Sovereign Emperor Alexander III. Alexander III is a peacemaker. rare photos of the great emperor

Sergei Yulievich Witte, Minister of Finance, Minister of Railways:

“Emperor Alexander III had absolutely outstanding nobility and purity of heart, purity of morals and thoughts. As a family man, he was an exemplary family man; as a boss and master - he was an exemplary boss and an exemplary owner ... he was a good owner not because of self-interest, but because of a sense of duty. Not only in the royal family, but also among the dignitaries, I never met that feeling of respect for the state ruble, for the state penny, which the emperor possessed ... He knew how to instill confidence abroad, on the one hand, that He would not act unfairly in in relation to anyone else, will not want any capture; everyone was at peace that He would not start any adventure ... Emperor Alexander III never disagreed with his deed. What he said was felt by him, and he never backed down from what he said ... The Emperor Alexander III was an extremely courageous man "

“Having been with him for two years the Minister of Finance and, finally, knowing his attitude to finance, even when I was the Director of the Department of the Ministry of Finance, I must say that it was thanks to Emperor Alexander III, Vyshnegradsky, and then, in the end, to me - managed to put finances in order; for, of course, neither I nor Vyshnegradsky could have restrained all the impulses to throw money in vain right and left, obtained by the blood and sweat of the Russian people, if not for powerful word Emperor Alexander III, who held back all attacks on the state treasury. In the sense of a state treasurer, it can be said that Emperor Alexander III was an ideal state treasurer - and in this respect he facilitated the task of the Minister of Finance "

“Emperor Alexander III was of a completely ordinary mind, perhaps below average intelligence, below average abilities, below secondary education; in appearance he looked like a big Russian peasant from the central provinces "

"Everyone knew about Emperor Alexander III that, not wanting any military laurels, the emperor would never compromise the honor and dignity of Russia entrusted to him by God."

Alexander III with his wife Maria Feodorovna in Denmark, 1892

Sergey Sergeevich Oldenburg, historian and publicist:

“Alexander III led the Russian state ship on a different course than His father. He did not believe that the reforms of the 60s and 70s were an absolute blessing, but tried to make those amendments to them that, in his opinion, were necessary for the internal balance of Russia ... After the era of great reforms, after the war of 1877-1878, this tremendous exertion of Russian forces in the interests of the Balkan Slavs - in any case, Russia needed a respite. It was necessary to master, "digest" the changes that occurred "

Vasily Osipovich Klyuchevsky, historian:

“During the reign of Emperor Alexander III, before the eyes of one generation, we peacefully carried out in our state system a series of deep reforms in the spirit of Christian rules, therefore, in the spirit of European principles - such reforms that cost Western Europe centuries and often violent efforts - and this Europe continued to see in us representatives of Mongol inertia, some kind of imposed adopters of the cultural world ... Thirteen years of the reign of Emperor Alexander III have passed, and the more hastily the hand of death hurried to close His eyes, the wider and more amazed Europe's eyes opened to the world significance of this short reign. Finally, the stones cried out, the organs of European public opinion began to speak the truth about Russia, and the more sincere it was for them to speak, the more sincere it was for them to say it. It turned out, according to these confessions, that European civilization had insufficiently and inadvertently ensured its peaceful development, for its own safety it was placed in a powder magazine, that the burning fuse more than once approached this dangerous defensive warehouse from different sides, and each time the caring and patient hand of the Russian Tsar quietly and cautiously removed him ... Europe recognized that the Tsar of the Russian people was the sovereign of the international world, and with this recognition confirmed the historical vocation of Russia, for in Russia, according to its political organization, the will of the Tsar expresses the thought of His people, and the will of the people becomes the thought of his Tsar ”

Alexey Alekseevich Brusilov, military leader:

"Alexander III, a tough and straightforward man, had no inclination for military affairs, did not like parades and military tinsel, but he understood that in order to preserve peace, it was especially necessary to be strong, and therefore demanded the greatest possible strengthening of the military power of Russia."

Lev Alexandrovich Tikhomirov, a Narodnik, who later became a monarchist:

“Under Alexander II, Russia was some kind of humiliated country, and, of course, no one could think of being proud of the fact that he was Russian. Under Alexander III, a transformation took place. Russia began to rise in the form of some kind of huge national power. This made a huge impression even on the emigration. Before, being an enemy of the government did not in the least mean being an enemy of Russia. Now the government began to become more and more identified with Russia, so that, being at enmity with it, a person deep down in his soul began to ask himself whether he was at enmity with his people? "

Nikolai Aleksandovich Velyaminov, doctor, professor of the Imperial Military Medical Academy:

“He was a deeply religious and religious man, he believed that He was God's anointed, that His destiny to reign was predetermined by God, and He accepted His God-ordained destiny submissively, completely submitting to all its hardships, and with amazing, rare conscientiousness and honesty fulfilled all His duties are the king-autocrat. These duties required an enormous, almost superhuman work, to which neither His abilities, nor His knowledge, nor His health corresponded, but He worked tirelessly, until His death, worked in a way that rarely anyone else. This tireless, unbearable work tired Him very much, and He allowed Himself about one month a year to rest and live as He wanted. He loved silence, solitude, simplicity of surroundings, family hearth and nature, which is why He loved solitude in Gatchina so much. But the proximity of Gatchina to the capital and the need to continue doing state affairs there did not satisfy Him, He was looking for at least temporary solitude away from the state wheel and the opportunity to live like a mere mortal. He left for a while, while still an heir, to Hapsal, to the Finnish skerries, to Denmark and, finally, to Sleepa "

“On the one hand, they feared the Tsar, and on the other, they loved, respected and were devoted to Him, knowing well that He is the enemy of all intrigues, is fair, loves modest workers and is very attentive even to the smallest workers, if He knows them - in will not give offense and will fairly evaluate their work. Tsar Alexander III knew the life of people and perfectly understood how His open support affects the fate of humble workers, and he often used this to help those whom He considered necessary and just to help.

“I must emphasize that the Tsar's couple are surprisingly kind and welcoming; The Tsar and Empress behaved like hospitable hosts, which gave the society a tone of simplicity and intimacy; in any case, it turned out to be a complete absence of tension, but this in no way diminished the majesty of the August hosts. For everyone, the Tsar and Tsarina found a word and a topic for conversation "

Konstantin Nikolaevich Leontiev, philosopher:

“Those who have personally experienced the times of Alexander III cannot imagine the sharp difference between him and the era of Alexander II. They were like two different countries. In the era of Alexander II, all progress, all the good in the perception of Russian society was inextricably linked with the destruction of the country's historical foundations. Under Alexander III, national sentiment flared up, which indicated progress and good in strengthening and developing these historical foundations. The remnants of the former anti-national, European, which it considered itself to be, were still very powerful, but it seemed that step by step they were retreating before the new, national "

Emile Flourens, French Foreign Minister

“Alexander III was a true Russian tsar, which Russia had not seen for a long time before him. Of course, all the Romanovs were devoted to the interests and greatness of their people. But, prompted by the desire to give their people a Western European culture, they were looking for ideals outside of Russia - now in France, now in Germany, now in England and Sweden. Emperor Alexander III wished that Russia was Russia, that it was first of all Russian, and he himself set the best examples of this. He showed himself the ideal type of a truly Russian person "

All-Russian Emperor Alexander Alexandrovich Romanov was born on February 26 (old style) 1845 in St. Petersburg in the Anichkov Palace. His father was a reformer emperor, and his mother was a queen. The boy was the third child in a family, in which then five more children were born. His elder brother Nikolai was preparing for the reign, and Alexander was destined for the fate of a military man.

As a child, the Tsarevich studied without much zeal, and the teachers were undemanding to him. In the memoirs of his contemporaries, the young Alexander was not too smart, but possessed a sound mind and the gift of reasoning.

By disposition, Alexander was kind and a little shy, although he turned out to be a noble figure: with a height of 193 cm, his weight reached 120 kg. Despite its harsh appearance, the young man loved art. He took painting lessons from Professor Tikhobrazov and studied music. Alexander mastered playing brass and woodwind instruments. Subsequently, he will in every possible way support domestic art and, with sufficient unpretentiousness in everyday life, will collect good collection works of Russian artists. And in opera houses with his light hand Russian operas and ballets will be staged much more often than European ones.

Tsarevichs Nicholas and Alexander were very close to each other. The younger brother even claimed that there was no one closer and more beloved to him, except Nikolai. Therefore, when in 1865 the heir to the throne, while traveling through Italy, suddenly felt bad and suddenly died of tuberculosis of the spine, Alexander could not accept this loss for a long time. In addition, it turned out that it was he who became a contender for the throne, for which Alexander was completely unprepared.

The teachers of the young man were horrified for a moment. The young man was urgently assigned a course of special lectures, which were read to him by his mentor Konstantin Pobedonostsev. After accession to the kingdom, Alexander will make his teacher an advisor and will turn to him for the rest of his life. Nikolai Alexandrovich Kachalov was appointed another assistant to the Tsarevich, with whom the young man traveled across Russia.

Crowning the throne

In early March 1881, after another attempt on his life, Emperor Alexander II died from his wounds, and his son ascended the throne urgently. Two months later, the new emperor promulgated the "Manifesto on the inviolability of the autocracy", with which he suppressed all the liberal changes in the structure of the state, established by his father.

The sacrament of the wedding to the kingdom took place later - on May 15, 1883 in the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin. During the reign, the royal family moved to the palace in Gatchina.

Domestic policy of Alexander III

Alexander III adhered to clearly expressed monarchical and nationalist principles, his actions during domestic policy could be called the counter-reformation. The first thing the emperor did was to sign the decrees that sent the Liberal ministers to retirement. Among them were Prince Konstantin Nikolaevich, M. T. Loris-Melikova, D. A. Milyutin, A. A. Abaza. He made KP Pobedonostsev, N. Ignatiev, DA Tolstoy, MN Katkov key figures in his circle.

In 1889, a talented politician and financier S. Yu. Witte appeared at the court, whom Alexander Aleksandrovich soon appointed Minister of Finance and Minister of Railways. Sergei Yulievich did a lot for Great Russia. He introduced the provision of the ruble with the country's gold reserves, which contributed to the strengthening of the Russian currency in the international market. This led to the fact that the flow of foreign capital into the Russian Empire increased, and the economy began to develop at an accelerated pace. In addition, he did a lot for the development and construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway, which is still the only road connecting Vladivostok with Moscow.

Despite the fact that for peasants Alexander III tightened the right to receive education and vote in zemstvo elections, he gave them the opportunity to take loans at low interest rates in order to expand their economy and strengthen their position on the earth. For the nobles, the emperor also imposed restrictions. Already in the first year of his reign, he canceled all additional payments from the royal treasury to those close to him, and also did a lot to eradicate corruption.

Alexander III strengthened control over students, set a limit on the number of Jewish students in all educational institutions, tightened censorship. His slogan was the phrase: "Russia for the Russians." On the outskirts of the Empire, he proclaimed an active Russification.

Alexander III did a lot for metallurgical industry and the development of oil and gas production. Under him, a real boom in improving the well-being of the people began, and terrorist threats completely stopped. The autocrat also did a lot for Orthodoxy. During his reign, the number of dioceses increased, new monasteries and temples were built. In 1883, one of the most magnificent buildings was erected - the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.

As a legacy after his reign, Alexander III left a country with a strong economy.

Foreign policy of Alexander III

Emperor Alexander III, with his wisdom in foreign policy actions and the prevention of wars, went down in history as the Tsar-peacemaker. But at the same time, he did not forget to strengthen the power of the army. Under Alexander III Russian the fleet became the third after the fleets of France and Great Britain.

The emperor managed to maintain calm relations with all the main rivals. He signed peace agreements with Germany, Britain, and also significantly strengthened Franco-Russian friendship on the world stage.

During the years of his reign, the practice of open negotiations was established, and the rulers of the European powers began to trust the Russian tsar, as a wise arbiter, in resolving all disputes between states.

Personal life

After the death of the heir to Nicholas, he was left with a bride, the Danish princess Maria Dagmar. It suddenly turned out that young Alexander was also in love with her. And even despite the fact that for some time he courted the maid of honor, Princess Maria Meshcherskaya, Alexander, at the age of 21, proposes to Maria Sophia Frederica. So for short term Alexander's personal life changed, which he did not regret later on.

After the sacrament of the wedding, which took place in the large church of the Winter Palace, the young couple moved to Anichkov Palace, where they lived until Alexander's accession to the throne.

In the family of Alexander Alexandrovich and his wife Maria Feodorovna, who, like all overseas princesses, converted to Orthodoxy before marriage, six children were born, five of them survived to adulthood.

Elder Nicholas will become the last Russian Tsar from the Romanov dynasty. Of the younger children - Alexander, Georgy, Xenia, Mikhail, Olga - only sisters will survive to old age. Alexander will die at the age of one year, George will die in his youth from tuberculosis, and Mikhail will share the fate of his brother - he will be shot by the Bolsheviks.

The emperor brought up his children in severity. Their clothing and food were the most basic. The royal offspring were engaged physical exercise, and received a good education. Peace and harmony reigned in the family, spouses with children often went to Denmark to visit their relatives.

Unsuccessful attempt

On March 1, 1887, an unsuccessful attempt on the life of the emperor took place. The participants in the conspiracy were students Vasily Osipanov, Vasily Generalov, Pakhomiy Andreyushkin and Alexander Ulyanov. Despite the many months of preparation for a terrorist act under the leadership of Pyotr Shevyrev, the young people did not manage to carry out their plans to the end. All four were captured by the police and two months after the trial were executed by hanging in the Shlisselburg fortress.

Several members of the revolutionary circle, who were also arrested after the terrorists, were sent into exile for a long time.

Death

A year after the assassination attempt, an unpleasant event occurred in the life of the royal family: the train in which Alexander and his family traveled crashed near Kharkov. Part of the train capsized, people died. The roof of the carriage, in which the royal persons were, was held by the mighty emperor for a long time on their own within 30 minutes. By this he saved everyone who was near him. But such an overstrain undermined the health of the king. Alexander Alexandrovich developed kidney disease, which slowly progressed.

First winter months In 1894, the emperor caught a bad cold and after six months he felt very bad. Ernst Leiden, a professor of medicine from Germany, was called, who diagnosed Alexander Alexandrovich with nephropathy. On the recommendation of a doctor, the emperor was sent to Greece, but on the way he got worse, and his family decided to stay in Livadia in the Crimea.

During the month of his heroic physique, the tsar died out in front of everyone and, due to the complete failure of his kidneys, died on November 1, 1894. During the last month, his confessor John (Yanyshev), as well as Archpriest John Sergiev, in the future John of Kronstadt, was constantly with him.

An hour and a half after the death of Alexander III, his son Nicholas swore allegiance to the kingdom. The coffin with the body of the emperor was delivered to St. Petersburg and solemnly buried in the Peter and Paul Cathedral.

The image of the emperor in art

Not as many books have been written about Alexander III as about other emperors-conquerors. This happened because of his peacefulness and non-conflict. His persona is mentioned in some historical books dedicated to the Romanov family.

In documentary filmmaking, information about him is presented in several tapes of journalists and. Feature films featuring the character of Alexander III began to appear in 1925. A total of 5 paintings were published, including The Shore of Life, in which the emperor-peacemaker was played by Lev Zolotukhin, as well as The Barber of Siberia, where he played this role.

The last film in which the hero of Alexander III appears was the picture of 2017 "Matilda". In it he played the king.

During the reign of Alexander III, no wars were waged in the Russian state. At the same time, Russia's influence in the world did not diminish, the economy developed, the borders expanded. Alexander III, nicknamed the Peacemaker, adhered to conservative nationalist views, ruled through counterreforms and carried out the slogan "Russia for the Russians" with all his might.

Accidental inheritance of crown and wife

The Russian throne fell to the lot of Alexander III by accident. Initially, his elder brother Nicholas was trained as emperors, who died suddenly after a severe bruise. Educators of Alexander, having learned that he would have to lead Russia, simply clutched at their heads. Alexander Romanov did not respect science since childhood, and the reason for everything was his incontrovertible laziness. Grigory Gogel, one of the teachers of the future tsar, later said that he was quite assiduous, but he studied poorly, because he was lazy to think.

In the royal family, the boy did not stand out for his upbringing or education. He showed no talents in any areas. Therefore, after the death of his brother, the new heir to the crown had to study again, mastering additional sciences. The great Russian historian Sergei Soloviev taught him a full course on the history of the country, instilling in the future emperor a love for his native land. The famous jurist Konstantin Pobedonostsev taught Alexander III the basics of state law. By the way, he later became a loyal friend of the king and his closest adviser.

The marriage of the monarch to Maria Sophia Frederick Dagmara, who received Orthodox name Maria Fedorovna. The blood princess, daughter of the Danish king Christian IX, was originally intended to be the wife of his deceased brother Nicholas. But when he first saw the girl, Alexander fell hopelessly in love. For the next 30 years, the union of the spouses was an example of a reverent and trusting relationship. In this marriage, six children were born. And the harsh and uncompromising autocrat all his life remained an exemplary husband and father for the household.

The peasant disposition of the newly made ruler and pearl barley in the coronation menu

Finally taking control the Russian state after several postponements of the coronation ceremony, Alexander III changed before our eyes. Now he sat for days at government papers, patiently sorting out things that he had not even been interested in before. It was not easy for him, but everything was compensated by diligence and dedication.

The new tsar outlined the principles of his domestic policy already during the coronation, which was noticeable from the menu of the festive dinner approved by him. Alexander's ascetic choice caught the eye of knowledgeable people. The list of dishes consisted of a stew, pearl barley soup, borscht, aspic from ruffs and ordinary peas. The menu was absolutely Russian, rather rude and deliberately common.

This kind of festive treat looked like a slap in the face of a Russian aristocrat and a foreign guest. But the newly made king wanted to spit on the ceremonial foundations. All his life, Alexander's favorite delicacy remained “Guryev's” semolina porridge, which he preferred to exquisite European desserts.

The tsar was also uncomfortable in the pompous Winter Palace, as a person far from the usual secular pleasures of high society. He many times reduced the ministerial staff, reduced the number of servants and strictly controlled the expenditure of state money. In everyday life, he was simple, modest and unpretentious. Alexander's gaze inherited from his grandfather was heavy and imposing, so few dared to look him straight in the eye. At the same time, the emperor often felt timid, avoiding large the masses and was afraid to ride. In everyday life, he dressed in a simple Russian shirt with embroidery on the sleeves. And he tucked his pants into his boots in a soldier way. Even official receptions were sometimes carried out in shabby trousers and a jacket, and leaked clothes were handed over to his batman for darning.

What did the nationalist emperor manage

During the years of the reign of Alexander III, the country did not participate in any serious military-political conflict, and revolutionary outbursts even after the assassination of the tsar's father came to a standstill. The emperor took care of ordinary people, gradually canceling the poll tax and fighting corruption. He made it clear to society that the government does not distinguish between rich and poor, and deprived the Grand Dukes of their usual privileges, reducing their payments from the state treasury. Even his relatives did not hide from justice for financial fraud.

Alexander III built the longest railway in the world - the Trans-Siberian Railway. An important point foreign policy course of his reign historians call the turn of Russia from an alliance with Germany to military cooperation with France. As a result, Russia gained the right to vote at the level of powerful European powers.

Alexander III really loved Russia and, wishing to protect the fatherland from a possible invasion, constantly strengthened the army and navy. Under Alexander III, the Russian fleet took the 3rd world position after England and France. A total area The Russian Empire under Alexander III increased by 430 thousand km² as a result of the peaceful annexation of new lands.

Physical education and painting in the everyday life of Alexander III

Despite the simplicity and even frugality in everyday life, Alexander III spent on expensive art objects. The emperor was seriously interested in painting and even studied for some time under the St. Petersburg artist Tikhobrazov. In addition to patronizing artists, he personally made sure that the works of Russian composers sounded on the stage of domestic theaters. Throughout his life, the tsar also helped the Russian ballet, which at that time deserved worldwide recognition.

Physical education took a special place in the life of Alexander III. Being by nature a very strong man, he did not hesitate to even chop wood as a charge. In the memoirs of his contemporaries, there are stories about how the king easily broke horseshoes, bent silver coins in his fist and lifted a horse on his shoulders. Once at dinner with the Austrian ambassador, in response to the latter's threat to form anti-Russian soldiers' corps, Alexander tied a fork on a knot. And he added that he would do the same with the Austrian corps.

The amazing physical strength of the king once saved the life of his entire family. In the fall of 1888, the Tsar's train crashed. Seven carriages were seriously damaged, among the servants were not only seriously wounded, but also dead. At the time of the accident, relatives of Alexander were in the dining car, the roof of which had collapsed. Alexander held her on his shoulders until help came. Not a single member of the royal family was hurt. True, this event is associated with the sharply shaken health of the autocrat, which led to a fatal illness.

Modern historians believe that. Whether this is true or fiction remains to be seen.

Today, many idealize the relatively short era of Alexander III, associating it with the power of the empire and the patriotic unity of the Orthodox people. Of course, there is more mythology here than historical truth.

Political decisions made during the reign of Alexander III are contradictory. The socio-economic course was strikingly different from the ideological declarations.

Russia more and more closely interacted with the rebellious France and the country's welfare largely depended on French capital. But it was impossible to remain in isolation, and the policy of Germany aroused reasonable fears of our emperor.

The adult life of the future emperor began with a tragedy. His older brother Nikolai, after his engagement to the Danish princess Dagmara, fell asleep after a bruise and soon died of tuberculous inflammation of the spinal cord. Nineteen-year-old Alexander, who sincerely mourned his beloved brother, unexpectedly became the heir to the throne and (after a while) Dagmara's fiancé ...

Such luminaries as the historian Soloviev and the chief prosecutor of the Synod of the Pobedonostsev began to prepare him for the reign. The first test of the state level was the famine of 1868 for him. The Tsarevich was the chairman of the Special Committee for the collection and distribution of benefits to the hungry.

In those days, the chairman of the Novgorod zemstvo council Nikolai Kachalov became the confidant of the future emperor. This experienced administrator was engaged in the purchase of bread, delivering it to the starving areas. He acted thoughtfully and efficiently. In personal communication, he will show himself to be an honest, thinking person. He will become one of the favorite employees of Alexander Alexandrovich.

The peacemaker came to the throne in tragic days, after the death of his father - on March 2 (14), 1881. For the first time, the peasants were attracted to the oath of allegiance to the emperor "on a par with all subjects." The war on terrorism has turned the empire into a turbulent sea. The new emperor did not indulge the enemies of the throne, but also showed personal caution, avoiding the appearance in crowded places without protection. Alas, the times of Emperor Nicholas the First, when, as they said, the whole people were the king's bodyguard, have gone into the irrevocable past.

Soon after accession, the emperor signs the "Order on the measures to preserve state order and public peace and the holding of certain areas in a state of enhanced security. " In fact, a state of emergency was established in ten central provinces of Russia. The political police began to root out terrorism and the revolutionary movement. The fight went on with varying degrees of success.

From the first days of his reign, Pobedonostsev urged the new emperor not to embark on the liberal path, not to pay attention to "public opinion". Alexander did not need such convictions, but Pobedonostsev's admonitions strengthened his spirit. He proclaims a course towards a plenipotentiary autocracy, which, however, could not be full-fledged after the reforms of the 1860s.

Revolutionary teachings came to Russia from the West. Many conservatives believed that as soon as the doors to Europe were slammed, everything would calm down. The emperor supported an anti-Western ideological line. This was reflected in aesthetics as well. It was then in architecture that the neo-Russian style appeared to replace the Russian-Byzantine style. Russian motives also appeared in painting, literature, and music. Beards and boyar costumes have returned to fashion ...

The famous Parisian bridge is named after him - powerful, luxurious. The bridge resembles the Russian emperor not only in name. He was a straightforward person, as a rule, he gave an assessment of everything without diplomatic hypocrisy. “In these eyes, deep and almost touching, a soul shone, frightened in its trust in people and helpless against a lie, of which it itself was incapable,” AF Koni, not the most enthusiastic person, said about him.

When the Danish mother-in-law tried to teach him politics, he answered sharply, bluntly: “I, a natural Russian, find it extremely difficult to rule my people from Gatchina, which, as you know, is in Russia, and you, a foreigner, imagine that can be successfully managed from Copenhagen. " He did not look for ideals or teachers outside of Russia.

In the enlightened public of that time, he found many enemies.

Contemporaries for the most part considered him an ordinary politician, although they recognized the emperor's capacity for work (he sometimes worked 20 hours a day). Peter the Great was not compared. They talked about the heroic, truly Russian appearance of the tsar. About his ambiguous conservatism. Cautious and consistent tactics.

V last years the popularity of this emperor increased. With admiration they repeat the jokes of the emperor, which are not always historically accurate. Almost the golden age of the state is associated with it. The Tsar-peacemaker held Russia tightly in his hands - this image has been preserved in history for the patriots of the Russian Empire.

There is a core of truth in this performance. But there is also a tendency to wishful thinking. And there is indeed a lot of attractiveness in the character of the mighty monarch!

“He was a deeply religious and religious man, he believed that He was God's anointed, that His destiny to reign was predetermined by God, and He accepted His God-ordained destiny submissively, completely submitting to all its hardships, and fulfilling everything with amazing, rare conscientiousness and honesty. Their duties as a tsar-autocrat. These duties required enormous, almost superhuman work, which did not correspond to either His ability, or His knowledge, or His health, but He worked tirelessly, until His death, worked in a way that rarely anyone else, "recalled Dr. Nikolai Velyaminov who knew the sovereign well.

The emperor's religiosity was not really a mask. As well as adherence to the spirit of the Fatherland, it is quite rare in the St. Petersburg aristocratic environment. He tried to reduce the share of hypocrisy in politics. Inevitable, but from this no less shameful in the repentant thoughts of a Christian.

General (and in those years - a Guards officer) Alexander Mosolov recalled:

“The king took his role as God's representative on earth with exceptional seriousness. This was especially noticeable when he considered petitions for clemency from those sentenced to death. The right to have mercy brought him closer to the Almighty.

As soon as the pardon was signed, the king demanded that it be sent immediately so that it did not come too late. I remember an incident when one day, during our train ride, the petition came late at night.

I ordered the servant to report me. The tsar was in his compartment and was very surprised to see me at such a late hour.

“I dared to disturb your Majesty,” I said, “since it is a matter of human life.

- You did the right thing. But how do we get Fredericks' signature? (By law, the tsar's reply telegram could only be sent if it bears the signature of the minister of the court, and the tsar knew that Fredericks had been asleep for a long time.)

- I will send a telegram with my signature, and the count will replace it with his tomorrow.

- Fine. Don't waste your time.

The next morning the king returned to our conversation.

“Are you sure,” he asked, “that the telegram was sent immediately?

- Yes, immediately.

- Can you confirm that all my telegrams are out of order?

- Yes, all without exception.

The king was pleased. "

The emperor's Russophilia was expressed mainly in distrust of the Germans. He believed that the long-term support of Austria and Prussia, which contributed to the emergence of a united Germany on the political map of the world, was disadvantageous for Russia. And suddenly he made a bet on the French - Germany's rivals.

Mosolov asserted: “He was disgusted with everything German. He tried to be Russian in the smallest details personal life, so his manners seemed less attractive than those of his brothers; he declared, without bothering himself with justification, that a truly Russian person should be somewhat rude, he did not need too graceful manners. Yielding to the requirements of palace etiquette, in a narrow circle of friends, he rejected any unnaturalness, considering the ceremonies necessary only for the German princes. "

A close alliance with Paris was not a perfect solution. But that was the decision of the emperor - a bold, independent one.

Alexander Nikolaevich interrupted a series of radical reforms, canceled the planned transition to a constitutional monarchy and advocated a gradual, evolutionary development of the state.

In this direction, Russia has achieved noticeable success in its thirteenth anniversary of Alexander. The emperor managed to set the government in a creative way. Although the policy of Witte, whom Alexander trusted, laid the foundations for future social explosions, aggravating Russia's dependence on foreign capital.

It is difficult for us to fully comprehend the tragedy of the first weeks of his reign. 1881 was a time of turmoil for Russia, and for ruling class- severe depression. A conspiracy of terrorists ended the life of the reigning emperor. In previous years, monarchs died more than once as a result of palace conspiracies, but this was not publicly announced. And then the murder was committed in front of the whole world. Yes, and everyone knew about the attempts that preceded the murder.

Terrorism subjugated public life, imposed a sense of fear, bloody confrontation between revolutionaries and guardians. Among the monarchists, the belief arose that the policy of liberal reforms led to the disaster. This was the reason. But too tight "screwing the nuts" did not lead to prosperity.

What is the liberalism that the conservatives were fighting back at the time? It seems that this phenomenon is demonized (or, on the contrary, idealized), especially without thinking about its essence. First, it is a stake on public freedoms, including freedom of conscience. Individualism, which naturally contradicts conciliar values.

Separation of the school from the Church. In this direction, there was an orientation toward Western models: British parliamentarianism, republican traditions from the dramatic history of France. Many of the liberals went too far in criticizing Russian mores, reaching the point of rejecting everything that was domestic. This is an emotionally explainable complex: an aggressive struggle with one's own roots. Such tendencies can be traced in every mature culture; this is one of the diseases of civilizational growth. The usual thing? Yes. But a disease is a disease, people die from it.

Analyzing the policy of Russian conservatives, it is difficult to agree with the skeptical attitude towards mass education. A strange demagogy was used: the lack of education of the people was associated with Christian piety. Say, the gap between the "pure public" and "men" grew - and this painful condition was considered a kind of sacred canon. I think this is one of the objective reasons for the global defeat of the imperial foundations in 1917.

There was a lot of common sense in the policy of Alexander III. But it did not give the empire the necessary strength. Revolutionary tendencies were growing in various circles - and it was not possible to develop an antidote. But we remember the emperor for his own and honest view of Russia. This king was not like any of their predecessors. He carried his cross without bending under the burden.

Alexander III Alexandrovich (February 26 (March 10) 1845, Anichkov Palace, St. Petersburg - October 20 (November 1) 1894, Livadia Palace, Crimea) - Emperor of All Russia, Tsar of Poland and Grand Duke Finnish from March 1 (13), 1881. Son of Emperor Alexander II and grandson of Nicholas I; father of the last Russian monarch Nicholas II.

Alexander III is a significant figure in the history of Russia. During his reign, no Russian blood was shed in Europe. Alexander III provided long years peace of mind for Russia. For his peace-loving policy, he went down in Russian history as "a tsar - a peacemaker."

He adhered to conservative-protective views and pursued a policy of counter-reforms, as well as the Russification of the national borderlands.

He was the second child in the family of Alexander II and Maria Alexandrovna Romanov. According to the rules of succession to the throne, Alexander was not prepared for the role of the ruler of the Russian Empire. The throne was to be taken by the elder brother, Nikolai. Alexander, did not envy his brother at all, did not feel the slightest jealousy, watching how Nicholas was being prepared for the throne. Nikolai was a diligent student, and Alexander was overcome by boredom in the classroom.

Alexander III's teachers were such distinguished people as the historians Soloviev, Grott, the remarkable military tactician Dragomirov, and Konstantin Pobedonostsev. It was the latter who had a great influence on Alexander III, largely determining the priorities of the domestic and foreign policy of the Russian emperor. It was Pobedonostsev who raised in Alexander III a true Russian patriot and Slavophile. Little Sasha was more attracted not by study, but by physical activity. The future emperor loved horse riding and gymnastics. Even before his majority, Alexander Alexandrovich showed remarkable strength, easily lifted weights and easily bent horseshoes. He did not like secular entertainment, he preferred to spend his free time on improving horse riding skills and developing physical strength. The brothers joked, they say, "Sashka is the Hercules of our family." Alexander loved the Gatchina Palace, and loved to spend time there, whiling away the days with walks in the park, thinking about the day.

In 1855, Nicholas was proclaimed Tsarevich. Sasha was happy for his brother, and even more so that he himself would not have to be the emperor. However, fate nevertheless prepared the Russian throne for Alexander Alexandrovich. Nikolai's health deteriorated. The Tsarevich suffered from rheumatism from a bruised spine, later he also contracted tuberculosis. In 1865, Nikolai died. Alexander Alexandrovich Romanov was proclaimed the new heir to the throne. It is worth noting that Nikolai had a bride - the Danish princess Dagmar. They say that the dying Nikolai took the hands of Dagmar and Alexander with one hand, as if urging two close people not to part after his death.

In 1866, Alexander III went on a trip to Europe. His path lies in Copenhagen, where he wooed his brother's bride. Dagmar and Alexander became close while caring for sick Nikolai together. Their engagement took place on June 17 in Copenhagen. On October 13, Dagmar converted to Orthodoxy and began to be called Maria Fedorovna Romanova, and on this day the young got engaged.

Alexander III and Maria Feodorovna Romanovs lived happy family life... Their family is a true role model. Alexander Alexandrovich was a real, exemplary family man. The Russian Emperor loved his wife very much. After the wedding, they settled in the Anichkov Palace. The couple was happy and raised three sons and two daughters. The firstborn of the imperial couple was the son of Nikolai. Alexander loved all his children very much, but his second son, Mishka, enjoyed special paternal love.

The high morality of the emperor gave him the right to ask it from the courtiers. Under Alexander III, the Russian autocrat fell into disgrace for adultery... Alexander Alexandrovich was modest in everyday life, did not like idleness. Witte, Minister of Finance of the Russian Empire, witnessed how the emperor's valet darned his worn clothes.

The Emperor loved paintings. The Emperor even had his own collection, which by 1894 consisted of 130 works by various artists. On his initiative, a Russian museum was opened in St. Petersburg. He treated the works of Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky with great respect. Alexander Romanov also liked the artist Alexei Bogolyubov, with whom the emperor developed good relationship... The emperor rendered all kinds of support to young and talented cultural figures, museums, theaters and universities were opened under his patronage. Alexander adhered to truly Christian postulates, and in every possible way protected Orthodox faith, tirelessly defending her interests.

Alexander III came to the Russian throne after the murder of Alexander II by the terrorist revolutionaries. It happened on March 2, 1881. For the first time, the peasants were sworn in to the emperor, on a par with the rest of the population. In domestic politics, Alexander III embarked on the path of counterreforms. The new Russian emperor was distinguished by conservative views.

During his reign Russian empire has achieved great success. Russia was a strong, developing country with which all European powers sought friendship. In Europe, there were always some political movements. And then one day, to Alexander, who surprised the fish, came the minister, talking about the affairs in Europe. He asked the emperor to react somehow. To which Alexander replied - "Europe can wait while the Russian tsar catches fish." Alexander Alexandrovich really could afford such statements, for Russia was on the rise, and her army was the most powerful in the world. Nevertheless, the international situation obliged Russia to find a reliable ally. In 1891, friendly relations between Russia and France began to take shape, which ended with the signing of an alliance agreement.

According to the historian P.A.Zayonchkovsky, “Alexander III was rather modest in his personal life. He did not like lies, was a good family man, was hardworking ", working on state affairs, often until 1-2 o'clock in the morning. “Alexander III possessed a certain system of views ... To protect the purity of the“ faith of the fathers ”, the inviolability of the principle of autocracy and develop the Russian nationality ... - these are the main tasks that the new monarch set for himself ... in some issues foreign policy he discovered and probably common sense ".

As S. Yu. Witte wrote, “Emperor Alexander III had absolutely outstanding nobility and purity of heart, purity of morals and thoughts. As a family man, he was an exemplary family man; as a boss and master - he was an exemplary boss and an exemplary master ... he was a good master not because of a sense of self-interest, but because of a sense of duty. Not only in the Royal family, but also among the dignitaries, I never met that feeling of respect for the state ruble, for the state penny, which the Emperor possessed ... He knew how to instill confidence abroad, on the one hand, that He would not do unfair to anyone, will not want any seizures; everyone was at peace that He would not start any adventure ... Emperor Alexander III never had a word with a deed. What he said was felt by him, and he never backed down from what he said ... Emperor Alexander III was an extremely courageous man. ".

The Emperor was a passionate collector, second only to Catherine II in this respect. The Gatchina Castle has literally turned into a warehouse of priceless treasures. Alexander's acquisitions - paintings, art objects, carpets and the like - no longer fit in the galleries of Zimny, Anichkov and other palaces. Collected by Alexander III, an extensive collection of paintings, graphics, objects of decorative and applied art, sculptures after his death was transferred to the Russian Museum, established by the Russian Emperor Nicholas II in memory of his parent.

Alexander was fond of hunting and fishing. Often in the summer, the royal family left for the Finnish skerries. Belovezhskaya Pushcha was the favorite hunting place of the Emperor. Sometimes the imperial family, instead of resting in the skerries, left for Poland to the Principality of Lovichesk, and there they indulged in hunting fun, especially hunting deer, and ended their vacation most often with a trip to Denmark, to Bernstorf Castle - the ancestral castle of Dagmara, where they often gathered from all over Europe her crowned kinsmen.

With all his outward severity towards his loved ones, he invariably remained a devoted family man and a loving father. Not only has he never touched children with a finger in his life, but he did not offend them with a harsh word.

On October 17, 1888, an attempt took place on Alexander III and all royal family... The terrorists derailed the train with the emperor. Seven carriages were smashed, many victims were killed. The king and his family survived by the will of fate. At the time of the explosion, they were in the carriage of the restaurant. In an explosion, at a carriage with royal family the roof collapsed, and Alexander literally kept it on him until help arrived. After a while, he began to complain of back pain. The examination revealed that the king had kidney problems. In the winter of 1894, Alexander caught a bad cold, and soon the emperor felt very bad while hunting, and he was diagnosed with acute nephritis. Doctors sent the emperor to the Crimea, where Alexander III died on November 20, 1894.

Alexander III left a big mark on the history of Russia. After his death, the following lines were written in one of the French newspapers: - "He leaves Russia, greater than he received it."

Wife: Dagmara Danish (Maria Fedorovna) (November 14, 1847 - October 13, 1928), daughter of the Danish king Christian IX.

Children:
1.Nikolai Alexandrovich (later Emperor Nicholas II) (May 6, 1868 - July 17, 1918, Yekaterinburg);
2.Alexander Alexandrovich (May 26, 1869 - April 20, 1870, St. Petersburg);
3. Georgy Alexandrovich (April 27, 1871 - June 28, 1899, Abastumani);
4.Ksenia Alexandrovna (March 25, 1875 - April 20, 1960, London);
5.Mikhail Alexandrovich (November 22, 1878 - June 13, 1918, Perm);
6. Olga Alexandrovna (June 1, 1882 - November 24, 1960, Toronto).