Alexander Balashov facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alexander Balashov
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Portrait by George Dawe from the Military Gallery of the Winter Palace, c. 1819-22
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Alexander Dmitriyevich Balashov
13 July 1770 Moscow, Russia
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| Died | 8 May 1837 (aged 66) |
Alexander Dmitriyevich Balashov (Russian: Алекса́ндр Дми́триевич Балашо́в) was a Russian general and important government official. He was born in Moscow on July 13, 1770, and passed away on May 8, 1837. He played a big role in Russia's government and military during his lifetime.
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Early Life and Military Start
Alexander Balashov was born into a noble family. When he was just six years old, his father, who was a high-ranking government official, enrolled him in the Preobrazhensky Regiment. This was a special guard unit. Later, in 1781, he joined the Page Corps. This was a school for young nobles who would serve the royal family.
He finished his training in 1787. He earned the rank of Kammer-page. This meant he was a personal attendant to the Emperor or Empress. In 1791, he officially joined the Izmaylovsky Regiment as a lieutenant. He quickly moved up the ranks. By 1795, he was a lieutenant colonel. He became a colonel in 1798 and a major general in 1799.
Rising in Government Service
In 1800, Balashov left the military for a short time. But he soon returned to public service. In November of the same year, he became the governor general of Tallinn. He was also in charge of the military units there.
He resigned in 1804 for family reasons. However, within three months, he was appointed as the chief of police in Moscow. This was a very important job. In 1807, he became the general-krigs-komissar. This role involved managing military supplies and finances.
His career really took off in 1808. He became the chief of police in Saint Petersburg. This was Russia's capital city at the time.
Important Roles Under Emperor Alexander I
In February 1809, Emperor Alexander I gave Balashov the rank of adjutant general. This was a high military honor. He also made him the War Governor of Saint Petersburg. This meant he was in charge of both military and civilian matters in the capital.
In March 1809, he was promoted to lieutenant-general. By 1810, he became a member of the new State Council. This was a top advisory body to the Emperor. In June 1810, he was appointed the Minister of Police. This made him responsible for all police and security matters in the empire.
Role in the Napoleonic Wars
In 1812, Napoleon's Invasion of Russia began. Balashov was with the Russian army near Vilnius. When Napoleon's army crossed the border, Balashov was chosen for a special mission. He delivered a letter from Emperor Alexander I to Napoleon himself.
He also helped organize the People's Militia. This was a volunteer army made up of ordinary citizens. He was part of a special group that chose the main commander for the Russian army.
Later Life and Retirement
After the Patriotic War of 1812 (as the Russians called Napoleon's invasion), Balashov took on important diplomatic tasks. These involved representing Russia in talks with other countries.
From 1819 to 1828, he served as the war governor general for several regions. These included Orel, Tula, Ryazan, Tambov, and Voronezh. He was responsible for both military and civilian rule in these areas.
Balashov retired from his duties on September 23, 1834. He passed away on May 8, 1837, while traveling to Kronstadt.
