Mikhail Volkonsky facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mikhail Nikitich Volkonsky
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| Commander-in-Chief in Moscow | |
| In office 1771–1780 |
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| Preceded by | Grigory Orlov |
| Succeeded by | Vasily Dolgorukov-Krymsky |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 20, 1713 Moscow, Tsardom of Russia |
| Died | December 19, 1788 (aged 75) |
| Resting place | Pafnutyevo-Borovsky Monastery |
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| Relatives | House of Volkonsky |
| Awards | Order of the White Eagle Order of Saint Andrew Order of Saint Alexander Nevsky |
| Military service | |
| Rank | General-in-Chief |
Prince Mikhail Nikitich Volkonsky (born October 20, 1713 – died December 19, 1788) was an important Russian leader. He was a statesman, which means he helped run the country. He was also a military figure, a high-ranking general in the army. From 1771 to 1780, he served as the Commander-in-Chief in Moscow. This was a very important job, like being in charge of the whole city. He belonged to the famous Volkonsky family.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Mikhail Nikitich Volkonsky was born in Moscow on October 20, 1713. His parents were Prince Nikita Fedorovich Volkonsky and Agrafena Petrovna. As a child, he lived with his grandmother, Catherine Ilyinichna.
In 1724, he moved to Courland. There, his grandfather, Pyotr Bestuzhev-Ryumin, helped raise him. This early life helped shape him for his future roles.
Joining the Military Academy
In 1732, Mikhail joined the First Cadet Corps. This was a special school for young nobles. He studied there for four years. This training prepared him for a career in the military.
Military Career
Mikhail Volkonsky had a long and successful military career. He fought in several important wars. He also held high-ranking positions.
Early Battles and Diplomacy
From 1738 to 1739, he fought in the war against the Turks. In 1740, he went with Alexander Rumyantsev to negotiations in Constantinople. This showed his skills in diplomacy, which is about talking with other countries.
By 1749, Volkonsky had become a colonel. He often traveled to Poland for secret talks. These missions were important for Russia's safety.
Seven Years' War Hero
During the Seven Years' War, Volkonsky showed great bravery. He was a hero in battles like Paltzig and Kunersdorf. Because of his actions, he was promoted to lieutenant general in 1759. Two years later, he became the commander of troops in Poland. In 1762, he helped sign a peace agreement with Prussia.
Supporting Catherine the Great
In 1762, there was a big change in power in Russia. This was called the Palace Coup. Mikhail Volkonsky supported Catherine. For his loyalty, she gave him the Order of Saint Alexander Nevsky. He also became a senator and a General-in-Chief. These were very high honors.
In 1764, he led a group of soldiers in Poland. In 1767, he received another high award, the Order of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called. He returned to Poland as an ambassador in 1769.
Commander-in-Chief in Moscow
After a difficult time in Moscow in 1771, Mikhail Volkonsky was given a new important job. He became the Commander-in-Chief in Moscow. This meant he was in charge of the city's safety and order.
Handling Rebellions
From 1773 to 1774, Russia faced a major uprising called Pugachev's Rebellion. Volkonsky made sure Moscow was safe. He brought many soldiers and cannons into the city. In 1774, he helped lead the investigation of Yemelyan Pugachev, the leader of the rebellion.
Celebrating Peace
In 1775, Volkonsky organized big celebrations in Moscow. These parties marked the end of a war with Turkey. The peace treaty was called the Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca.
Later Life and Family
Mikhail Volkonsky inherited a lot of land from his mother's brothers. He retired in 1780 and moved to his estates. He passed away on December 19, 1788, at the age of 75. He was buried in his family's tomb.
Marriage and Children
In 1745, Mikhail Volkonsky married Elizabeth Alekseevna Makarova. She was the daughter of Alexey Makarov, an important minister to Peter the Great.
Mikhail and Elizabeth had several children:
- Alexander (1745–1748)
- Alexey (born and died in 1748)
- Anna (1749–1824)
- Anna was a maid of honor at court.
- In 1780, she married Prince Alexander Prozorovsky.
- She received high honors later in life.
- Peter (1751–1754)
- Mary (1752–1765)
- Leo (1754–1792)
- Paul (1763–1808)
Mikhail Nikitich's sons did not have children of their own. So, his daughter Anna and her children continued the family line.
