Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov

Knyaz Mikhail Illarionovich Golenishchev-Kutuzov ({{lang-ru|????? ??????? ????????????? ??????????-????????}}) (September 16, 1745 ? April 28, 1813 (n.s.), or 5th September 1745 - 16th April 1813 (o.s.)) was the Russian Field Marshal popularly credited with saving his country from Napoleon's invasion.

Napoleonic wars in Europe

In 1805 he commanded the Russian corps which opposed Napoleon's advance on Vienna, and won the hard-fought action of Dürrenstein on 11 November 1805.

Related Topics:
1805 - Napoleon - Vienna - Dürrenstein - 11 November

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On the eve of Austerlitz Kutuzov tried to prevent the Allied generals from fighting a battle, and, being overruled by the Austrians, took so little interest in the event that he fell asleep during the reading of the orders. He was, however, present at the battle itself (2 December 1805), and was wounded. From 1806 to 1811 Kutuzov served as governor-general of Lithuania and Kiev. He was then put in charge of the Russian army operating against the Turks. Understanding that his armies would be needed badly in the upcoming fight with the French, he hastily concluded the propitious Treaty of Bucharest, which stipulated for incorporation of Bessarabia into the Russian Empire. For this success he was made a knyaz (prince).

Related Topics:
Austerlitz - 2 December - 1805 - 1806 - 1811 - Lithuania - Kiev - Treaty of Bucharest - Bessarabia - Russian Empire - Knyaz - Prince

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