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General MD Skobelev. White General Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev

Among historical personalities there are those who, despite all their fame, are surrounded by a veil of secrecy, omissions and riddles. Among them is the “white general” Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev.

Good pedigree

Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev (1843-1882) came from a famous noble family. His father was a general, his grandfather was a commandant Peter and Paul Fortress, so from birth Misha was destined for a military career.

The Russian military at that time were educated people. Mikhail studied in France, knew several languages, and read a lot. Later, his colleagues noted his passion for learning.

Initially, Skobelev entered the university in St. Petersburg in 1861, but it was soon closed by the police (due to revolutionary unrest), and the failed student joined the army.

He still received higher education, having studied in 1866-1868. in Academy General Staff. But during his studies, some specific traits of his character began to clearly appear, which largely influenced future fate. Skobelev lacked discipline and self-restraint; he did only what he himself considered correct. Because of this, at the academy he was an excellent student in some subjects and a lagging student in others (well, he didn’t like them!), and then often clashed with his superiors.

White General

But his brilliant mind, military talent, education and personal charm, which endeared him to his colleagues, made Skobelev an outstanding military leader. His merits were appreciated - he became an infantry general in 1881, at the age of 38, and had three dozen orders and medals.

His military career included

Khiva campaign (1873), which expanded Russian possessions in Northern ASIA
Kokand expedition (1875-1876);
governorship in Fergana (1876-1877)
Akhal-Teke expedition (1880-1881), which contributed to the annexation of Turkmenistan.

But Skobelev’s name was glorified by the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878, which resulted in the restoration of Bulgarian independence. He was a hero of the siege of Plevna, battles at Lovchi and Shipka. Skobelev even used his shortcomings to benefit the cause. He was distinguished by his tendency to “get into trouble,” to flaunt unnecessarily (in particular, he constantly led regiments himself, sitting on a white horse and in a white uniform, for which he earned the nickname “white general”). But soldiers and officers loved him precisely for this bravado, for his apparent invulnerability and lack of snobbery or demonstration of superiority. As a result, Skobelev's army often succeeded in what other units could not, and he repeatedly defeated superior Turkish forces. It was only thanks to him that the Turkish military leader Osman Pasha did not manage to escape from besieged Plevna.

But his superiors did not favor him for his habit of arguing and his quarrelsome character. As a result, although Skobelev was promoted and awarded a diamond sword after the Bulgarian campaign, he himself noted that he “lost confidence.”

Akunin didn’t lie

The famous writer B. Akunin, in his two novels about the detective Fandorin (“The Turkish Gambit” and “The Death of Achilles”), depicted the image of Skobelev. And the writer did not overdo it at all in terms of conspiracy theories. The death of the “white general” was indeed strange.

In the summer of 1882, Skobelev arrived in Moscow, and his colleagues noted his strange mood. The next night he was found dead in the room of a girl of easy virtue. Close acquaintances were not too surprised (the general’s marriage was unsuccessful), but they hushed up the matter due to the unpresentable nature of the situation. The body was taken to the hotel and registered death from a heart attack.

Skobelev’s heart was not too healthy, but before that he had withstood significant loads - and nothing. Rumors of poisoning immediately began to spread. The main suspects were the Germans - the girl was from the Baltic states, and Germany did not like Skobelev’s position.

But their own, Russian, elite were clearly happy about this death. Skobelev was becoming too popular among the common people. The image of the “white general” (by the way, in Skobelev’s paintings for some reason he was depicted on a white horse, but in a black uniform) was recognizable and attracted the attention of a more royal one.

In addition, the general had no political “brakes” and he was a militant Slavophile who believed that Russia’s mission was to unite all Slavic states (and it doesn’t matter who doesn’t like it). He was predicted to be a “Russian Bonaparte.” The new emperor, Alexander III, was very peace-loving, although he had a friendly attitude towards Slavophilism. Therefore, it is impossible to exclude the participation of the III Department in Skobelev’s death.

And without conspiracy theories, the general was a talented military leader, a kind and brave man. He is remembered in his homeland, and especially respected in Bulgaria.

An outstanding military leader - “white” (as he was called because he always fought on a white horse and in a white uniform), General Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev showed himself as an exemplary military administrator in the Russian-Turkish War (1877-1878), in the conquests of Russian lands empire in Central Asia. He was also a good leader who cared about his subordinates.

Biography: General Skobelev M.D. in childhood and youth

The future military leader was born in St. Petersburg on September 17, 1843 in the family of Lieutenant General Dmitry Ivanovich Skobelev by his wife Olga Nikolaevna.

He was raised at home and was later sent to France.

At the age of 18, he entered St. Petersburg University, successfully passing the exams, but due to student unrest, the university was closed.

Then he went to military service in a cavalry guard regiment. In 1866 he became a student at the Nikolaev Academy of the General Staff. In military surveying (geodesy) and statistics he was among the laggards, but in history and the art of war he had no equal in the entire course. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the military of the Turkestan Military District.

Biography: General M. D. Skobelev From staff captain to general

In 1868, Mikhail Dmitrievich was appointed captain in the Turkestan district. In 1870, as a cavalry commander, he was entrusted with an important task from the Commander-in-Chief of the Caucasian Army, at whose disposal he was at that time. He needed to pave the way to the Khiva Khanate, which he did brilliantly. But he voluntarily reviewed the plan of operations that the commanders-in-chief were developing against Khiva, for which he was expelled from the army for 11 months. Afterwards he recovers, takes part in various campaigns, and regularly performs his duties.

In 1874, Skobelev was promoted to colonel and enlisted in the emperor's retinue. Already in 1875, he was appointed head of the part of the embassy of the Russian Empire, which was sent to Kashgar. The Kokand expedition is what historians call this period of his life, which includes his biography. General Skobelev proved himself to be a brave, prudent organizer and an excellent tactician.

When in the spring of 1877 he was sent to the commander-in-chief of the army that was at war with Turkey, his colleagues did not receive him very friendly. For some time he did not receive any appointments, but after the capture of Lovchi in battles near Plevna, crossing the Imetli Pass, and the battle near Shipka, where he acted as a detachment commander, he began to be respected.

In 1878, he returned to Russia with the rank of adjutant general with the rank of lieutenant general.

Biography: General Skobelev M.D. and his last feat

The main merit for which Skobelev received a second degree and title was the conquest of Geok-Tepe (Ahal-Tepe) in 1880. When he addressed the officers at an event celebrating the anniversary of the expedition, he was met with the irritation of Austria and Germany. His speech had a strong political overtones and pointed to the oppression of the Slavs by their fellow believers.

On June 24, 1882, General Skobelev (the biography described in some sources contains the date June 26) died suddenly at the Anglia Hotel in Moscow. According to one version, he was killed by the Germans who hated him.

The legendary commander Mikhail Skobelev, with whose name many brilliant victories of Russian weapons are associated, was born on September 17 (29), 1843 in the Peter and Paul Fortress, of which his grandfather was the commandant. Skobelev...

In his youth, Mikhail intended to devote himself to civil service and entered the mathematics department of St. Petersburg University, however, his studies had to be interrupted. The university was closed due to student unrest, and Skobelev, heeding his father’s advice, petitioned the emperor to enroll as a cadet in the elite Life Guards Cavalry Regiment.

Military service began with the oath and kissing the cross, according to the description given by the leadership, Junker Skobelev “serves zealously, not sparing himself.” A year later he was promoted to cadet harness, six months later to the junior officer rank of cornet, and in 1864 Skobelev participated in the suppression of the uprising of Polish rebels. He was included in the retinue of Adjutant General Eduard Baranov, but being burdened by his retinue duties, he begged the general to send him to the combat sector. Skobelev received his baptism of fire in the battle with the rebel detachment of Shemiot, for his bravery he was awarded the Order St. Anne IV degree.

Participation in the Polish expedition confirmed the correctness of the chosen path; subsequently Skobelev repeatedly repeated: “I am where the guns thunder.”

In 1866, he entered the Nikolaev Academy of the General Staff; defeat in the Eastern War forced the government to reconsider its approach to military education; now officers were trained in new program, future military leaders left the Academy with a solid store of knowledge.

As one of the best graduates, Mikhail Dmitrievich is sent to the General Staff. After a short period of “paper” work in the General Staff, Skobelev showed himself in Central Asia; in 1873 he became a participant in the Khiva campaign, the general leadership of which was carried out by General Konstantin Kaufman. Skobelev commanded the vanguard of the Mangyshlak detachment (2,140 people), in difficult conditions, in almost daily skirmishes with the Khivans, his detachment approached the capital of the khanate in May 1873.

On May 29, Khiva fell, the first decree that the khan was forced to issue was a ban on the slave trade, because one of the goals of the expedition was to suppress the slave trade. Russia, as Engels, who was stingy with positive assessments of the “tsarist regime,” noted, played “a progressive role in relation to the East... Russia’s dominance plays a civilizing role for the Black and Caspian Seas and Central Asia...”.

Due to strong opposition from the British, the original plan to establish good neighborly relations with the Central Asian states through peaceful means Russian government could not be implemented, so military measures were used. Skobelev will subsequently repeatedly perform this responsible role of enforcing peace.

Already in 1875, after a short business trip to Spain, Skobelev led a campaign to suppress the rebellion that broke out in Kokand. A Russian detachment of only 800 people with 20 guns near the village of Makhram entered into battle with the 50,000-strong army of the usurper Khudoyar. Despite the huge numerical superiority, the Russians scattered the enemy and put him to flight. Skobelev’s formula “It’s not enough to be brave, you need to be smart and resourceful” worked flawlessly.

N.D. Dmitriev-Orenburgsky “General M.D. Skobelev on horseback”, 1883

In October 1875, Mikhail Dmitrievich was promoted to major general, and in February next year appointed governor-general of the newly formed Fergana region. With his characteristic zeal, Skobelev began to develop the region and in this post proved himself to be a skilled diplomat. He dealt with the local nobility and warlike tribes “firmly, but with heart.”

He understood that alone military force is not enough to establish Russia’s authority, so I was actively involved in solving social issues. On Skobelev’s initiative, a city was founded, which later received the name Fergana and became the regional center of Uzbekistan; the governor-general took a personal part in its design.

Upon learning of the start of the war with Ottoman Empire, Skobelev, using his connections in St. Petersburg, changed the relatively calm office of the Governor General to a battlefield more familiar to him. Participation in the Russian-Turkish War of 1877-1878 became the peak of Mikhail Dmitrievich’s military career and at the same time was the realization of his life credo: “My symbol is short: love for the Fatherland, science and Slavism.”

The Russian army owes Skobelev’s talent the capture of the strategically important city of Lovech, and it was he who became the true hero of the third assault on Plevna.

Thanks to the efforts of Skobelev, the battle of Sheynov was won, when a crushing blow by the Russians paralyzed the actions of the 30,000-strong army of Wessel Pasha. General Skobelev personally accepted the surrender of Wessel Pasha and his army.

In battle, the general was always ahead of the troops in a white jacket and on a white horse. “He believed that he would be more unharmed on a white horse than on a horse of a different color...”, explained this choice by artist Vasily Vereshchagin, who was well acquainted with Skobelev.

Skobelev’s detachment captured Adrianople and the town of San Stefano, located 20 kilometers from the Turkish capital. It was just a stone's throw from Constantinople.

Of course, Skobelev, who shared the views of the Slavophiles on the historical mission of Russia to liberate Constantinople from Muslims, which at the same time was the cherished dream of the Slavs and Greeks, was eager to begin the assault on this city.

The brilliant strategist saw that the historical moment was close, “... the presence of an active army in Adrianople and the opportunity... and now to occupy the capital of Turkey in battle,” he noted in one of the letters. But diplomacy decided otherwise; the war ended with the signing of the Treaty of San Stefano.

The name of the “White General,” as both Russians and Turks called him, thundered throughout Europe. After the signing of peace, Skobelev took personal initiative on the issue of organizing capable paramilitary units in Bulgaria, called gymnastic societies. The Bulgarians, for their efforts to liberate Bulgaria from the Turkish occupiers and help in the post-war development of the country, ranked General Skobelev among their national heroes.

Vyacheslav Kondratyev “Plow up Geok-Tepe!”

After the war with the Ottomans, the general will lead the Akhal-Teke expedition, which became a matter of special national importance. Skobelev turned out to be the only one who combined the talents of a military leader and the wisdom of a diplomat. The emperor himself had a confidential conversation with the general regarding this expedition. It was successful, the last source of unrest was eliminated, and peace was established in the Trans-Caspian possessions of Russia.

The general was always on the front line during hostilities. Even during the war with the Turks, soldiers composed a song about their commander, which contains the following lines:

I was not afraid of enemy bullets,
Not afraid of a bayonet,
And more than once near the hero
Death was already close.

He laughed at bullets
Apparently, God protected him.

He was wounded many times, but the bayonet and bullets did not harm his life. Skobelev did not die in war, but under other very mysterious circumstances. The causes of death, which occurred on June 25 (July 7), 1882, remained unsolved and are still being put forward different versions about what happened. IN last way A countless number of people came to see Mikhail Dmitrievich off.

The Russian general devoted his short but bright life entirely to the Fatherland.

Skobelev

Mikhail Dmitrievich

Battles and victories

“Convince the soldiers in practice that you are fatherly caring for them outside of battle, that in battle there is strength, and nothing will be impossible for you,” said Skobelev.
And with this conviction he won in Central Asia and the Balkans. The conqueror of Khiva and liberator of Bulgaria, he went down in history under the name of the “white general”.

SKOBELEV MIKHAIL DMITRIEVICH (1843-1882) - an outstanding Russian military leader and strategist, a man of enormous personal courage, infantry general (1881), adjutant general (1878). Participant in the Central Asian conquests of the Russian Empire and the Russian-Turkish War of 1877-1878, liberator of Bulgaria. He went down in history with the nickname “white general” (Turkish Ak-Pasha), which is always associated primarily with him, and not only because he participated in battles in a white uniform and on a white horse.

Why was he called the “white general”?

For different reasons. The simplest one is a uniform and a white horse. But he wasn’t the only one wearing a white general’s military uniform. That means something else. Probably the desire to be on the side of good, not to become impoverished in soul, not to come to terms with the need to kill.

I came to the conviction that everything in the world is a lie, a lie and a lie... All this glory, and all this glitter is a lie... Is this true happiness?.. Does humanity really need this?.. But what, what is this lie worth? , this glory? How many were killed, wounded, suffering, ruined!.. Explain to me: will you and I answer to God for the mass of people whom we killed in battle?
- these are the words of V.I. Skobelev. Nemirovich-Danchenko discovers a lot about the general’s character.

“An amazing life, the amazing speed of its events: Kokand, Khiva, Alai, Shipka, Lovcha, Plevna on July 18, Plevna on August 30, the Green Mountains, the crossing of the Balkans, the fabulously fast march to Adrianople, Geok-Tepe and unexpected, mysterious death - follow one after another, without respite, without rest.” (V.I. Nemirovich-Danchenko “Skobelev”).

Early biography and military education

A hereditary military man, he was born in St. Petersburg on September 17, 1843 in the family of Lieutenant General Dmitry Ivanovich Skobelev and his wife Olga Nikolaevna, née Poltavtseva. Having inherited the “subtlety of nature” from his mother, he retained spiritual closeness with her throughout his life. In his opinion, only in the family does a person have the opportunity to be himself.

“Too graceful for a real military man,” he, nevertheless, chose this path from his youth and already on November 22, 1861, entered military service in the Cavalry Regiment. After passing the exam, he was promoted to harness cadet on September 8, 1862, and to cornet on March 31, 1863. On August 30, 1864, Skobelev was promoted to lieutenant.
In the fall of 1866 he entered the Nikolaev Academy of the General Staff. Upon completion of the academy course in 1868, he became the 13th of 26 officers assigned to the general staff.

Khiva campaign

In the spring of 1873, Skobelev took part in the Khiva campaign, as an officer of the general staff under the Mangishlak detachment of Colonel Lomakin. The purpose of the campaign was, firstly, to strengthen the Russian borders, which were subject to targeted attacks by local feudal lords supplied with English weapons, and secondly, to protect those of them who came under Russian protection. They left on April 16, Skobelev, like other officers, walked. Severity and exactingness in the conditions of a military campaign, and first of all towards himself, distinguished this man. Then, in peaceful life there could be weaknesses and doubts, during military operations - maximum composure, responsibility and courage.

So on May 5, near the well of Itybai, Skobelev with a detachment of 10 horsemen met a caravan of Kazakhs who had gone over to the side of Khiva and, despite the numerical superiority of the enemy, rushed into battle, in which he received 7 wounds with pikes and sabers and could not sit on a horse until May 20. Returning to duty on May 22, with 3 companies and 2 guns, he covered the wheeled convoy, and repelled a number of enemy attacks. On May 24, when Russian troops stood at Chinakchik (8 versts from Khiva), the Khivans attacked a camel train. Skobelev quickly got his bearings, and moved with two hundred hidden, in the gardens, to the rear of the Khivans, overturned their approaching cavalry, then attacked the Khivan infantry, put them to flight and returned 400 camels captured by the enemy. On May 29, Mikhail Skobelev with two companies stormed the Shakhabat Gate, was the first to get inside the fortress and, although he was attacked by the enemy, he held the gate and rampart behind him. Khiva submitted.

Khiva campaign of 1873.
Transition of the Turkestan detachment through the dead sands - Karazin

Military governor

In 1875-76, Mikhail Dmitrievich led an expedition against the rebellion of the feudal lords of the Kokand Khanate, directed against the nomadic robbers who ravaged the Russian border lands. After this, with the rank of major general, he was appointed governor and commander of the troops of the Fergana region, formed on the territory of the abolished Khanate of Kokand. As the military governor of Fergana and the head of all troops operating in the former Kokand Khanate, he took part in and led the battles of Kara-Chukul, Makhram, Minch-Tyube, Andijan, Tyura-Kurgan, Namangan, Tash-Bala, Balykchi, etc. He also organized and, without any particular losses, completed an amazing expedition, known as the “Alai” expedition. Having become the head of the Fergana region, Skobelev found mutual language with conquered tribes. The Sarts reacted well to the arrival of the Russians, but still their weapons were taken away. The warlike Kipchaks, once conquered, kept their word and did not rebel. Mikhail Dmitrievich treated them “firmly, but with heart.”

This is how his stern gift as a military leader first manifested itself:
War is war, he said during a discussion of the operation, and there cannot but be losses... and these losses can be large.

Russian-Turkish War 1877-1878

The peak of the career of commander D.M. Skobelev occurred during the Russian-Turkish War of 1877-1878, the goal of which was the liberation of Orthodox peoples from the oppression of the Ottoman Empire. On June 15, 1877, Russian troops crossed the Danube and launched an offensive. The Bulgarians enthusiastically greeted the Russian army and joined it.

On the battlefield, Skobelev appeared as a major general, already with the St. George Cross, and, despite the incredulous remarks of many of his comrades, he quickly gained fame as a talented and fearless commander. During the Russian-Turkish War of 1877-1878. he actually commanded (being the chief of staff of the Combined Cossack Division) the Caucasian Cossack brigade during the 2nd assault on Plevna in July 1877 and a separate detachment during the capture of Lovchi in August 1877.

During the 3rd assault on Plevna (August 1877), he successfully led the actions of the left-flank detachment, which broke through to Plevna, but did not receive timely support from the command. Commanding the 16th infantry division, Mikhail Dmitrievich participated in the blockade of Plevna and the winter transition through the Balkans (through the Imitli Pass), playing a decisive role in the battle of Sheinovo.

At the last stage of the war, while pursuing the retreating Turkish troops, Skobelev, commanding the vanguard of the Russian troops, occupied Adrianople and, in February 1878, San Stefano in the vicinity of Constantinople. Skobelev's successful actions created him great popularity in Russia and Bulgaria, where streets, squares and parks in many cities were named after him.

Prudent people reproached Skobelev for his reckless courage; they said that “he behaves like a boy,” that “he rushes forward like an ensign,” that, finally, risking “unnecessarily,” exposes the soldiers to the danger of being left without a high command, etc. However, there was no more commander attentive to the needs of his soldiers and more careful about their lives than the “white general”. During preparations for the upcoming transition through the Balkans, Skobelev, who had anticipated such a development of events in advance and therefore did not waste time, developed vigorous activity. As the head of the column, he understood: regardless of the conditions of the transition, everything must be done to protect the detachment from unjustified losses along the way and to maintain its combat effectiveness.

Convince the soldiers in practice that you take fatherly care of them outside of battle, that in battle there is strength, and nothing will be impossible for you
- said Skobelev.

The personal example of the chief and his training requirements became the standard for the officers and soldiers of the detachment. Skobelev sent teams throughout the district to purchase boots, short fur coats, sweatshirts, food and fodder. Pack saddles and packs were purchased in the villages. On the route of the detachment, in Toplesh, Skobelev created a base with an eight-day supply of food and big amount pack horses. And Skobelev carried out all this with the help of his detachment, without relying on the help of the commissariat and the partnership involved in supplying the army.

The time of intense fighting clearly showed that the Russian army was inferior in quality to the Turkish army, and therefore Skobelev supplied one battalion of the Uglitsky regiment with guns captured from the Turks. Another innovation was introduced by Skobelev. How the soldiers did not curse, each time putting heavy backpacks on their backs! You can’t sit down with such a burden, you can’t lie down, and even in battle it hindered your movements. Skobelev obtained canvas somewhere and ordered the bags to be sewn. And it became easy and convenient for the soldier! After the war, the entire Russian army switched to canvas bags. They laughed at Skobelev: they say, the military general turned into an agent of the commissariat, and the chuckles intensified even more when it became known about Skobelev’s order for each soldier to have a log of dry firewood.

N.D. Dmitriev-Orenburgsky. General M.D. Skobelev on horseback. 1883
Irkutsk Regional Art Museum named after. P.V. Sukacheva

Skobelev continued to prepare the detachment. As shown further events, the firewood was very useful. At a rest stop, the soldiers quickly lit fires and rested in the warmth. During the transition, there was not a single frostbite in the detachment. In other detachments, especially in the left column, a large number of soldiers were out of action due to frostbite.

All of the above made General Skobelev an idol among the soldiers and an object of envy among the highest military ranks, who endlessly blamed him for having too “easy” awards, unjustified, from their point of view, courage, and undeserved glory. However, those who saw him in action could not help but notice completely different qualities. “It is impossible not to note the skill with which Skobelev fought. At that moment, when he achieved decisive success, 9 fresh battalions still remained untouched in his hands, the very sight of which forced the Turks to capitulate.”

Akhal-Teke expedition

After the end of the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878. The “white general” commanded the corps, but was soon sent again to Central Asia, where in 1880-1881. led the so-called Ahal-Tekin military expedition, during which he carefully and comprehensively organized the campaigns of his subordinate troops and successfully carried out an assault on the Den-gil-Tepe fortress (near Geok-Tepe). Following this, Ashgabat was occupied by Skobelev’s troops.

An ardent supporter of the liberation of the Slavic peoples, Skobelev was tireless, reaching almost to Constantinople, and was very worried about the inability to complete the matter. IN AND. Nemirovich-Danchenko, who accompanied the general, wrote: “Strange as it may seem, I can testify that I saw Skobelev burst into tears, talking about Constantinople, that we were fruitlessly wasting time and results the whole war without occupying it...
Indeed, when even the Turks erected masses of new fortifications around Constantinople, Skobelev made exemplary attacks and maneuvers several times, occupied these fortifications, showing the full possibility of capturing them without large losses. Once in this way he broke in and occupied the key enemy positions, from which the askers looked at him and did nothing.”

Skobelev M.D.:
I directly suggested to the Grand Duke: to occupy Constantinople with my detachment without permission, and the next day let me be put on trial and shot, so long as they don’t give him up... I wanted to do this without warning, but who knows what types and assumptions there are. ..

But Russia was not ready for the brilliant victory that the courage of the soldiers and the valor of such commanders as Skobelev provided it with. The barely nascent capitalism was not ready to fight England and France, to whom Russia lost Crimean War about 20 years ago. If soldiers become victims of recklessness in war, then entire peoples and states become victims of reckless politicians. The “pan-Slavic unity” that the general hoped for was not born in either the First or Second World Wars.

However, even then, in the late 70s - early 80s of the 19th century, Skobelev was able to discern the future Russian-German front of the First World War and assess the main forms of armed struggle in the future.

Having received a month's leave on June 22 (July 4), 1882, M.D. Skobelev left Minsk, where the headquarters of the 4th Corps was located, to Moscow, and already on June 25, 1882 the general was gone. It was a completely unexpected death for those around him. Unexpected for others, but not for him...

He more than once expressed forebodings of his imminent death to his friends:
Every day of my life is a reprieve given to me by fate. I know that I won't be allowed to live. It’s not for me to finish everything I have in mind. After all, you know that I am not afraid of death. Well, I’ll tell you: fate or people will soon lie in wait for me. Someone called me a fatal man, and fatal people always end in a fatal way... God spared me in battle... And people... Well, maybe this is redemption. Who knows, maybe we are wrong in everything and others paid for our mistakes?..
This quote reveals to us a complex, ambiguous, even unexpected character for a military man.

Postage Stamp, dedicated
135th anniversary of the liberation of Bulgaria

Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev was first and foremost Russian. And how almost every Russian person “carried within himself” the internal discord that is noticeable in thinking people. Outside of battle, he was tormented by doubts. He did not have the calmness “with which the commanders of other countries and peoples send tens of thousands of people to their death, without experiencing the slightest reproach of conscience, commanders for whom the killed and wounded seem only to be a more or less unpleasant detail of a brilliant report.” However, there was no tearful sentimentality either. Before the battle, Skobelev was calm, decisive and energetic, he himself went to his death and did not spare others, but after the battle, according to contemporaries, “hard days and hard nights came for him. His conscience was not soothed by the awareness of the need for sacrifice. On the contrary, she spoke loudly and menacingly. The martyr awoke in triumph. The delight of victory could not kill the heavy doubts in his sensitive soul. In sleepless nights, in moments of loneliness, the commander stepped back and came to the fore as a man with a lot of unresolved issues, with repentance... The recent winner was tortured and executed as a criminal from all this mass of blood he himself had shed.”

Such was the price of his military success. And the “white general” M.D. Skobelev paid it honestly and selflessly, just as honestly and selflessly as he fought for the good of his Fatherland.

Literature

Soviet military encyclopedia. T. 7. M., 1973

Story military strategy Russia. M., 2000

Gubanov E. A. Our Russian miracle heroes and heroes: A. V. Suvorov, M. I. Kutuzov and M. D. Skobelev. M., 1897

Sokolov A. A. White general, Russian folk hero Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev. St. Petersburg, 1888

Internet

Surzhik Dmitry Viktorovich, researcher at the Institute of General History of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Kolchak Alexander Vasilievich

Russian admiral who gave his life for the liberation of the Fatherland.
Oceanographer, one of the largest polar explorers of the late 19th - early 20th centuries, military and political figure, naval commander, active member of the Imperial Russian Geographical Society, leader White movement, Supreme Ruler of Russia.

Romodanovsky Grigory Grigorievich

There are no outstanding military figures on the project from the period from the Time of Troubles to northern war, although there were such. An example of this is G.G. Romodanovsky.
He came from a family of Starodub princes.
Participant of the sovereign's campaign against Smolensk in 1654. In September 1655, together with the Ukrainian Cossacks, he defeated the Poles near Gorodok (near Lvov), and in November of the same year he fought in the battle of Ozernaya. In 1656 he received the rank of okolnichy and headed the Belgorod rank. In 1658 and 1659 participated in hostilities against Hetman Vyhovsky, who betrayed him, and Crimean Tatars, besieged Varva and fought near Konotop (Romodanovsky’s troops withstood a heavy battle at the crossing of the Kukolka River). In 1664, he played a decisive role in repelling the invasion of the Polish king’s 70 thousand army into Left Bank Ukraine, inflicting a number of sensitive blows on it. In 1665 he was made a boyar. In 1670 he acted against the Razins - he defeated the detachment of the chieftain's brother, Frol. The crowning achievement of Romodanovsky's military activity was the war with the Ottoman Empire. In 1677 and 1678 troops under his leadership inflicted heavy defeats on the Ottomans. An interesting point: both main figures in the Battle of Vienna in 1683 were defeated by G.G. Romodanovsky: Sobieski with his king in 1664 and Kara Mustafa in 1678
The prince died on May 15, 1682 during the Streltsy uprising in Moscow.

Brusilov Alexey Alekseevich

In World War I, commander of the 8th Army in the Battle of Galicia. On August 15-16, 1914, during the Rohatyn battles, he defeated the 2nd Austro-Hungarian Army, capturing 20 thousand people. and 70 guns. On August 20, Galich was captured. The 8th Army takes an active part in the battles at Rava-Russkaya and in the Battle of Gorodok. In September he commanded a group of troops from the 8th and 3rd armies. From September 28 to October 11, his army withstood a counterattack by the 2nd and 3rd Austro-Hungarian armies in battles on the San River and near the city of Stryi. During the successfully completed battles, 15 thousand enemy soldiers were captured, and at the end of October his army entered the foothills of the Carpathians.

Rokossovsky Konstantin Konstantinovich

Because he inspires many by personal example.

Khvorostinin Dmitry Ivanovich

A commander who had no defeats...

Yulaev Salavat

Commander of the Pugachev era (1773-1775). Together with Pugachev, he organized an uprising and tried to change the position of the peasants in society. He won several victories over the troops of Catherine II.

Svyatoslav Igorevich

I would like to propose the “candidacies” of Svyatoslav and his father, Igor, as greatest commanders and political leaders of their time, I think there is no point in listing to historians their services to the fatherland, I was unpleasantly surprised not to see their names on this list. Sincerely.

Kutuzov Mikhail Illarionovich

Commander-in-Chief during the Patriotic War of 1812. One of the most famous and beloved military heroes by the people!

Udatny Mstislav Mstislavovich

A real knight, recognized as a great commander in Europe

Kovpak Sidor Artemyevich

Participant of the First World War (served in the 186th Aslanduz Infantry Regiment) and the Civil War. During the First World War he fought in Southwestern Front, participant in the Brusilov breakthrough. In April 1915, as part of the guard of honor, he was personally awarded the St. George Cross by Nicholas II. In total, he was awarded the St. George Crosses of III and IV degrees and medals “For Bravery” (“St. George” medals) of III and IV degrees.

During Civil War led a local partisan detachment that fought in Ukraine against the German occupiers together with the detachments of A. Ya. Parkhomenko, then was a fighter in the 25th Chapaev Division on the Eastern Front, where he was engaged in the disarmament of the Cossacks, and participated in battles with the armies of generals A. I. Denikin and Wrangel on the Southern Front.

In 1941-1942, Kovpak’s unit carried out raids behind enemy lines in the Sumy, Kursk, Oryol and Bryansk regions, in 1942-1943 - a raid from the Bryansk forests to Right Bank Ukraine in Gomel, Pinsk, Volyn, Rivne, Zhitomir and Kyiv regions; in 1943 - Carpathian raid. The Sumy partisan unit under the command of Kovpak fought through the rear of the Nazi troops for more than 10 thousand kilometers, defeating enemy garrisons in 39 settlements. Kovpak's raids played out big role in deployment partisan movement against the German occupiers.

Twice Hero of the Soviet Union:
By Decree of the Presidium Supreme Council USSR on May 18, 1942, for the exemplary performance of combat missions behind enemy lines, the courage and heroism shown during their implementation, Kovpak Sidor Artemyevich was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union with the Order of Lenin and the Gold Star medal (No. 708)
The second Gold Star medal (No.) was awarded to Major General Sidor Artemyevich Kovpak by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated January 4, 1944 for the successful conduct of the Carpathian raid
four Orders of Lenin (18.5.1942, 4.1.1944, 23.1.1948, 25.5.1967)
Order of the Red Banner (12/24/1942)
Order of Bohdan Khmelnitsky, 1st degree. (7.8.1944)
Order of Suvorov, 1st degree (2.5.1945)
medals
foreign orders and medals (Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia)

Antonov Alexey Inokentevich

Chief strategist of the USSR in 1943-45, practically unknown to society
"Kutuzov" World War II

Humble and committed. Victorious. Author of all operations since the spring of 1943 and the victory itself. Others gained fame - Stalin and the front commanders.

Dovator Lev Mikhailovich

Soviet military leader, major general, Hero of the Soviet Union. Known for successful operations to destroy German troops during the Great Patriotic War. The German command placed a large reward on Dovator's head.
Together with the 8th Guards Division named after Major General I.V. Panfilov, the 1st Guards Tank Brigade of General M.E. Katukov and other troops of the 16th Army, his corps defended the approaches to Moscow in the Volokolamsk direction.

Kornilov Vladimir Alekseevich

During the outbreak of the war with England and France, he actually commanded the Black Sea Fleet, until his heroic death he was immediate superior P.S. Nakhimov and V.I. Istomina. After the landing of the Anglo-French troops in Evpatoria and the defeat of the Russian troops on Alma, Kornilov received an order from the commander-in-chief in the Crimea, Prince Menshikov, to sink the ships of the fleet in the roadstead in order to use sailors for the defense of Sevastopol from land.

Rokhlin Lev Yakovlevich

He headed the 8th Guards Army Corps in Chechnya. Under his leadership, a number of districts of Grozny were captured, including the presidential palace. For his participation in the Chechen campaign, he was nominated for the title of Hero of the Russian Federation, but refused to accept it, saying that he “has no moral right to receive this award for fighting on the territory of their own country."

Rurik Svyatoslav Igorevich

Year of birth 942 date of death 972 Expansion of state borders. 965 conquest of the Khazars, 963 march south to the Kuban region, capture of Tmutarakan, 969 conquest of the Volga Bulgars, 971 conquest of the Bulgarian kingdom, 968 founding of Pereyaslavets on the Danube ( new capital Rus'), 969 defeat of the Pechenegs during the defense of Kyiv.

Vatutin Nikolay Fedorovich

Operations "Uranus", "Little Saturn", "Leap", etc. and so on.
A true war worker

Stalin Joseph Vissarionovich

Commander-in-Chief of the Red Army, which repelled the attack of Nazi Germany, liberated Europe, author of many operations, including “Ten Stalin's blows"(1944)

Suvorov Alexander Vasilievich

He is a great commander who did not lose a single (!) battle, the founder of Russian military affairs, and fought battles with genius, regardless of their conditions.

Paskevich Ivan Fedorovich

The armies under his command defeated Persia in the war of 1826-1828 and completely defeated Turkish troops in Transcaucasia in the war of 1828-1829.

Awarded all 4 degrees of the Order of St. George and the Order of St. Apostle Andrew the First-Called with diamonds.

Saltykov Pyotr Semyonovich

The largest successes of the Russian army in Seven Years' War 1756-1763. Winner in the battles of Palzig,
In the Battle of Kunersdorf, defeating the Prussian king Frederick II the Great, Berlin was taken by the troops of Totleben and Chernyshev.

Joseph Vladimirovich Gurko (1828-1901)

General, hero of the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878. The Russian-Turkish War of 1877-1878, which marked the liberation of the Balkan peoples from centuries-old Ottoman rule, brought forward a number of talented military leaders. Among them should be named M.D. Skobeleva, M.I. Dragomirova, N.G. Stoletova, F.F. Radetsky, P.P. Kartseva and others. Among these illustrious names there is one more - Joseph Vladimirovich Gurko, whose name is associated with the victory at Plevna, the heroic transition through the winter Balkans and victories along the banks of the Maritsa River.

Dovmont, Prince of Pskov

On the famous Novgorod monument to the “Millennium of Russia” he stands in the “military people and heroes” section.
Dovmont, Prince of Pskov, lived in the 13th century (died in 1299).
He came from a family of Lithuanian princes. After the murder of the Lithuanian prince Mindaugas, he fled to Pskov, where he was baptized under the name Timothy, after which the Pskovites elected him as their prince.
Soon Dovmont showed the qualities of a brilliant commander. In 1266, he completely defeated the Lithuanians on the banks of the Dvina.
Dovmont took part in the famous Rakovor battle with the crusaders (1268), where he commanded the Pskov regiments as part of the united Russian army. When the Livonian knights besieged Pskov, Dovmont, with the help of the Novgorodians who arrived in time, managed to defend the city, and the Grand Master, wounded in a duel by Dovmont himself, was forced to make peace.
To protect against attacks, Dovmont fortified Pskov with a new stone wall, which until the 16th century was called Dovmontova.
In 1299, the Livonian knights unexpectedly invaded the Pskov land and devastated it, but were again defeated by Dovmont, who soon fell ill and died.
None of the Pskov princes enjoyed such love among the Pskovites as Dovmont.
Russian Orthodox Church She canonized him as a saint in the 16th century after Batory's invasion on the occasion of some miraculous phenomenon. The local memory of Dovmont is celebrated on May 25. His body was buried in the Trinity Cathedral in Pskov, where his sword and clothes were kept at the beginning of the 20th century.

Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev is one of the galaxy of outstanding Russian commanders. He was able to become a truly folk hero, who is still remembered as the liberator of the Balkan Slavs, a brave cavalryman and a skilled commander.

How did Skobelev go from being a restless student, to becoming a dashing hussar-cavalryman, and finally becoming one of the best commanders in Russia? Why against the famous one Russian Empire was the hero actively intrigued? And is it true that he was preparing to become the Russian Napoleon Bonaparte? To answer these questions, the correspondent of the History.RF portal met with a historian, a leading specialist in Russian military history second half of the 19th century century by Stanislav Sergeevich Yudin and learned these and others interesting details from the life and service of the legendary “White General”.

It was not possible to become a civilian

Before you start talking about the famous exploits and campaigns of M.D. Skobelev, tell us about his family and early years, how did the formation of the future great commander take place?

If we start talking about the youth and family of the future hero of Plevna, then until the 70s of the 19th century, having heard the name Skobelev, everyone would have thought first of all about his grandfather. Major General Ivan Nikitich Skobelev was very famous in St. Petersburg at that time. He began his service as a simple soldier, was able to rise to the rank of officer, and became a major general. For numerous services he was appointed commandant of the Peter and Paul Fortress.

Ivan Nikitich from a nobleman turned into a famous and honored person, which gave him the opportunity to marry his children to representatives of the most famous Russian families of that time, such as the Adlerbergs or the Sheremetevs. The capital accumulated by him and multiplied by his son Dmitry gave young Mikhail excellent starting positions, money and connections that will help him more than once in the future.

The alleged portrait of I.N. Skobeleva

- Tell us, what was Mikhail Dmitrievich’s path to military service?

Skobelev’s path to military service is very interesting and very different from the then accepted traditions of educating future officers. The standard route was from the cadet corps through the guard and beyond. But young Mikhail received exclusively civilian education; Moreover, he goes to an elite boarding school in France with the teacher Desiderius Gerard, who became his close friend. He receives an aristocratic education in the suburbs of Paris and adopts secular manners. I believe that many outstanding Russian military leaders of that time, for example Dragomirov, went this way: bypassing cadet corps, instead of a “standardized” military education, they received a breadth of views and a diverse perception of life, knowledge of several languages, and were not accustomed to drill. Returning to Russia, Skobelev enters Moscow University, but does not study there for long, as it is closed due to student unrest. Only after this, at the age of 18, he puts on a military uniform, enlisting in the Cavalry Regiment.

Dashing hussar, singer of victories and baionnette intelligente

How were his first years in military service?

His youth was a hussar and reckless, he is often transferred from regiment to regiment, but with all his might he is looking for an opportunity to get to where it is “hot”; garrison service weighs heavily on the young officer. So he ends up in Poland, where there was an uprising. There he takes part in battle for the first time and receives the first Order of St. Anne, 3rd degree. But his relationship with his subordinates, and even with his superiors, does not work out; at that time he behaves, as they say now, like a representative of the golden youth.

It’s amazing to look at such a famous commander and see him as a real, living person with his own characteristics. When, in your opinion, does he begin to reach his traditional position in Russian military history?

In 1866, he entered the Nikolaev Academy of the General Staff, but he studied there somehow. For a long time after Skobelev graduated from the academy, there was a joke about him about how during class, instead of a map of the area, he drew an image of a woman. Many subsequent generations of listeners could see his “work.” However, at the academy he meets the already famous military theorist M.I. Dragomirov, and over time their relationship develops from the “teacher-student” category into friendship. Dragomirov becomes Skobelev's senior comrade and will still play an important role in his fate.

Lieutenant M.D. Skobelev

At the same time, young Skobelev came to his views on military affairs. Sergei Dmitrievich Sheremetev recalls that once, among young officers, one prominent hussar began to preach the then fashionable idea baionnette intelligente, literally - “intelligent bayonet”. Its essence is that a soldier must be independent, educated and smart. The military affairs of those years were actively changing, and the loose formation that replaced the closed columns required soldiers and non-commissioned officers to have greater independence and education for successful actions.

- It doesn’t seem like a simple hussar slayer could think like that...

Yes you are right. As for his personality, it can be noted that Skobelev was a very smart and well-read person, he knew eight languages. He was no stranger to mental work; during the Ahal-Tekin expedition, he subscribed to magazines, including those in foreign languages, and read about science and literature. Knowledge of languages gave him access to the then not very actively translated works of Western military theorists, primarily leading French and German military thinkers. It was not for nothing that he was called “Suvorov’s equal”; many believed that he had a familiar attitude towards the soldiers. For example, his famous military councils, to which he involved non-commissioned officers, which was not accepted. He believed that every soldier should know his task, and in the event of the death of officers, which often happened in war, the non-commissioned officer should be able to lead the company.

Intelligence officer, diplomat and governor

Finally, he begins his military career... What interesting can be said about this period of Mikhail Dmitrievich’s life?

One of the little-known episodes of his career is his participation as an observer in the Carlist wars in Spain. He learns about the outbreak of hostilities while on vacation in France, and goes to war as a private citizen. Unfortunately, there are almost no sources about this period of his life, but, undoubtedly, this war, which was largely partisan and mountainous, gave him a wealth of experience that was useful in the Turkestan campaigns.

- Is this the beginning of the period of his Turkestan campaigns?

Yes, in the early 70s he ends up in Turkestan, where, under the leadership of Governor General K.P. Kaufman, he begins to move up the career ladder. Kaufman was in to a greater extent an administrator, not a military man; undoubtedly, he had a talent for finding outstanding people and promoting them through the ranks. He saw talent in Skobelev, and he, in turn, begins to take his military career seriously and actively learns from Kaufman the features of managing a military administration.

N.N. Karazin. Crossing of the Turkestan detachment at Sheikh-aryk

It is necessary to say a few words about Turkestan. What made this theater of war special was not so much the war itself as the climate and logistics. Finding water, supplies, setting up a camp properly, feeding pack animals and making a multi-kilometer journey - all these features, perfectly mastered by Skobelev, will make him stand out in the future. Skobelev, who had the image of a grunt, was not at all alien to thoughtful military planning.

However, here, for one of the reconnaissance missions at the head of only ten horsemen, he receives his first St. George's Cross; converging on hand-to-hand combat with the enemy, he received no less than seven wounds and killed several opponents.

Then he performs a largely diplomatic mission. During the Kokand campaigns, he receives the task of taking out Khan Khudoyar, whom the local population did not really like, and therefore rebelled. Skobelev brilliantly performs this delicate work and, avoiding any conflicts, takes him out under the protection of Russian troops. The pinnacle of his career in Turkestan was the position of military governor of the Fergana region, in which he proved himself as an administrator, having learned a lot from Kaufman. His evolution from military intelligence officer to diplomat, and then to administrator, is very interesting.

"White General"

We see how Mikhail Dmitrievich has changed. Probably, it is at this moment that he becomes the same Skobelev whom we are accustomed to seeing in images and monuments?

Here the first mystery in his fate arises. When he takes the post of Fergana governor, they begin to intrigue against him. Unfortunately, now we cannot find out from whom the denunciations against Skobelev came, but the fact is that this news reached the emperor himself. It is unknown how this situation would have turned out had it not been for the outbreak of the Russian-Turkish War. Skobelev, using his connections, by hook or by crook, seeks a transfer to the active army.

At this time, the first major operation was being prepared - crossing the Danube. He goes to his old comrade Dragomirov. It is interesting that, being a major general, he became an orderly to a major general. At the same time, he actually goes “AWOL”. The operation is successful, and Dragomirov writes a report in which he highly praises Skobelev; despite this, Mikhail Dmitrievich is still put under arrest, and then the first conversations about his personal courage and leadership talent appear.

N. D. Dmitriev-Orenburgsky. General M.D. Skobelev on horseback

- How does the war develop for him after this event?

Dragomirov contributes in every possible way to the promotion of the young general, and Skobelev is finally given his own detachment, with which he participates in the second assault on Plevna. It acts actively, but the general assault fails. After that he gets the first independent task on the capture of Lovchi, a town not far from Plevna. Then the understanding comes that the war will not be easy. He copes with the task brilliantly, and against the backdrop of the general negative sentiment, this looks like a great achievement.

During the third assault on Plevna, he receives command of the left flank of the group of Russian troops. In total, Russian troops take four redoubts, two of which are occupied by Skobelev’s troops - an excellent result considering his modest forces. Happened here famous story with Major Gortalov, who remained to cover the withdrawal of Skobelev’s units with volunteers, who all died in hand-to-hand combat with the Turks. Skobelev himself recalled that before this battle he was young, but after that he became an old man. After this, Plevna was taken during a long siege only on November 30. During the battles for the Green Mountains, near Plevna, Skobelev was wounded.

In the events after the capture of Plevna, Skobelev plays a significant role. Tell us more about what kind of commander he became during the second period of the Russian-Turkish War?

After the capture of the city, there were strong sentiments to arrange the troops for winter quarters and wait for warmth, but Skobelev ardently insisted on crossing the Balkans during the winter. He was able to insist on this decision, and the troops moved to the passes. At the same time, apparently, at the instigation of the Turks, who gave him the nickname “Ak-Pasha” (“White General”), both here and among the Balkan Slavs began to call him that way. The general's white horse and white uniform most likely became the reason for this nickname, which would later be inseparable from his name. At the same time, soldiers and officers who saw how he planned the campaign and took care of the personnel began to call him “Suvorov’s equal.”

- How was the transition through the Balkans and how did it end?

Skobelev's division was part of the so-called Shipkinsky detachment of General F. F. Radetsky. With fighting, Russian troops captured the Shipka Pass and prepared to attack the Turks wintering in the valley. The plan of attack on both sides met with great complications - not only because of the climate, but also because of poor communications: the requested telegraphs were not provided, and communications were carried out by orderlies. Lieutenant P.A. Dukmasov, who was an orderly under Skobelev, recalled that the delivery time for one note was 24 hours. On December 28, the assault on the fortified Turkish camp near Shipka-Sheinovo began; Russian troops entered the battle separately, enveloping the Turkish forces. There were fierce bayonet fights and stubborn fighting. But by 12 o'clock in the afternoon, Skobelev's troops, having crossed the pass, with unfurled banners and music, dealt a crushing blow, completely destroying the Turkish defense. Over 20 thousand people and 93 guns were captured, the Russians lost 5 thousand. This was a complete victory, opening the way to Constantinople.

V.V. Vereshchagin. Shipka-Sheinovo (Skobelev near Shipka)

- How did the general greet the end of the war, did he advance in his career?

Skobelev quickly advances in the ranks, but the war came down to the pursuit of the defeated Turks and a diplomatic game with England and France. Skobelev believed that war with these countries was inevitable and was a supporter of the capture of Constantinople, but this did not happen. Meanwhile, the war is coming to an end, and the “white general” with his troops is already in the vicinity of San Stefano, not far from Constantinople. After the end of the Russian-Turkish War, Alexander II relied on people who distinguished themselves during it.

The “Great Game” in Central Asia and even greater weight in Russia

- It's about about the Akhal-Tekin expedition?

At that time, Russia opposed British expansion in Central Asia. This becomes the first completely independent enterprise Skobeleva. He carefully prepares his campaign.

In preparation for Ahal-Teka, he purchases heliographs for communications, water desalinators, Gatling machine guns and even builds railway. He carried out a swift operation, personally went to reconnaissance wells and skillfully led the troops. Taking Geok-Tepe, the main fortress of the Tekins, by storm, and sending detachments to the oases, he led the Tekins to peace.

There he is caught by the news of the death of the emperor on March 1, 1881; he experienced his death, considering himself his man and reformer. From this moment on, a period began in his life when he became actively interested in politics. By this time, Skobelev had gained such popularity that one of the witnesses of his return from Geok-Tepe to St. Petersburg wrote: “I saw Bonaparte returning from Egypt.”

In this regard, it is very interesting to learn about his social and political views. How did he see Russia under the new emperor and why did he decide to enter politics?

IN early period reign Alexandra III It was not yet clear what course the country would take, but Skobelev was a supporter of the reforms of the previous emperor. This was very much felt in the War Ministry; at that time, reformer minister Milyutin left his post, and a commission was assembled within the ministry, which was supposed to determine whether to continue reforms in the military sphere or take a different course. The Russian-Turkish war ended controversially for society; Milyutin’s reformist policies were blamed for this, but Skobelev ardently supports the course of reform; by the way, they were continued. Skobelev begins to communicate with Loris-Melikov and other politicians who had a liberal reputation. One of them was Ivan Aksakov, the leader of the liberal wing of the Slavophiles, at which time Skobelev began to share Slavophile views.

On the monument to General Skobelev, which was erected by the Russian Military Historical Society, there is a quote from him: “The West is mistaken about Russia... A nation consisting of a hundred million people capable of sacrificing themselves for an idea is not so easily erased.” Apparently he shared this view during these years?

Yes, he is very sympathetic to Slavophile ideas, he believes that Russia should be a collector of Slavic lands and resist Germany, and he sees a generalized German nation, rather, within cultural borders, including Austria-Hungary.

Here it is necessary to understand who Skobelev was in the eyes of society. The Russian-Turkish War was the first war that was reflected in the periodical press; journalists were allowed to visit the troops. Information about the war penetrates into the general population, people receive more information, and Skobelev becomes, in fact, the first public figure in the history of Russia. Rumors appear about a Russian Bonaparte, which Skobelev could become, which greatly irritates the emperor. To understand these sentiments, one can turn to the history of France: in 1882 Skobelev will die, and in 1886 General Boulanger appears in France, for whom the fate of the new Napoleon was predicted.

How active was Skobelev in his political activities, what did he manage to do significant in this field?

On the first anniversary of the capture of Geok-Tepe, in January 1882, he gives a political speech, where he talks about negative impact Germans in Russia, meaning “internal Germans,” which causes a scandal. He is compared to Ermolov, who asked to be promoted to the Germans, but he is an adjutant general, a person with such a position could not allow himself such statements. He is persistently asked to take a vacation, and he goes to France, where he gives a similar speech, but in a freer manner, to Slavic students, which created an even greater scandal. Upon returning to Russia, his mysterious death occurs.

M.D. Skobelev

Death and memory of the general on a white horse

I am not inclined to think so; there are no sources confirming the version of the assassination attempt, and the rumors are not confirmed by anything. On the contrary, his attending physician O.F. Geifelder said that Skobelev’s death was not a surprise for him. He for a long time watched it and noted it big problems with the heart of a general. The numerous wounds he received in the wars and his hussar lifestyle, which cannot be called healthy, also affected him. B O He spent most of his time hiking, which also undermined his health. He was diagnosed with paralysis of the heart and lungs, this is the official version of his death. Of course, there were some rumors in connection with his political position, but I am not inclined to believe that he was killed or poisoned. It was really difficult for society to believe that a folk hero in his early forties died so trivially, but we have no other information.

Separately, I would like to mention the activities of the Russian Military Historical Society to perpetuate the memory of the outstanding commander General Skobelev. It was RVIO that initiated and created the monument to Skobelev, the only one in Moscow. I would like to note that previously in Moscow, opposite the house of the Governor General, now the city hall, there was a wonderful monument to Mikhail Dmitrievich, which, unfortunately, was demolished during the Soviet period. Therefore, one should be grateful to the Russian Military Military Society for caring about the memory and legacy of undeservedly forgotten brilliant commanders.

On the eve of the 175th anniversary of the birth of the great Russian commander, ceremonial events were held at the monument to M.D. Skobelev, which was erected by the Russian Military Historical Society near the building of the Academy of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in Moscow ( ). Leaders and students of the General Staff Academy, representatives of the Russian Military Military Society, Bulgarian and Romanian delegations, representatives of city authorities, as well as students of cadet classes of Moscow schools arrived to honor the memory of the general.