When was Kutuzov Mikhail Illarionovich born? Participation in the war with Napoleon

Much has been said about Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov. Most describe Kutuzov as a kind of Roland from a medieval novel - a knight without fear and reproach, who saved Russia from the bloodthirsty Napoleonic hordes. Others, who, fortunately, are in the minority, portray the illustrious field marshal as a weak commander and an inactive but intriguing bureaucrat. Both positions are far from the truth. The second, however, is incomparably further.

As one of the sages said, history is a mirror that reflects the future. A crooked mirror will not show the truth. Therefore, let's try to figure out who the famous and mysterious Russian commander really was.

Mikhail Illarionovich was born into the family of Illarion Matveyevich Golenishchev-Kutuzov in 1745. Until the age of 14, Mikhail Kutuzov receives an education at home, then enters the Artillery and Engineering School, where his father taught at that time. In December 1759, Mikhail Illarionovich received the rank of conductor of the 1st class (the first in his career) with the appointment of a salary and swearing in. A little later, having appreciated the sharp mind and abilities, the young man will be entrusted with the training of officers. Probably, the position of the father - not the last person at the Court - also played a role.

Two years later, in February 1761, Mikhail completed his schooling. He was awarded the title of ensign engineer, and left at the educational institution to teach mathematics. But the career of a teacher of young Kutuzov did not attract. Leaving school, he went to command a company of the Astrakhan regiment, and then temporarily transferred to the adjutant wing of Prince Holstein-Beck. In August 1762, Mikhail Illarionovich, for the excellent management of the prince's office, received the rank of captain and was again sent to command a company of the Astrakhan regiment. Here he met A. V. Suvorov, who at that moment led the regiment.

Portrait of M. I. Kutuzov by R. M. Volkov

In 1764-65, Kutuzov gained his first combat experience fighting the Polish Confederates. After returning from Poland, Mikhail Illarionovich was recruited to work in the "Commission for the drafting of a new Code", apparently, as a secretary-translator. Kutuzov by this time owned 4 languages. This document contained the foundations of "enlightened absolutism", a form of government that Catherine II considered the best possible.

Since 1770, Kutuzov, as part of the Rumyantsev army, has been participating in the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774. In this war, the organizational and military leadership talents of Mikhail Illarionovich began to rapidly unfold. He showed himself well in the battles of Cahul, Ryaba Mogila, Larga. Promoted to Prime Major, and then, while in the position of Chief Quartermaster, for distinction in the battle of Popesty in the winter of 1771, he received the rank of lieutenant colonel.

In 1772, an incident occurred that proves the validity of a well-known maxim: it is important not only to have wit, but also to be able to avoid its consequences. The 25-year-old Kutuzov was transferred to the 2nd Crimean Army of Dolgorukov, either because he mimicked Field Marshal Rumyantsev, or because he repeated with improper intonation the characterization of Prince Potemkin, which the Empress herself gave. “The prince is brave not with his mind, but with his heart,” Catherine once dropped. Since then, Kutuzov has become extremely careful in words and expression of emotions in the presence of even a close circle of acquaintances.

Under the command of Prince Dolgorukov, the young officer Kutuzov leads the grenadier battalion and often performs responsible reconnaissance missions. In the summer of 1774, his battalion participated in the defeat of the Turkish landing, which landed in Alushta. The battle took place near the village of Shuma, in which Kutuzov was seriously wounded in the head. The bullet pierced the temple and exited near the right eye. In his report on this battle, General-in-Chief Dolgorukov noted the high fighting qualities of the battalion and Kutuzov's personal merits in the training of soldiers. For this battle, Mikhail Illarionovich received the Order of St. George of the 4th degree and was sent abroad for treatment with an award of 1000 gold chervonets from the Empress.

Kutuzov used two years of treatment to improve his own education, traveling around Europe. At this time, he visited Vienna, Berlin, visited England, Holland, Italy, staying in the latter, mastered Italian in a week. In the second year of his journey, Kutuzov headed the Masonic lodge "To the Three Keys", located in Regenburg. Later he was received in the lodges of Vienna, Frankfurt, Berlin, St. Petersburg and Moscow. This gave conspiracy theorists reason to assert that in 1812 Kutuzov did not capture Napoleon precisely because of his Freemasonry.

Upon returning to Russia in 1777, Kutuzov went to Novorossia, where he served under the command of Prince G. A. Potemkin. Until 1784, Kutuzov commanded the Lugansk Pikenersky, then the Mariupol Light Horse Regiments, and in 1785 he headed the Bug Chasseur Corps. The unit guarded the Russian-Turkish border along the Bug River in 1787, and in the summer of the following year, Kutuzov's corps took part in the siege of the Ochakov fortress. When repulsing the sortie, the Turks Mikhail Illarionovich was wounded in the head for the second time. The surgeon Massot, who treated Kutuzov, made a comment that could well be considered almost prophetic: “It must be assumed that fate assigns Kutuzov to something great, because he survived after two wounds, fatal according to all the rules of medical science.” Despite being seriously wounded, the future winner of Napoleon distinguished himself more than once in the battles of this war. The most striking and famous episode was the assault on the Izmail fortress, when the 6th column under the command of Kutuzov successfully broke into the rampart, overturning the Turks. Suvorov highly appreciated the merits of Kutuzov and appointed the latter commandant of the fortress. Interestingly, Mikhail Illarionovich received this appointment by climbing the fortification and sending adjutant Alexander Vasilyevich with a report that he could not stay on the rampart ... As you know, he could not resist on the rampart, but he settled down very well in the fortress. In 1791, Kutuzov defeated the 23,000th Turkish corps at Babadag. A year later, he strengthened the reputation of a brilliant commander with his actions in the battle of Machinsky.

After the conclusion of the Iasi Peace, Kutuzov was sent as an extraordinary ambassador to Istanbul. He held this position from 1792 to 1794, achieving the resolution of a number of contradictions between the Russian Empire and Turkey that arose after the signing of the treaty in Iasi. In addition, Russia received a number of trade and political benefits, among the latter - a serious weakening of French influence in Porto.

Returning to his homeland, Mikhail Illarionovich inevitably ended up in the court "serpentarium", the victims of which were many famous generals and talented statesmen. However, being a diplomat, no less talented than a commander, Kutuzov gets involved in court fights and emerges victorious from them. So, for example, after returning from Turkey, Mikhail Illarionovich visited Catherine's favorite, Prince P. A. Zubov, every morning, and prepared coffee for him according to a special Turkish recipe, as Kutuzov himself used to say. This seemingly humiliating behavior undoubtedly played a role in the appointment of Kutuzov in 1795 to the post of commander-in-chief of troops and garrisons in Finland and, at the same time, director of the Land Cadet Corps. Kutuzov gave considerable forces, strengthening the combat capability of the troops stationed in Finland.

A year later, Catherine II dies and Paul I ascends the throne, who, to put it mildly, did not like mother. Many talented generals and close associates of the empress fell into disgrace, however, Mikhail Illarionovich managed to hold on and even move up the career ladder. In 1798 he was promoted to General of the Infantry. In the same year, he completed a diplomatic mission in Berlin, having managed to draw Prussia into the anti-Napoleonic coalition. Under Pavel Kutuzov was until his last day and even dined with the emperor on the day of the assassination.

With the accession of Alexander I, Kutuzov nevertheless fell into disfavor. In 1801 he was appointed St. Petersburg military governor and inspector of the Finnish Inspectorate. A year later, he resigned and went to his Volyn estate. But in 1805, at the request of the emperor, Kutuzov led the Russian-Austrian troops in the wars of the Third Coalition.

Military council in Fili. A. D. Kivshenko, 18**

Napoleon did not wait for a happy meeting of the allies in this war. Having defeated the Austrians near Ulm, he forced Mikhail Illarionovich to withdraw the Russian army from the blow of superior forces. Having brilliantly made a march maneuver from Braunau to Olmutz, Kutuzov proposed to retreat further and strike, only having accumulated sufficient forces. Alexander and Franz did not accept the offer and decided to give a general battle at Austerlitz. Contrary to popular belief, Wereuther's plan was not so bad and had a chance of success if it was not Napoleon who was the enemy. Kutuzov, under Austerlitz, did not insist on his opinion and did not retire from his post, thereby sharing the responsibility for the defeat with the most august tacticians. Alexander, who didn’t particularly like Kutuzov, after Austerlitz especially disliked the “old man”, believing that the commander-in-chief deliberately framed him. Moreover, public opinion laid the blame for the defeat on the emperor. Kutuzov is again appointed to secondary posts, but this does not last long.

The protracted war with the Turks on the eve of Bonaparte's invasion created an extremely unfavorable strategic alignment. Napoleon had high hopes for the Turks, and rightly so. 45,000 Russians were opposed by twice the size of the Ottoman army. Nevertheless, Kutuzov, with a series of brilliant operations, managed to defeat the Turks, and later to persuade peace on very favorable terms for Russia. Napoleon was indignant - huge funds were spent on agents and diplomatic missions in the Ottoman Empire, and Kutuzov managed to negotiate with the Turks alone, and even acquire a significant piece of territory for Russia. For the excellent completion of the campaign in 1811, Kutuzov was awarded the title of count.

Without exaggeration, 1812 can be called the most difficult year in the life of Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov. Having accepted the army, burning with a thirst for battle, a few days before Borodin, Kutuzov could not help but understand that Barclay de Tolly's strategy was correct and profitable, and any pitched battle with the genius of tactics Napoleon was an inevitable game of roulette. But at the same time, the non-Russian origin of Barclay caused various rumors, up to accusations of treason, none other than Peter Bagration expressed his indignation in a letter to Emperor Alexander, accusing the Minister of War of conspiring with Bonaparte. And the discord between the commanders never ended well. What was needed was a figure capable of consolidating both officers and soldiers. Public opinion unanimously pointed to Kutuzov, who was seen as the direct heir to Suvorov's military successes. What are only the words thrown casually and picked up in the army: “Kutuzov came to beat the French” or, said by the commander in chief: “Yes, how to retreat with such good fellows ?!”. Mikhail Illarionovich, in every possible way did not let the soldiers lose heart, but even then, for sure, he conceived his most elegant intrigue directed against Napoleon. In any case, many actions of the commander-in-chief from this position acquire a completely complete meaning.

Kutuzov during the Battle of Borodino. A. Shepelyuk, 1951

Many, including Leo Tolstoy and General A.P. Ermolov focus on the fact that the Borodino field was not the most convenient position. So, they say that the position at the Kolotsk Monastery was tactically much more advantageous. And if we were talking about a general battle, the purpose of which was to put an end to the war, then this is undoubtedly true, but to accept a battle there would mean putting the fate of Russia at stake. Having chosen the field at Borodino, Kutuzov evaluated, first of all, the strategic benefits. The terrain here made it possible to retreat in an organized manner in the event of an unsuccessful development of events, preserving the army. Mikhail Illarionovich preferred a distant but sure result to a quick but dubious success. History has fully confirmed the bet.

Another accusation against Kutuzov is the erroneous disposition of the Battle of Borodino. Half of the artillery was not used in the battle, and the 2nd Army of Bagration was given almost to the slaughter. However, this is again a matter of strategy with a lot of politics in it. If the Russian army had suffered fewer losses, it is likely that Kutuzov would not have been able to push through the decision to leave Moscow, which had become a trap for the French. And a new general battle is a new risk for the army and all of Russia. It's cynical, but AS Napoleon Bonaparte said: "Soldiers are numbers that solve political problems." And Kutuzov was forced to solve such a problem. Mikhail Illarionovich did not dare to underestimate the military genius of Bonaparte and acted for sure.

As a result, the Great Army turned before our eyes from an indestructible military machine into a crowd of marauders and ragamuffins. The retreat from Russia was a disaster for the French and their European allies. A huge merit in this belongs to Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov, who, contrary to public opinion, managed not to rush into a suicidal battle with the Great Army.

In 1813, in the city of Bunzlau, Field Marshal General and the first full holder of the Order of St. George died. Riding the troops on horseback, he caught a severe cold. Kutuzov was buried in the Kazan Cathedral in St. Petersburg.

Mikhail Illarionovich was a brilliant diplomat and a talented commander who knew exactly when to fight and when not, and thanks to this he emerged victorious from the most difficult situations. At the same time, Kutuzov was indeed a cunning and schemer (Suvorov also noted these traits), with the huge difference that his intrigues brought not only selfish benefits, but also great benefits to the entire state. Isn't this the highest indicator of service to the Fatherland, when, despite external and internal obstacles, you contribute to its prosperity?

Monument to Kutuzov in Moscow. Sculptor - N. V. Tomsky

We present a selection of interesting facts from the life of the great commander - commander-in-chief of the Russian army Mikhail Kutuzov.

glorious family

Mikhail Illarionovich came from the Golenishchev-Kutuzov family. According to one version, his ancestor was Gavrila Aleksich: an associate of Alexander Nevsky became famous for his military prowess in the battle on the Neva. The field marshal's father began serving under Peter I. A talented military engineer designed the Catherine Canal in St. Petersburg - to prevent the disastrous consequences of the Neva floods.

Illustration: frame from the film "Alexander Nevsky". From left to right: Vasily Buslaev, Alexander Nevsky and Gavrila Aleksich

The myth of the commander

Contrary to popular belief, there is no confirmation of the fact that the commander was blind in his right eye. Just as there is not a single written mention of the bandage by contemporaries. In all lifetime portraits, the field marshal is depicted without her. For the first time, the notorious armband, like a pirate, appeared with Kutuzov in 1943 in the film of the same name. It was World War II, and the viewer needed to be shown that even after being seriously wounded, one could continue to fight.

Illustration: frame from the film "Kutuzov". Alexey Dikiy as Mikhail Kutuzov

bright mind

Having received a serious home education, Mikhail Kutuzov graduated from the Artillery and Engineering Cadet Corps. By the age of 14, he helped teachers in teaching students geometry and arithmetic. He was fluent in French, English, German, Swedish, Turkish. The famous French writer Madame de Stael, after a conversation with Kutuzov, noticed that the Russian general spoke French better than the Corsican Bonaparte.

Illustration: Portrait of M.I. Kutuzova in the uniform of a colonel of the Lugansk pike regiment

Experienced courtier

Mikhail Kutuzov knew how to find a common language with the rulers. He was favored not only by Catherine II - he also achieved the favor of Emperor Paul, who fell into disgrace with numerous close associates of his mother-empress. Contemporaries noted that Mikhail Illarionovich was the only one with whom both Catherine the Great and Paul the First spent their last evening on the eve of death.

Illustration: Kutuzov in front of the bust of Catherine II. Miniature by an unknown artist

Cunning fox

Restraint, prudence, secrecy, the ability to flatter - these are the qualities that contemporaries characterized Kutuzov. The fame of a cunning man stuck behind him, and Napoleon called him "the old fox of the North." According to acquaintances, the character of the future commander was influenced by an incident during his service in the army of Field Marshal Pyotr Rumyantsev. Kutuzov in the circle of friends mimicked the commander. For the sake of a joke, I copied his mannerisms, voice and gait. The commander-in-chief was informed about the trick of the lieutenant colonel - and the young Kutuzov was punished: he was sent from the Moldavian army to the second Crimean one.

Illustration: Snuffbox with a portrait of M.I. Kutuzov

Suvorov warrior

Under the command of Alexander Suvorov, Mikhail Kutuzov was listed more than once. It was the future generalissimo who noticed that the recruit of the Astrakhan regiment Kutuzov has a penetrating mind and exceptional fearlessness. After the victorious assault on Izmail, Suvorov wrote: "General Kutuzov walked on my left wing, but was my right hand."

Illustration: Capture of the Izmail fortress by Suvorov. Painting by A. Sokolov

Sky under Austerlitz

One of the main defeats Kutuzov suffered during the war with Napoleon in 1805. Alexander I and the Austrian emperor Franz II demanded an attack on the French. Kutuzov was against it and offered to retreat, waiting for reserves. In the battle of Austerlitz, the Russians and Austrians were devastated, which for a long time sowed mistrust between Alexander I and Kutuzov. Recalling the defeat, the Russian emperor admitted: “I was young and inexperienced. Kutuzov told me that it was necessary to act differently, but he should have been more persistent in his opinions.

Illustration: Battle of Austerlitz November 20, 1805. Colorized engraving by I. Rugendas

Forgiveness Lesson

Four months after the Battle of Borodino in Vilna, Kutuzov signed an order for the army: “Brave and victorious troops! Finally, you are on the borders of the Empire, each of you is the savior of the Fatherland ... Without stopping among the heroic deeds, we now go further. Let us pass the borders and strive to complete the defeat of the enemy on his own fields. But let us not follow the example of our enemies in their violence and fury, humiliating the soldier. They burned our houses, cursed at the Holy, and you saw how the right hand of the Most High righteously marked their wickedness. Let us be generous, let us distinguish between the enemy and the civilian. Justice and meekness in dealing with the townsfolk will clearly show them that we do not want their enslavement and vain glory, but we seek to free from disaster and oppression even the very peoples who armed themselves against Russia.

Illustration: M.I. Kutuzov - head of the St. Petersburg militia. Painting by S. Gerasimov

Cross of Courage

For the victory in the Patriotic War of 1812, Alexander I awarded the Field Marshal General the title of Prince of Smolensky and the Order of St. George IV degree. So Kutuzov went down in history as the first full Knight of St. George.

Illustration: M.I. Kutuzov at the command post on the day of the Battle of Borodino. Painting by A. Shepelyuk

Farewell to the whole world

Kutuzov was against the emperor's plan to pursue Napoleon in Europe, but duty obliged him to obey. The seriously ill military leader did not reach Paris. Kutuzov died in the Prussian city of Bunzlau. The emperor ordered the body of the field marshal to be embalmed and taken to St. Petersburg. The coffin was transported to the northern capital for a month and a half: we had to stop. Everywhere people wanted to say goodbye to Kutuzov and show worthy honors to the savior of Russia.

Illustration: Funeral of M.I. Kutuzov. Engraving by M.N. Vorobiev.

Mikhail Illarionovich Golenishchev-Kutuzov - the famous Russian commander, field marshal general, commander-in-chief of the Russian army during the Patriotic War of 1812. He is the first full knight of the Order of St. George.

Mikhail Kutuzov was born in 1747 (earlier it was believed that in 1745). Participated in many battles and battles. He remained in Russian history as one of the most famous commanders. At present, more than ten monuments have been erected to Kutuzov, which are located in Moscow, St.

Mikhail Illarionovich Golenishchev-Kutuzov died on April 16 (28), 1813. According to historians, he caught a cold and got a severe form of polyneuritis. The doctors could not save him, and he died in the town of Bunzlau (Prussia, now the territory of Poland).

Where is Kutuzov buried?

Kutuzov is buried in two places at once. After his death, he was embalmed, and the insides were buried in a lead coffin on a hill three miles from the town of Bunzlau, near the village of Tillendorf. Currently, at the site of the first burial of Kutuzov, there is a monument in the form of a broken column, on the pedestal there is an inscription: "Prince Kutuzov-Smolensky passed from this life to a better world on April 16, 1813." The embalmed body of the commander, as well as his heart, enclosed in a silver vessel, were delivered to St. Petersburg in order to perform all the necessary ritual services here and see off the commander-in-chief with all honors. Several months passed from the time of death to burial in St. Petersburg. Here he was buried on June 13 (25), 1813 in the Kazan Cathedral in St. Petersburg. Above the grave there is an inscription that reads: “Prince Mikhail Illarionovich Golenishchev-Kutuzov-Smolensky. Born in 1745, died in 1813 in Bunzlau.

Count and Most Serene Prince, great commander Kutuzov Mikhail Illarionovich was the commander-in-chief of the Russian army during the Patriotic War of 1812, when he attacked the Russian Empire. Mikhail Illarionovich is the first full knight of the Order of St. George.

short biography

The official date of birth of Mikhail Kutuzov in today's biographies is considered to be September 5, 1747. He was born in Saint Petersburg, in the Russian Empire.

His father - Illarion Matveevich Golenishchev-Kutuzov, teacher at the Artillery noble school, son of a senator. His mother - Anna Illarionovna.

Study and start of service

At first, starting from the age of 7, Mikhail studied science at home. At the age of 12 he was sent to Artillery and engineering noble school where his father taught artillery.

From the first days, the young man showed himself as a capable student and, being a student, was involved in the training of officers. Even at the artillery school, Kutuzov Jr. received the rank of 1st class conductor and even received a salary.

At the beginning of 1761, Kutuzov graduated from school and, on the recommendation of Count Shuvalov, with the rank of ensign engineer, was left with her to teach mathematics to pupils. After 5 months became adjutant wing Reval Governor-General and Prince Holstein-Beksky.

Service at A.V. Suvorov

Already in 1762 he received the rank of captain for good service and was sent to the Astrakhan infantry regiment as a company commander. The regiment was then commanded by himself Alexander Vasilievich Suvorov in the rank of colonel.

The period of Russian-Turkish wars

When in 1768 the Russian-Turkish war began, Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov served in the first army under the command of Field Marshal P.A. Rumyantsev. It was during the war with Turkey that Kutuzov gained invaluable combat experience.

In the first 2 years, he proved himself to be an excellent commander and was awarded the rank prime minister. A year later (1771) Kutuzov became a lieutenant colonel.

Service in the Crimean army

In 1772, because of a joke on Rumyantsev, Mikhail Kutuzov was transferred to the Crimean army. It is to this occasion that the further restraint and prudence of the great commander are attributed.

Battle of Alushta

In July 1774, Haji-Ali-Bey landed in Alushta, but the Turks were not allowed to go deep into the Crimea. July 24, 1774 3,000-strong Russian detachment knocked out the Turkish landing force, which had fortified itself in Alushta and near the village of Shuma.

Kutuzov, who commanded the grenadier battalion of the Moscow Legion, was seriously wounded by a bullet that pierced his left temple and exited near his right eye, but his vision was preserved, contrary to popular belief.

Capture of Ishmael

December 11, 1790, he distinguished himself during the assault and capture of Ishmael, where he commanded the 6th column, which was marching on the attack. After that, he was given the rank lieutenant general.

War of 1805 with Napoleon Bonaparte

In 1804, the Russian Empire became one of the participants anti Napoleonic coalition. Already in 1805, 2 Russian armies were sent to Austria, one of which was commanded by Kutuzov. The number of his troops was about 50 thousand soldiers.

Genius Kutuzov

The army of Mikhail Illarionovich arrived at the battlefield late, when the French had already defeated the Austrians. Saving the troops, Kutuzov in October 1805 made a retreat march 425 km long from Braunau to Olmutz.

At the same time, he defeated I. Murat near Amstetten and E. Mortier near Krems, and also managed to withdraw his troops from the impending threat of encirclement. This march went down in the history of military art as a remarkable example of a strategic maneuver.

In November 1805, the battle of austerlitz, in which Napoleon's army, despite the smaller number of soldiers, defeated the Russian-Austrian troops.

War of 1812

Emperor Alexander I appointed Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov commander of all armies July 29, 1812. He was given a great honor and at the same time, he was entrusted with a great responsibility - to defeat Bonaparte.

His appointment literally raised the morale of the Russian troops. However, Kutuzov avoided a direct confrontation with Napoleon, as he understood the seriousness of the state of affairs.

battle of Borodino

The only battle in the Patriotic War of 1812 took place near the village Borodino. It was the last stronghold of the Russians - behind was Moscow.

For 1 day of the battle, the Russian army inflicted heavy losses on the advancing French troops, but it itself lost about 25-30% of the personnel of the regular troops.

Kutuzov decided to withdraw from the Borodino position, and then, after a meeting in Fili, he left Moscow. Despite this, for the battle of Borodino, he was awarded the title field marshal general.

Napoleon's retreat

Napoleon entered Moscow, but did not feel like a winner. Further exploits of Kutuzov's army forced Bonaparte to start a retreat. Napoleon left along the plundered Smolensk road. His troops were freezing and starving.

Thanks to Kutuzov's strategy and his famous Tarutino maneuver, the huge Napoleonic army was almost completely destroyed.

Death of the Commander-in-Chief

On April 5, 1813, when the Russian army approached the Elbe, the commander-in-chief fell ill with a cold and, with complications, was forced to take bed rest.

April 16, 1813 Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov died in a Prussian town Bunzlau(now Polish territory). His body was embalmed and sent to his homeland - to St. Petersburg.

The name of Field Marshal Mikhail Golenishchev-Kutuzov enjoys well-deserved world fame. Brought up on the best traditions of Russian military art, the foundations of which were laid by Rumyantsev and Kutuzov, in more difficult historical conditions, raised Russian military art to a new, higher level. With the strength of his military talent, his selfless and hard military work, he achieved great successes, won many victories, the glory of which will never fade.

A descendant of an ancient boyar family, a graduate of the Artillery School, Kutuzov distinguished himself for the first time in 1765 and 1769, defeating the Confederate Poles. During the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774. he showed his military talents by participating in the main battles of this war: at the Pockmarked Grave, Larga and Cahul.

In 1774, in a battle with the Crimean Tatars, Kutuzov was wounded in the temple by a bullet that went right through, depriving him of his left eye. He survived after a severe wound and was awarded the Order of St. George 4th degree. From 1776 he served under Suvorov, becoming one of his favorite and most talented students. In 1784, the commander received the rank of major general. During the Russian-Turkish war of 1787-1791, in the battle near Ochakovo, he was again seriously wounded. The bullet entered Kutuzov in the cheek and exited the back of the head. The wound was fatal, but the commander survived, which amazed his doctor, who noted that fate kept Kutuzov for future extraordinary feats.

In 1790, he took part in the assault on Izmail, one of the first to break into the fortress, in 1791 Kutuzov defeated the Turks in Moldova, and soon defeated the Polish rebels of Tadeusz Kosciuszko. Under Paul I, Mikhail Illarionovich was promoted to general from infantry.

In the 19th century Europe entered with the thunder of Napoleon's cannons. In August 1805 M.I. Kutuzov, at the head of the Russian army, moved to Austria, and soon the famous Battle of Austerlitz took place, which ended in the defeat of the Russian and Austrian troops. Before it began, Emperor Alexander I said to Kutuzov: “Why don’t you attack? After all, we are not Tsaritsyn Meadow, where they don’t start the parade until all the regiments arrive. ” Kutuzov replied: “Sire, that’s why I don’t attack because we are not on the Tsaritsyn Meadow.” Nevertheless, Kutuzov had to fulfill the imperial order, which led to the defeat of the Russian-Austrian troops.

Subsequently, Alexander did not like Kutuzov, remembering how he witnessed his commander's disgrace. Nevertheless, in the spring of 1811, the emperor had to appoint Kutuzov to the post of commander-in-chief of the Danube army in a protracted war with Turkey (1806-1812). In October 1811, under his command, Russian troops inflicted a decisive defeat on the Turkish army near Ruschuk, which forced the Ottoman government to start peace negotiations. Kutuzov on May 28, 1812 (a month before Napoleon's invasion) managed to sign a peace treaty in Bucharest, which ensured the neutrality of the Ottoman Empire in the upcoming war. This side of M.I. Kutuzov is remarkable: he showed himself as a subtle diplomat, being in 1793-1795. envoy to the Ottoman Empire. The result of his activities was the signing of an unprecedented Russian-Ottoman treaty, and the Ottoman Empire itself took an active part in the wars of the second anti-French coalition.

The popularity of Kutuzov, who in 1812 was the most senior among the Russian generals, forced Alexander I to sign a decree appointing him commander-in-chief of the Russian army. Kutuzov's task was not only to stop Napoleon's further advance, but also to expel him from Russian borders. He, like his predecessors, adhered to the tactics of retreat, but the army and the whole country expected a decisive battle from him. And Kutuzov gave it near Borodino. Until now, disputes continue about who left the battlefield behind: in Stalin's times it was said that it was a victory for the Russian army, the French always recognized themselves as winners. But, probably, in assessing this battle, Napoleon himself was most accurate: “Of all my battles, the most terrible is the one I fought near Moscow. The French in it showed themselves worthy of victory. And the Russians have gained the glory of being undefeated.”

Kutuzov, having made a difficult decision to leave Moscow, made a skillful Tarutinsky march maneuver. The second most important battle after Borodin took place on October 12, 1812 near Maloyaroslavets. The city changed hands eight times, and although in the end it was occupied by the French, Napoleon was still forced to abandon the movement to the south and turn onto the Old Smolensk road devastated by the war. The retreat of the "Great Army" began.

The expulsion of Napoleon from Russia did not yet mean the complete end of the war. Alexander decided to continue it until the complete destruction of Napoleonic rule in Europe. M.I. opposed this plan. Kutuzov, who believed that the war should end on the Neman River. Europe, in his opinion, should save itself, and the invasion of the Russian army there will bring more benefits not to Russia, but to England. Alexander I managed to convince Kutuzov, but on April 16, 1813, in the small town of Bunzlau, he died. Almost a year after his death, on March 19, 1814, the Russian army entered Paris.