|
|
|
ASSOCIATES OF THE REFORMER CZAR |
|
Implementation of such a grandiose program of reforms
would not be possible without a circle of the closest
aides and trusted associates. At least some of them
can be called czar's friends, although one always
needs to keep in mind the difference between
high-ranking officials and the autocratic wearer of
the crown, especially that the latter did not lack
temperament - he was a hot-tempered man and
off-handedly would not hesitate even to beat people
close to him. Among them was, for example, a very
talented diplomat and writer, a man not once
introduced into the affairs that required
circumspection and delicacy - Peter Tolstoy.
It used to happen that outraged czar would
take Tolstoy's wig |
 |
down and slap him on the head, although always
with the compliments along the lines: Head,
head! If you weren't so smart I would have you chopped off
long time ago! Such a threat, after all, was more than
real, as in 1682 Tolstoy sided with Sophia, but thanks to the
qualities of his mind he quickly changed political allegiances
and this way saved his situation. In 1724 he was dignified
with the title of count, but he did not enjoy it too long.
The closes
and the most favourite associate of the reformer czar was
Alexander Menshikov. Peter became friends with Menshikov yet
in young age, and Peter did not care of his friend's low class
status; Menshikov in his turn was very much devoted to the
czar. Yet, Menshikov had one peccadillo - he loved money and
would do just about anything to get richer, which very often
upset the czar. It was no secret to anybody that Peter often
used to beat Menshikov off-hand with a stick, but nevertheless
never ceased to love and trust him, and kept awarding him with
more and more titles and gifts. The history of Russia,
perhaps, has not known another grandee, who would gain so many
honours, and in regard of the wealth also few people might
rival him as well. But one cannot help to notice here two
circumstances. First, Menshikov indeed earned many titles: he
was a smart man, a talented statesman and a brave commander.
He had a luck in military campaigns, especially during the
sieges of fortresses and cities. As an organizer he was not
that bright, but after all nobody is perfect. The second
circumstance concerns the last years of his life, and his fall
from the incredible heights into the abyss without a bottom,
into the darkness of obscurity from the glamour and glory.
Blinded with greatness and wealth, he probably never thought
that he could lose everything in am instant. Well, the History
knows many like him.
Many other outstanding persons surrounded Peter, helped him in
his reforms, politics, diplomacy and in the battlefields. The
oldest of them, Yakov Dolgoruki (1639-1720), was probably the
only one, who dared to argue openly with the czar, but served
him faithfully, took part in many battles, spent several years
in Swedish prison, and upon return from captivity occupied a
number of high state offices. Boris Sheremetyev (1652-1719), a
soldier and a diplomat, first at Sophia's service then at
Peter's, won several battles and suppressed the uprising in
Astrakhan. The first chancellor, Gavriil Golovkin (1660-1734),
was a friend of Peter's childhood and co-author of the Table
of Ranks. The president of the Collegium of Foreign Affairs,
Peter Shafirov (1669-1739), got close with Peter during the
"Grand Embassy". Saving Peter and his army from the
ill-fated Prut Campaign of 1711 was almost entirely Shafirov's
merit. He also took part in numerous diplomatic negotiations.
In 1723-1725 he fell out of grace after a quarrel with
Menshikov, lost his entire fortune, and was sentenced to
death, but the execution was commuted to exile. It was not
until after the death of Peter that Shafirov came back from
the exile. A Scot by origin, James (Yakov) Bruce (1670-1735),
was an outstanding militaryman and patron of sciences,
especially Astronomy. Among other outstanding militarymen it
is worth to mention Mikhail Golitsyn (1675-1730), the victor
from Grönhamn. In diplomacy distinguished themselves Boris
Kurakin (1676-1727) and Pavel Yaguzhinskiy (1683-1736), since
1722 the General-Procurator of the Senate. A colourful figure
among Peter's associates was Ibrahim Hannibal (1688?-1781), a
Negro boy Peter bought out of slavery, who became a skilful
engineer and mathematician; he contributed greatly to the
building of the navy and became an ancestor of the great
Russian poet, Alexander Pushkin.
It is difficult to accomplish reforms without scientists, and
at that time scientists were not in abundance. But as far as
Peter's associates are concerned, they had demonstrated
extraordinary talents, thorough knowledge and diligence in
learning. Theophan Prokopovich was probably the most
outstanding one among them. It is also worth to mention
Stephen Yavorskiy, although he, as it seems, was not sure
about the necessity of introduction of some of the reforms. |
|
|
