Analyzing the causes of the Caucasus wars that occurred after the collapse of the USSR, should take into account their historical background and experience in resolving armed conflicts, accumulated in the previous century.Special attention should be paid General Yermolov.
Chechnya, where he arrived in 1818, was a territory of almost uncontrollable empire.Villainy and looting were there the usual way of earning a living, and that, in turn, are the cause.Soils were not agricultural values, customs mountaineers differed cruelty and savagery.These criminals came from other lands and hospitably received.
Word that General Yermolov spoke about Chechens, may today seem insulting representatives of the people.Methods of restoring order and the rule of law in our days are represented inapplicable by virtue of their extreme brutality.However, in assessing this outstanding personality to consider many aspects of how foreign policy and history.
Lifestyle, which was formed in Chechnya at the beginning of the XIX century, does not augur well for the possibility of its peaceful coexistence with states which acted however whatsoever civilized legislation.The southern border of the Russian Empire was under constant threat from Persia and Turkey in the first place.The presence of the territories in which flourished robbery concern Alexander I, however, must be assumed that in the case of their capture southern neighbors, they will inevitably be faced with the need to put things in their order, and most likely, more violent ways.
What opinion could be General Yermolov about the Chechens?In his letter to Alexander I, he calls them "Squalor" and the land they inhabit, defines as a "nest of robbers."At the same time, assumed the duties of managing the province, the military general bothered to study the customs and manners of the people, which had to fight.The result of this research was to understand the structure and management of enemy decision-making mechanism, which was later very important.
what he had learned about the Chechens, General Yermolov, allowed him to conclude negotiations inappropriate.Any concessions ransom for hostages and any goodwill gestures are completely useless, moreover, they were harmful, as perceived only as a sign of weakness.The answer was the hostage-taking of local spiritual leaders and ultimatum to lay down their weapons.Several demonstration killings, followed by mutual cruel bloodshed, have shown that the general's words with deeds.
With all the hatred that experienced mountaineers to Yermolov (and his name even frightened children), he enjoyed them a certain prestige and respect.In 1825, General Greco (which the poet and diplomat Alexander Griboyedov called "robber") their senseless brutality sparked the rebellion.I was only able to put down the rebellion, General Yermolov.About the Chechens, he knew enough to understand their national psychology, which allowed him to alternate with the rigidity of generosity, and it is appreciated mountaineers.Much has been done to them to educate the local population, for introducing cultural practices of everyday life and relationships.
Was bloody colonizer General Yermolov?Quotes nadergat of his letters do not give a fair presentation of the relation with the local community.Suffice it to mention that his three sons born to women-Circassian, were in addition to the Christian, and Muslim names (Bakhtiar, Allyahar and Omar).Recognizing the bravery of the Chechens and their fighting qualities, he did much to bring the Mountaineers to the service of the Tsar.
Ultimately, it is a tough policy in the Caucasus, paradoxically, created the conditions for the survival of entire nations.They also set obstacles to suicide customs blood feud and strife, for a long time, the war stopped.
first with whom wanted to see in St. Petersburg Shamil captive was General Yermolov.
