture of Friedrichstadt, departed for Russia, instructing Menshikov to take Tonningen. Menshikov successfully blocked the fortress both from land and from the sea. The quickly starved Swedish garrison soon surrendered.

Appointment as Generalissimo

After this war, Menshikov returned to economic activity. In this field, the resourcefulness of the "Highest Prince" had no limits. He did everything to enrich himself, not shunning embezzlement. Peter I was forced more than once to "teach" his pet with a club.

In the end, the Secret Chancellery of Prince V.V. Dolgoruky, a longtime enemy of the “upstart” Menshikov, revealed the machinations of the “highest one”. The case was taken to court, and Menshikov had to return a lot of money for those times - twenty thousand rubles - to the state treasury. Menshikov fell out of favor, and only the wife of the Tsar, Catherine I, put an end to numerous intrigues against him.

But the "Highest Prince" continued to "burrow" even after the death of Peter I. Now he had a crazy idea - to intermarry with the reigning dynasty. He achieved the betrothal of his daughter Maria to the heir to the throne Peter II, the grandson of Peter the Great. The engagement took place on March 13, 1726.

Now the rank of Field Marshal was not enough for Menshikov, he desired to become a generalissimo. And once at a reception, Peter II, as the adviser to the Elector of Saxony Lefort later recalled, with a grin told everyone present: “I destroyed the field marshal!” These words left everyone bewildered, and Menshikov was completely at a loss, not knowing how to react to such words. Then satisfied Peter II showed a paper signed by him - Menshikov was appointed generalissimo.

last years of life

Shortly after this joyful event for him, Menshikov fell seriously ill. While he was lying in bed, the opponents of the "most luminous" who hated Peter's reforms became more active, and Peter II fell under the strong influence of Prince Dolgoruky, who boasted of his origin. Previously inseparable from Menshikov, Peter II began to avoid the generalissimo in every possible way.

By decree of Peter II of September 9, 1727, “His Majesty Menshikov is forbidden to leave the palace,” and soon followed by a decree on the expulsion of Menshikov, depriving him of all ranks and awards.

Together with the former “Highest Prince”, his entire family went to life exile in Berezov. On the way, his wife Darya Mikhailovna died, whom Menshikov downright adored. And this loss, presumably, exacerbated Menshikov's feelings. He died on November 12, 1729. The former generalissimo was buried without cannon fire and solemn ceremonies.

The Menshikovs are a Russian princely family, descended from Alexander Danilovich Menshikov, who was elevated in 1707 to the princely dignity of the Russian Empire with the title of lordship. His son, Prince Alexander Alexandrovich (1714 - 1764), in the 13th year of his life, chief chamberlain, was demoted and exiled along with his father; returned in 1731, was general-in-chief. His son, Prince Sergei Alexandrovich (1746 - 1815), was a senator; about his grandson, Prince Alexander Sergeevich. With the death of the latter's son, Adjutant General Prince Vladimir Alexandrovich, the family of the Princes Menshikovs came to an end. Their primacy, surname and title were transferred in 1897 to the cornet Ivan Nikolaevich Koreish. The clan of princes Menshikov is included in the V part of the genealogy book of the Petrograd province.

Alexander Danilovich Menshikov (1673 -1729)

November 6, 1673 was born A.D. Menshikov. As a child, he was an inconspicuous, illiterate, but very responsible boy. He began his career, oddly enough, selling pies on the streets. His father was a man of low birth, most likely a peasant or court groom. He wanted his son to raise himself to his feet and not depend on the family.

In 1686, Menshikov entered the service of one of Peter I's close friends, Franz Lefort. In his house, the young king noticed a new nimble servant and soon arranged him as his batman.

Witty, resourceful and quick, on every occasion showing boundless devotion to the sovereign and a rare ability to guess his will from a half-word, he managed to bind Peter to himself that he could not do without him. The king ordered that Alexander should always be with him and even, if necessary, sleep in his bed. In the Azov campaign, Peter and Menshikov lived in the same ward.

Quite a bit of time passed before Menshikov became the favorite of Peter I, he follows him everywhere and always. Together with the Tsar, Alexander went abroad as part of the "Great Embassy". In Holland, they studied shipbuilding together and received a certificate of ship craftsmanship, and in England Menshikov studied military affairs and fortification. In Russia, he participated in the suppression of the Streltsy uprising, and during the Northern War with the Swedes he repeatedly showed military prowess.

Peter I trusted Menshikov, so Alexander supervised the construction of the Peter and Paul Fortress and the new capital (Petersburg), and, if necessary, provided the defense of the city. Here Menshikov built himself a magnificent palace, where he received ambassadors and other important persons. It was Alexander who introduced Peter to Marta Skavronskaya, who later became the wife of the tsar, and after his death, Empress Catherine I. When Peter I left St. Petersburg, he repeatedly left Menshikov at the head of the government. Menshikov was tested by Peter both in his personal life and in public affairs. During the investigation into the case of the son of Peter I, Tsarevich Alexei Menshikov, he personally interrogated and was present during the torture. After all, it was Alexander who suggested that Peter sentence his son to death. Menshikov's signature is under the text of the verdict immediately after the autograph of Peter I

After the death of Tsaritsa Natalya Kirillovna, the external palace life changed significantly: women and girls gradually left the towers and the princesses themselves did not adhere strictly to their former seclusion.

Princess Natalya Alekseevna lived in Preobrazhensky with her brother with her hawthorn girls. Therefore, Peter and Alexander went there more than once. Among these girls were the Arseniev sisters - Daria, Varvara, Aksinya. Menshikov began a love relationship with Darya Mikhailovna. In 1706, Alexander's relationship with Daria was finally legalized by marriage, which is partly the merit of Peter. But the prince was not disappointed in this marriage, Daria became his faithful friend of life.

In 1710, Menshikov "took a vacation": he lived in his huge new house, which was luxurious and beautiful. Thanks to the gifts of Peter and Augustus, as well as the unceremonious "visiting" in the enemy's land, they reached enormous proportions, so Alexander could afford huge expenses. With him, he had his own: a hairdresser, a valet - a Frenchman, a bereitor, trumpeters, bandurists, a ringmaster, coachmen, farriers, locksmiths, cookmasters, a watchmaker, a garden master, gardeners - moreover, all from other countries (foreigners). Of the Russians, only shoemakers and psari. Almost all this year he rested and celebrated.

Menshikov was known as a true courtier and knew how to get his way, sometimes by cunning, sometimes by flattery. He never failed Peter I. Many hated the prince, but this was only out of envy.

Titles and callings

From the very beginning of submission to Peter I, Menshikov served in the Preobrazhensky Regiment at its very establishment (the name is mentioned in the lists of 1693, and he was listed there as a scorer). He served under Peter as a batman.

During the Northern War with the Swedes, for his military prowess, he was appointed commandant of the Noterburg fortress captured by Peter. After one of the battles, which ended with the capture of Swedish ships, the tsar awarded Menshikov the highest Russian order of St. Andrew the First-Called. So all the awards earned by Alexander were received after specifically completed tasks.

After the construction of the capital, A.D. was appointed the first governor of St. Petersburg. Menshikov. The Austrian emperor Leopold in 1702, wanting to pay attention to the tsar, elevated his favorite to the dignity of an imperial count, this was only the second time that a Russian became a count of the Roman Empire. Already in 1706, Menshikov became the prince of the Roman Empire.

In 1707, on his birthday, Peter I bestowed his favorite with the title of All-Russian Prince of Izhora with the title of "Highest". In 1709, on June 30, for the merits of Alexander in the Battle of Poltava, the tsar granted him to field marshals. In 1714 Menshikov became the first Russian member of the English Royal Society. A little later, he receives an appointment from Peter to the post of commander of the Russian troops in Pomerania. But Menshikov turned out to be a bad diplomat, and the tsar brought him back to St. Petersburg. In 1719, Alexander headed the Military Collegium.

In 1703, the prince was appointed chief chamberlain of the prince, and Baron Huysen as mentor. In 1719 he was appointed president of the newly established military college with the rank of rear admiral.

For 9 years of his service, Sergeant Menshikov managed to rise to the rank of field marshal, and the rootless batman "Aleksashka" turned into the "highest prince", the richest and most powerful nobleman of his time.

Top down

Peter I knew how to select people, so he considered A.D. Menshikov is quite a smart and businesslike person. However, the huge and uncontrolled power spoils many people, which has been known in Russia since ancient times. So it happened with Prince Menshikov. He was not devoid of ambition, but as he ascended, it increased even more. Moreover, the rank and titles "fell" on Menshikov from all sides. Unfortunately, Menshikov's temptation to bribes and embezzlement imperceptibly ruined him. In 1719, Menshikov was granted the presidency of the newly established Military Collegium with the rank of Rear Admiral. True, a new commission was immediately appointed to investigate Alexander's abuses. At this time, the Apraksins and Dolgorukies, taking advantage of the absence of Peter I in St. Petersburg, wanted to put Menshikov in custody (he was saved by the petition of Catherine, who asked the senate to wait for the arrival of the sovereign). Peter himself, having visited the Petrovsky factories arranged by Menshikov and finding them in good condition, wrote the most sincere letter to the prince.

In the last year of the reign of Peter I, Menshikov's position was drastically shaken. Due to abuses in the Military Collegium, Peter took the presidency from him and handed it over to another. The Tsar was tired of listening to complaints about Alexander and forgiving him his tricks, and he lost interest in his favorite and alienated him from himself. The health of Peter I deteriorated and on the night of January 27-28, 1725 he dies.

After the death of the tsar, when Catherine I ascended the throne, Menshikov is again at the pinnacle of power and becomes chairman of the Supreme Privy Council. On May 13, 1726, he was awarded the highest military rank in Russia - Generalissimo.

Already on May 25 of the same year, the prince arranged a solemn betrothal of twelve-year-old Peter with sixteen-year-old Marya Alexandrovna (Menshikov's daughter). Thus, Menshikov insured himself well.

Soon, the Dolgoruky family and the Osterman family “swim up” to young Peter. Menshikov is not even aware of the storm that will soon burst over him. The prince did not have time to come to his senses, as the disgrace (decree on resignation and exile), which was set up by his old enemies, who had been lying in wait for him all this time, took its toll.

On September 8, Lieutenant General Saltykov came to Menshikov and announced his arrest. On September 11, Alexander Danilovich, escorted by Captain Pyrsky with a detachment of 120 people, went with his family to exile in the city of Ranenburg. Although, from the outside, this departure could not be called “in exile”: several carriages with personal belongings of the family, a carriage with servants and security, everything looked like another trip on a hike. The family of Prince Menshikov settled in the house of the city of Ranenburg. Everything seemed to be fine, but secretly intercepted letters in which Menshikov gave instructions to his employees were transferred directly to the senate. His enemies were in a good position, so all the complaints that had accumulated over the years were sent directly to the hands of the king. Every day, Alexander Danilovich comes up with more and more new punishments. Confiscated: cities: Oranienbaum, Yamburg, Koporye, Ranenburg, Baturin; 90 thousand souls of peasants, 4 million rubles in cash, capital in London and Amsterdam banks for 9 million rubles, diamonds and various jewelry (1 million rubles), 3 changes of 24 dozen each, silver plates and cutlery and 105 pounds of gold utensils. In addition to estates in Russia, Menshikov had significant lands in Ingria, Livonia, Poland, and the German emperor granted the duchy of Kozelskoye. As for things, houses, there was no count for this wealth.

One inventory of things taken with them to Ranenburg lasted 3 days. After the inventory, the family was left with only everything necessary for life.

Menshikov's wife with her children secretly came to St. Petersburg several times and tearfully, on her knees, asked for even the slightest pardon, but Peter II was cold to the entreaties of the princess. The severity on Peter's part increased.

On November 3, 1727, after another report on Menshikov, all titles and callings were removed from him. Now he was treated like a state criminal. Menshikov's house was surrounded by guards, at night the husband, wife and son were locked in one room, and the princesses in another. All rooms remained under guards.

Berezov in the life of Menshikov

In 1727, Berezov became the place of imprisonment for Menshikov and his children Maria (16 years old), Alexandra (14 years old), Alexander (13 years old). The full official title, which A.D. Menshikov wore under Catherine I, sounded like this: “His Serene Highness of the Roman and Russian states, Prince and Duke of Izhora, Her Imperial Majesty the All-Russian Reichsmarshal and over the troops Commander Field Marshal, Privy Active Councilor, President of the State Military Collegium, Governor-General of the province of St. Petersburg , from the fleet of the All-Russian Vice-Admiral of the White Flag, Knight of the Orders of the Holy Apostle Andrei, Elephant, White and Black Orlov and St. Alexander Nevsky, and Lieutenant Colonel Preobrazhensky of the Life Guards, and Colonel over three regiments, captain - bombardier company Alexander Danilovich Menshikov.

Under Peter II, the Most Serene Prince became Generalissimo and Admiral of the Red Flag.

By the “royal will” of Peter II, who was only twelve years old when he ascended the throne, was imposed on A.D. Menshikov fell into disgrace, and, according to the already established order, he was sent into exile - first to his own estate Ranenburg, and then to Siberia. Preobrazhensky Regiment Lieutenant Stepan Kryukovsky, who was appointed to fulfill the highest order, has been preserved: “Menshikov, having taken away all his belongings, should be sent to Siberia, to the city of Berezov, with his wife, son and daughters ...”

On May 10, Menshikov's wife died 12 versts from Kazan. Blinded from tears, still in Ranenburg, frozen (there was no fur coat), in a small village she dies in her family's arms. In the summer of 1728, a "hidden" ship set off from Tobolsk to the north. It was commanded by the captain of the Siberian garrison Mikloshevsky, who had under the command of two officers and twenty soldiers. Such a strong guard was assigned to the “sovereign criminal” A.D. Menshikov, his two daughters and son. Back in August, the floating prison, covering more than a thousand kilometers of water, reached Berezov. The Menshikovs were placed in prison, and here, a year later, Alexander Danilovich and Maria found their eternal rest.

Berezovsky, the last months of his life were spent by A.D. Menshikov steadfastly, without losing courage. Having lost wealth, power, freedom, he did not break down, remained as active as he was from his youth. Again he picked up an ax, remembered the carpentry techniques that he and Peter I had been taught in the Dutch Zaandam. He had enough skills and strength to build the Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos with a chapel of St. Elijah the Prophet at the prison. Money was also found: the meager prisoner's salary went to construction costs.

In this temple, Menshikov was both a ringer and a singer in the choir. In the morning, as the legend says, before the start of the service, he liked to sit in the gazebo, which he himself had set up on the banks of the Sosva. Here he talked with the parishioners about the frailty and worthless vanity of our life in this world. It seems that in Berezov he was possessed by one desire - to beg for forgiveness of sins. That's why, perhaps, he let go of his beard, returned to the God-fearing Russian antiquity after so many years of zealous cooperation with Peter in planting European fashion.

The prince brightly recalled the stormy, noble, worthy and famously lived years. Warmed, rejoiced, presumably, his soul, when in the evenings he told and asked the children to write down "wonderful incidents" from their past.

On November 12, 1729, 56-year-old A.D. Menshikov died. The prince was buried near the altar of the church he built. A chapel was built over the grave. In 1764 the church burned down. The Menshikov arbor has disappeared. And in 1825, the Tobolsk civil governor, the famous historian D.N. Bantysh-Kamensky tried to find the grave of the Most Serene Prince, but to no avail. It is believed that Sosva washed away and brought down the part of the coast where it was located. However, until the early 1920s, the Berezovo priests secretly commemorated Menshikov in prayers: "... and his name, Lord, you know yourself! .." The chapel near the newly built stone Church of the Nativity was revered as a temple of his memory.

Only a month survived her father Maria, who died on December 28, 1729. According to the legend, which did not find reliable confirmation in the sources, by this time she was already Princess Maria Dolgoruky. Her beloved Fyodor Dolgoruky allegedly secretly made his way to the Berezovsky prison, secretly married the chosen one of his heart. Shortly after the death of his young wife, he himself passed away. They were buried nearby. Berezovsky old-timers claim that the graves of Maria and Fedor were preserved in a dilapidated form as early as the early 1920s. years. According to other sources, twice - in 1825 and 1827, the grave of Mary was torn apart in search of the ashes of A.D. Menshikov.

Alexandra, the second daughter of the prince, and son Alexander, after a sharp political change in the imperial capital, were returned in 1731 by Anna Ioannovna to St. Petersburg. Alexander became a lieutenant of the Preobrazhensky Regiment, eventually rising to the rank of general-in-chief. And the queen made Alexandra a maid of honor and a year later she married Gustav Biron, the brother of the all-powerful temporary worker.

Settlement A.D. Menshikov in Berezov for the first time, as it were, attached this city to the big affairs of Russian political life, made Berezov widely known. Accordingly, the people of Berezovka arose and still retain a kind of feeling of gratitude, special respect for the personality of Peter the Great's closest assistant. Through the efforts of the society "Prince Menshikov" in 1993 on the banks of the Sosva was erected the world's first monument to His Serene Highness Prince.

Of all Peter's contemporaries who surrounded him, there was no one closer to the sovereign than Menshikov. There was no other person who would arouse the general attention of Europe to such an extent by the strange turns of his fate. According to the general opinion, formed during the life of Menshikov, he came from commoners. According to some legends, his father was an Orthodox alien from Lithuania, according to others, he was a native of the banks of the Volga, but in both cases he was a commoner.

In 1686, he entered the service of an influential man - Franz Lefort, where he was noticed by young Peter, managed to please him and soon became the tsar's batman, then the tsar recorded him among his amusing ones, where the young men were almost all from the nobility. This was the first step towards the rise of Menshikov. Peter, going to bed, laid it at his feet on the floor. It was then that Menshikov's extraordinary understanding, curiosity and great diligence endeared him to the tsar. Menshikov seemed to guess in advance what the tsar needed, and in everything he hurried to please his desire. And Peter became attached to Menshikov to such an extent that he felt the need for his constant closeness.

Soon, many, noticing that Menshikov was becoming the tsar's favorite, began to turn to him for intercession and intercession before the tsar's person. Menshikov accompanied the tsar to the Azov campaign and received an officer's rank, although he marked himself with nothing in military operations. Peter found in him a great admirer of his favorite royal idea - to transform the Russian state in a foreign way, Menshikov seemed to Peter in everything a hater of old Russian methods and customs and was eagerly ready to resemble a Western European, and this was at such a time when Peter met with grumbling and the stern faces of their princes and boyars, who were afraid of the domination of foreigners that threatened Russia. It is clear how this commoner by breed seemed to Peter worthy of many descendants of governors and governors.

In 1700, the Northern War began. Menshikov managed to prove himself here too: he was brave, quick, initiative. 1702 Peter appointed him commandant of the conquered fortress of Noteburg. Fully sharing Peter's thoughts about the need for his own fleet for the new Russia, Menshikov develops vigorous activity, first on the basis, and then on the arrangement of the Olonets shipyard.

He excelled in battles. After one of them, Menshikov received the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called - the highest award of the state.

Throughout the reign of Peter Menshikov was the main executor of Peter's sincere plans concerning the foundation, construction and settlement of St. Petersburg. The new capital owes its creation not only to the thoughts of the sovereign, but also to the sharpness and skill of Menshikov. He watched over the import of building materials, and over the drive of workers sent from all over Russia. Dealing with the building of St. Petersburg, Menshikov did not forget himself. he built himself a beautiful palace in St. Petersburg, trying to make it convenient for a cheerful life and receiving guests.

Along with the scope of Menshikov's activity, his ambition and passion for wealth also increased. The Polish King August granted him the Order of the White Eagle. In 1706, the Austrian emperor, at the request of Peter I, awarded the royal favorite with a diploma of the prince of the Holy Roman Empire.

Great was Menshikov's contribution to the victory over the Swedes in the battle of Poltava on June 27, 1709. Menshikov's cavalry defeated the Swedish cavalry. After Poltava, the prince was granted the rank of field marshal and the cities of Pochep and Yampol.

Menshikov was engaged in the management of a huge province. In the case of vice-governor Kurbatov, abuses in the administration of the province were revealed behind Menshikov. In January 1715, the Tsar ordered a search. Menshikov, Apraksin and Bruce were accused of arbitrary treatment with government interest.

Menshikov faced a large penalty, but the sovereign, inexorably strict with all sorts of crimes of this kind, was so merciful to his favorite that he ordered that more state sums be deducted from him.

Menshikov, for his part, is a convenient opportunity to please the tsar and dispose him to indulgence. The Russian army in Finland suffered a great shortage, and the provisions for delivery from Kazan and the eastern region adjacent to it did not ripen. Menshikov had a large supply of flour and cereals on his estates. Menshikov hurried to donate all this just in time for the needy army and earned gratitude from the tsar.

It happened that Menshikov also fell under the royal disfavor: Peter deprived him of his governorship, giving it to Apraksin. But he soon reconciled with an old friend and admitted to his mortal bed.

In history, we see frequent examples that with the death of the sovereign, the happiness of their favorites fades, but with Menshikov it was not so. Catherine I, who was enthroned in 1725 by the guards headed by Menshikov, no longer hindered the plans of the most holy.

After the death of Catherine I, there was Menshikov's highest ascent to the steps of power. The engagement of his daughter with 12-year-old Peter II took place. Soon Menshikov fell ill and could not see Peter and influence him. On September 8, 1727, a decree was signed on Menshikov's house arrest, then on exile to the Rannenburg fortress.

The personality of AD Menshikov is very interesting and ambiguous. This inherently unique person was able to gain confidence in the king, being a funny boy selling pies. He arranged his fate the way he wanted it. Menshikov, brought up in the school of Peter the Great, was smart, but not insightful enough. He did not know how to recognize clever and cunning people at the right time, he trusted those from whom later he was threatened with death. And even when he failed, he tried to appear strong. When, on the way to the Ranenburg estate, he was traveling with his family under escort, a courier caught up with him with the royal order to take away all the orders, he said: “I am ready for anything. And the more you take from me. The less you leave me uneasy. I only regret those who will enjoy my fall.” Perhaps Menshikov, while still at the palace, knew the outcome of events, but it was difficult for him to come to terms with such a low fall.

A turbulent time began for his transformations, among which for ten years he completely forgot about the nun Elena, as they now began to call the former queen. And suddenly, like a bolt from the blue: it was revealed that in her imprisonment the nun had an affair with one officer, a certain Glebov! Moreover, this Glebov was among the conspirators who planned to overthrow Peter and give power to his son from Evdokia Lopukhina, Tsarevich Alexei. Glebov was put on a stake, Tsarevich Alexei was strangled in the casemate, and the nun Elena was sent to the North, to a distant monastery and left with her only a dwarf servant.
Here, Evdokia Lopukhina spent many years, survived both Peter and his second wife Catherine, and was finally returned to Moscow by her grandson Peter II. He surrounded the grandmother with honor. Why did she have this honor, when her whole life turned out to be trampled down? ..

Black-eyed "Monsikha"

Here we will talk about the main love of Tsar Peter Alekseevich. But first, a few words about some other circumstances of his personal life.
In his treatment of women, Peter quickly adopted the habits of the rough environment of sailors, soldiers and artisans. It was convenient and hassle free. At Menshikov's palace or at his sister Natalya's, he always found hay girls at his service, whom he paid like an ordinary soldier: a penny "for a hug."

It is difficult to say now what was meant by the word "hug" sexual intercourse or a date. But as a result of these “penny” hugs, about 400 “wives” and “girls” had children from Peter! When asked where her child came from, such a lucky woman answered: “The sovereign bestowed mercy.”
This did not prevent both mothers and their children from eking out a modest, almost poor existence. But the one whom Peter almost made his lawful wife Anna Mons did not have children from him, but she had a palace, estates, and a lot of jewelry. Moreover, she took bribes for assistance in settling all sorts of lawsuits, because not a single official dared to oppose the “royal sweetheart”.
So who was this Anna Mons? There are different information about her origin, it is only known that her father was a craftsman, but died early. The mother was left with three children in her arms: two girls (Anna and Matrena) and a boy (his name was Willem and he would also play a fatal role in Peter's life). The children were wonderfully beautiful, smart, lively, graceful. And extremely smart. Probably, for some time Anna led the life of a courtesan, in any case, she was credited with a lot of lovers. Among them was Franz Lefort, a friend of Peter, who introduced the tsar to Annushka. The meeting took place in Nemetskaya Sloboda in Moscow.
From that moment on, the neat and neat European Sloboda became, as it were, a model of the future Russia for the reforming tsar, and Anna Mons became the ideal of a woman. Anna Mons was so beautiful, graceful, feminine that one contemporary wrote in delight: “She makes all men fall in love with her, without even wanting it herself!”
Her relationship with the king lasted about ten years. Peter was already planning to make Anna his legal wife and queen, but it suddenly turned out that she had been cheating on him for a long time with one elegant German, Saxon Koenigsek, from whom she even had a daughter! It was discovered only after the sudden death of Koenigsek, he drowned during the crossing.
Anna Mons was arrested, but by the way, the king was inclined to forgive her. He loved his Annushka too, too much! My? No, you can’t command your heart, and the already forgiven Anna Mons firmly announced to him that she wanted to marry the Prussian envoy Kaiserling. The king retreated, however, then he had already met his future second wife Catherine.
Anna lost her husband early, fell ill with consumption. But even sick, she could not do without love pleasures, She took a handsome Swede to her maintenance. Now she paid for the joy of love, and very generously.

Alexander Danilovich Menshikov was born on November 6 (November 16, according to a new style) in 1673 in Moscow in the family of a court groom. As a child, he was taken into the service of a Swiss military figure in the Russian service, Franz Lefort.

From the age of 13, "Aleksashka" Menshikov served as a young orderly, helped him in creating "amusing regiments" in the village of Preobrazhensky. Since 1693, Menshikov was a bombardier of the Preobrazhensky Regiment, in which Peter himself was considered a captain.

Alexander Menshikov was constantly with the tsar, accompanying him on all trips. The first combat test of Menshikov took place in the Azov campaign of 1695-1696. After the "capture" of Azov, Menshikov took part in the Great Embassy of 1697-1698, then - in the "search" of the archers (the investigation into the rebellion of the archers in 1698).

For a long time, Menshikov did not hold official posts, but, using the trust and friendship of Peter I, he exerted a significant influence on court and state affairs.

After the death of Lefort in 1699, Menshikov became one of the closest associates of Peter I. In 1702 he was appointed commandant of Noteburg. Since 1703 - the governor of Ingermanland (later the St. Petersburg province), supervised the construction of St. Petersburg, Kronstadt, shipyards on the Neva and Svir.

In 1704, Alexander Menshikov was promoted to major general.

During the Northern War of 1700-1721, Menshikov commanded large infantry and cavalry forces, excelled in sieges and storming fortresses, showed fearlessness and composure, tact, skill and initiative.

In 1705 he led the fighting against the Swedish army in Lithuania, in 1706 he defeated the corps of the Swedish general Mardefeld at Kalisz. In September 1708, Menshikov made a great contribution to the victory of the Russian troops in the battle of Lesnaya, which Peter I called "the mother of the Poltava battle." In November 1708, Menshikov occupied Baturin, a residence that housed large stocks of food and ammunition.

Menshikov played a large role in, where he commanded first the vanguard, and then the left flank. At the very beginning of the general battle, Menshikov managed to defeat the detachment of the general and the corps of General Ross, which greatly facilitated the task of Peter I, who led the battle. Pursuing the retreating Swedish army, Menshikov forced General Levengaupt, who led it, to surrender at the crossing across the Dnieper. For the victory at Poltava, Menshikov was promoted to field marshal.

The awards received by Menshikov were not only military. Back in 1702, at the request of Peter, he was granted the title of count of the Roman Empire, in 1705 he became the prince of the Roman Empire, and in May 1707 the tsar elevated him to the dignity of His Serene Highness Prince of Izhora. Gradually, the material well-being of the most illustrious prince, the number of estates and villages granted to him, also grew.

In 1709-1713, Alexander Menshikov commanded the Russian troops, liberating Poland, Courland, Pomerania, Holstein from the Swedes.

Since 1714, he managed the lands conquered from the Swedes (the Baltic States, the Izhora land), and was in charge of collecting state revenues. During the departures of Peter I, he headed the administration of the country.

In 1718-1724 and 1726-1727 Menshikov was president of the Military Collegium.

At the same time, since 1714, Alexander Menshikov was constantly under investigation for numerous abuses and theft, and was subjected to large fines. The intercession of Peter I saved Menshikov from the trial.

Intercession also played a big role in the fate of Menshikov: in memory of the fact that it was Menshikov who introduced her to Peter the Great in 1704, Catherine I trusted the prince and supported him.

After the death of Peter I in 1725, relying on the guards, Menshikov provided decisive support to Catherine I in establishing herself on the throne and during the years of her reign was the de facto ruler of Russia.

Shortly before the death of Catherine I, Menshikov obtained her blessing for the marriage of his daughter Maria with a potential contender for the throne, the grandson of Peter I, Peter Alekseevich.

With the accession to the throne of Peter II, Alexander Danilovich Menshikov was awarded the rank of full admiral and the title of generalissimo. However, the representatives of the old aristocracy, hostile to Menshikov, the princes Golitsyn and Dolgoruky, managed to influence Peter II in such a way that on September 8, 1727, Menshikov was accused of treason and embezzlement of the treasury and exiled with his family to the Siberian city of Berezov.

All of Menshikov's property was confiscated.

Alexander Menshikov died on November 12 (November 23, according to the new style), 1729, and was buried at the altar of the church he had cut down with his own hands. Menshikov's children - son Alexander and daughter Alexander - were released from exile by Empress Anna Ioannovna in 1731.

The material was prepared on the basis of information from open sources

Alexander Danilovich Menshikov(1673-1729) - an outstanding Russian statesman and military leader, favorite and associate of Peter I the Great.
Alexander Danilovich Menshikov was born on November 6, 1673 in a family without a noble position. Alexander's father was, as contemporaries testify, either a court groom or an ordinary peasant. It was he who gave his son to study with a pie-maker in Moscow.
In 1686, Menshikov became the servant of F. Lefort, soon Peter I paid attention to him. Alexander Danilovich was a member of the Great Embassy; distinguished himself by bravery in the battles of the Great Northern War. Since 1719, A.D. Menshikov was appointed head of the Military Collegium. The duties of Alexander Danilovich also included the guardianship of the children of Peter I when he was outside the country.
Menshikov was an influential person under Catherine I - he headed the Privy Council, had the right to report personally to the empress. After her death, he wanted to regency under the young Peter II, but illness prevented Alexander Danilovich from realizing his plans - Menshikov lost influence on Peter Alekseevich. In 1727 Menshikov was sent into exile. Alexander Danilovich died on November 12, 1729.

Menshikov was an illiterate man. Be that as it may, and the contemporaries of Alexander Danilovich stated that Menshikov throughout his life could not read and write. This version is also supported by many documents, and to be more precise, the absence of documents written by A.D. Menshikov himself.
One can only wonder how such a poorly educated person could speak several foreign languages ​​​​at once. Yes, and in the "Yurnal" (diary) of Alexander Danilovich there are quite a few entries and notes related to the fact that Menshikov got acquainted with the contents of any papers. In addition, the prince had a huge library for those times. Her description has survived to our time.
Also of interest is the fact that in 1714 Alexander Danilovich Menshikov was the first Russian to be honored with becoming a member of a foreign academy: the Royal Society of London. The reason for the admission of A.D. Menshikov was the distribution of "good books and sciences" by him. Isaac Newton himself called the prince a man of "the greatest enlightenment", which also refutes the generally accepted opinion about Menshikov's illiteracy.

Menshikov made his way to the nobles purely by accident. In many ways, the beginning of Alexander Danilovich's career was helped by the event of 1686, when Menshikov was taken in the service of Franz Lefort, at that time already an influential person under Peter I. Menshikov was in his service and was noticed by Peter I.

Menshikov - orderly of Peter I. Immediately after Peter I noted the young Menshikov, he appoints him as his batman. Presumably (there is no exact data on this matter), Alexander Danilovich participated in the struggle of Peter I with Sophia (1689), as well as in the Azov campaigns. The name is A.D. Menshikov is first found in official papers (in the correspondence of Peter I) only in 1694.

Menshikov became a member of the Great Embassy. In 1697, he, among the members of the Great Embassy, ​​went outside the Russian Empire. He was considered a volunteer who wanted to learn shipbuilding. Together with Peter I, Alexander Danilovich, having worked at the Dutch shipyards, fully mastered the specialty of a ship's carpenter, and then - already in England - he learned artillery and fortification.

Menshikov strove to always be close to the tsar. Alexander Danilovich personally participated in the suppression of the uprising of the archers. Menshikov even boasted about his active participation in this matter - after all, he personally chopped off the heads of 20 archers. After returning from the Grand Embassy, ​​Menshikov tried to help the tsar put into practice any of his undertakings.

From the very beginning of the Northern War, Menshikov showed himself excellently. The year of the beginning of the Northern War is 1700, and already in 1702 Menshikov was appointed commandant of the newly conquered Noteburg fortress. Alexander Danilovich supported Peter I with all his might in his aspirations to create his own Russian fleet. In this regard, Menshikov developed an active work on the construction of the Olonets shipyard. For the manifestation of courage and initiative in battles, Alexander Danilovich was awarded the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called. At the beginning of the 18th century, this order was the highest award in the Russian Empire.

Peter I trusted A.D. Menshikov the most responsible assignments. Among them was the management of the acquired territories, as well as the construction of St. Petersburg, which since 1703 became the capital of the Russian Empire. Over the years, the tsar got so used to Menshikov that he could no longer do without Alexander Danilovich, who became an indispensable friend for him. In addition, it was at Menshikov that Peter I first saw the maid Marta Savronskaya, taken prisoner by the Russians, who later became Empress Catherine I. She also contributed to Alexander Danilovich's career advancement.

Menshikov had a passion for acquiring new wealth. Peter I in every possible way encouraged the activities of his favorite. Alexander Danilovich received more and more ranks, gifts, awards that came to him, however, not only from the Russian Tsar, but also from the first persons of other countries. For example, the Polish King August presented D.A. Menshikov Order of the White Eagle.

Menshikov also received military laurels. Alexander Danilovich really deserved them. For example, on October 18, 1706, thanks to the energy of the actions taken by Menshikov, Russian and Polish troops defeated the Swedish in the battle of Kalisz. Alexander Danilovich at the peak of the battle took the most direct part in it and was even slightly wounded. Peter I granted his friend and favorite a cane studded with diamonds and a personal coat of arms.
Another feat of Menshikov dates back to 1708, when on August 30 he again personally rushed into battle; with the help of entrusted troops, Russia secured victory near the village of Dobroe, and on September 28 of the same year, Menshikov distinguished himself in the battle near the village of Lesnoy.
In the absence of Peter I during the betrayal of Mazepa, Menshikov, having taken the initiative into his own hands, actually became the head of the entire Russian army and captured the city of Baturin, abandoned by the traitor.

During the Battle of Poltava near Menshikov, three horses were killed. On June 27, 1709, the cavalry of Alexander Danilovich defeated the cavalry of the Swedes, on this day, indeed, three horses were killed near Menshikov. Menshikov at the head of the Russian troops pursued the fleeing Swedes. For his courage in the Battle of Poltava, Alexander Danilovich Menshikov was awarded the rank of field marshal, his position under the tsar became so strong that no intrigues against Menshikov shook Peter I's faith in him. During these years, Menshikov was the second most important person in the state - he Peter I trusted all matters when he left the borders of the Russian Empire.

Menshikov is the commander-in-chief of the Russian troops in Pomerania. It was Alexander Danilovich who was chosen by Peter I for the implementation of this position. Menshikov justified the choice of the tsar with all responsibility. In 1713, the Swedish garrisons of the Stettin and Tonningen fortresses were forced to surrender under pressure from the troops allied with the Russian Empire.

Menshikov is a good diplomat. But Alexander Danilovich did not succeed in diplomatic skill. Good relations with the allies, so necessary for Russia, were not preserved by Menshikov. After the incident with the Stettin fortress, when A.D. Menshikov was supposed to hand it over to Denmark, but gave it to Prussia for a high fee (which, naturally, displeased the Danish king), Peter I no longer trusted his favorite of important diplomatic negotiations.

The siege of Stettin was the last military action of A.D. Menshikov. The reason for this was not Menshikov's loss of his military prowess, but serious health problems. Attacks of lung disease became more frequent in Alexander Danilovich, which did not give Menshikov the opportunity to stay in the conditions of camp life for a long time. From 1713 he lived permanently in his palace on Vasilievsky Island in St. Petersburg. His main task was the management of the St. Petersburg province - Menshikov was appointed its head. His duties included the management of construction, the economy, the solution of military and civil issues. Alexander Danilovich took part in meetings of the Senate, he always remembered the affairs of the fleet - Menshikov was personally present at the launch of each new ship. And in 1719, the prince also became the head of the Military Collegium.

Menshikov is the guardian of the royal children. During the absence of Peter I, he was responsible for the royal children; Menshikov visited the palace every day for several hours, after which he reported in great detail in letters to the tsar information about his children. Alexander Danilovich took a very active part in deciding the fate of the eldest son of Peter I - Tsarevich Alexei Petrovich. The latter openly expressed dissatisfaction with the reforms being carried out by his father. Alexei even planned to seize power, for this purpose he plotted. Menshikov was a member of the investigative commission on the "case" of the prince, conducted interrogations and even personally attended the torture. Surprisingly, Menshikov was listed first on the list of those who signed Alexei's death warrant.

Menshikov had many enemies. They harmed the name of Alexander Danilovich in every possible way. A wide variety of denunciations with accusations of embezzlement, fraud, etc. filled the capital. In many cases, they were, in principle, truthful, but Peter I turned a blind eye to them, because he believed that even if his favorite was to blame for something like this, Menshikov had already redeemed himself by his merits. Supported by Menshikov and Catherine, and others close to the court. However, Alexander Danilovich's passion for new awards, the harassment of new awards did their job: the tsar's cold attitude and irritability were quite frequent.

Under Catherine I, Menshikov's position was strengthened. After all, it was Alexander Danilovich who stood at the head of the guard, which made it possible for Catherine to rule the country. Menshikov became the head of the Privy Council, which, however, was created by him. He could freely enter Catherine I for a report. And the Empress, in turn, did not forget to thank Menshikov. She granted him the city of Baturin - the same one that Alexander Danilovich literally begged from Peter I, but to no avail ... Catherine I forgot about all Menshikov's debts.

Menshikov's daughter Maria was betrothed to Peter II. To achieve this goal, it was necessary for Alexander Nikolaevich that it was Peter Alekseevich (the son of Tsarevich Alexei) who came to the throne. True, those dignitaries who at one time signed the death sentence for the son of Peter I could well have prevented this, but besides this, Menshikov himself was afraid of the omnipotence. Through the efforts of Alexander Danilovich, all these people were exiled in 1727 with the loss of all their ranks - Menshikov agreed on this with Catherine I. The Empress herself died on May 6, 1797. On May 23 of the same year, the engagement of the daughter of A. D. Menshikov (she turned 16 years old) with Pyotr Alekseevich (he was only 12 years old at that time) falls.

Menshikov - Generalissimo. Since the death of Catherine I, Alexander Danilovich dreamed of regency over the minor Peter. However, this did not materialize. Menshikov only managed to get the rank of Generalissimo and compile an extensive biography for further accomplishments, but illness seriously interfered with Menshikov's plans. Alexander Danilovich lost influence over Pyotr Alekseevich, which was received by Menshikov's longtime foe - Dolgoruky. He managed to obtain from Peter a decree on the exile of Menshikov.

Menshikov was exiled to Berezov. But not at once. First, a decree was issued on the exile of Alexander Danilovich to Rannenburg (1727), which was accompanied by the deprivation of Menshikov of all ranks and acquired property. Here Menshikov was interrogated, accused of high treason. But no recognition was received. In April 1728, the former favorite was sent to the distant Siberian city of Berezov. Fate presented Menshikov with two serious blows: on the way to exile, his faithful wife died, and in Berezov itself, the eldest daughter died (from smallpox).

The Siberian exile did not break the spirit of Menshikov. Contemporaries spoke of Alexander Danilovich's courageous acceptance of the conditions that fate had given him. He quietly exchanged expensive outfits for simple clothes. Menshikov told one officer (who, by the way, did not recognize his former boss) that he was destined to return to the state in which he spent his childhood. November 12, 1729 Alexander Danilovich Menshikov died, leaving a huge contribution to the history of Russia.