Generalissimo - is the highest title that can receive the military.A special feature is that often it is given not just for seniority or leadership shown and for special achievements before the Motherland.First of all, this statement is typical of the XX century, when it received the title of literally a handful of people around the globe.Special qualities, not every available military differed substantially all of the generalissimo.List of the most famous of them will be discussed in this review.
Background
term "generalissimo" is translated from Latin as "the most important in the army."And indeed, for the entire period of human civilization has never been a higher military rank.
the first time gave the highest rank in 1569, King Charles IX of France, his brother, and later his successor in the throne and became known to the world under the name of Henry III.However, then it was probably not the title, and the honorary title.And the young man of eighteen, whom was Henry could hardly have the time serious differences on the battlefields.
Further, this title is awarded in different countries, often without any systematization was.In some cases, it was really the highest military post, and in others - just the title, some States have appropriated the rank of life, and others - only during the conduct of hostilities.So it's not the end of the Middle Ages Generalissimo were linked to the army.
One of the most famous generalissimos this period was the great general of the Holy Roman Empire, Albrecht von Wallenstein, who became famous during the Thirty Years War (1618 - 1648.).
And what in Russia?
rank of generalissimo in Russia for the first time officially assigned to governor Alexander Sergeyevich Shein Tsar Peter I in 1696 after the second Azov campaign.
then it has been awarded the honorary title of the Duke of Alexander Danilovich Menshikov.However, he stayed there only a few months and then was stripped of his rank, fell out of favor.Not for much longer had the rank of generalissimo father Emperor John VI Russian Anton Ulrich, namely until the overthrow of his son.It was followed in 1741.
But the most famous owner of the title of generalissimo in Russia was the greatest military leader, has repeatedly triumphed over the Turks and the French, Alexander Suvorov (1730 - 1800.).His famous Italian campaign went almost all the books on military strategy.Probably, the number of his victories would have envied all the generalissimo of the world.The list of achievements is truly impressive Suvorov.
Generalissimo XIX century
XIX century gave a galaxy of remarkable people awarded this title.Almost all of Generalissimo of the period were major generals.The exception is unless the Duke of Angouleme, Louis, nominally even had time to twenty minutes to visit the King of France.
rest were all generals, proved to be a worthy world generalissimo.List them crowned winner of the famous Bonaparte - British Duke of Wellington Arthur Wellesley.In addition, this title got such famous generals, as the Austrian Archduke Charles, Generalissimo of America Miguel Hidalgo, Prince Carl Philipp zu Schwarzenberg, General Napoleon Jean-Baptiste Jules Bernadotte, was awarded the highest military rank as King Carl XIV Johan, the Bavarian Prince Carl PhilipBackground Verde.
But in the Russian Empire, in spite of the large number of deserving generals, no one in the XIX century, was awarded the title of Generalissimo.
great generalissimo of the last century
twentieth century brought two major global conflicts and many local wars.This led to the militarization of many countries, which often have supreme leader held civil and military posts at the same time.Almost all of the Generalissimo of the 20th century were the heads of state.These include such prominent figures as the head of the Soviet Union, Joseph Stalin, president of the Republic of China Chiang Kai-shek, the Spanish dictator Francisco Franco, head of the DPRK, Kim Il Sung, and others.Let's look at their biographies, to learn more than lived and what they were doing great generalissimo world.Photos and biographies of prominent people listed below.
Sun Yat-sen - the first generalissimo of the XX century
Sun Yat-sen (1866 - 1925). - Statesman, revolutionary and leader of the Republic of China.He was awarded this important title before other Generalissimo world of the 20th century.
It stood at Sun Yat-sen founded the revolutionary Chinese Kuomintang.During the struggle for power after the revolution that toppled the monarchy in China, in the south of the country the government was formed.Sun Yat-sen was in him the top job - Generalissimo of the Military Government of Nationalist China.
Until the end of his life he fought for the unification of the country in a single democratic state, but his death in 1925 prevented this case.
Chiang Kai-shek - President of the Republic of China
Perhaps the most famous Chinese Generalissimo of the XX century was the Chiang Kai-shek (1887 - 1975 gg.).
this great military leader and political figure in 1933 stood at the helm of the Kuomintang, which actually ran more soon after the death of Sun Yat-sen.It was he who insisted on the beginning of the Northern Expedition in 1926, which will significantly expand the boundaries of the Republic of China during the civil war.In 1928, Chiang Kai-shek became head of government.
In 1931 began the Japanese intervention in Manchuria, and in 1927 broke open war, in which Chiang Kai-shek took an active part.At the same time he was awarded the title of Generalissimo.After the victory of the Allied forces over Japan during World War II China's civil war broke out between supporters of the Kuomintang and the Communists led by Mao Zedong.Chiang Kai-shek led his army was defeated and had to retreat to Taiwan.There's Kuomintang government was formed Republic of China.Chiang Kai-shek remained president of the partially recognized state until his death in 1975.
Joseph Stalin - leader of the Soviet Union
Joseph Stalin (Dzhugashvili) (1878 - 1953). - An outstanding politician, head of the Soviet Union.It was during his reign the Soviet Union comes at a price got a great victory over Nazi Germany.For this he was awarded the title of Generalissimo.This was the first time in the country's history since the days of Suvorov.
Following the victory of the October Revolution, Stalin was in the top management of the young state.After Lenin's death, he has gained the upper hand in the power struggle in the second half of the 20s was actually the sole leader of the Soviet Union.
policies pursued by Stalin caused a lot of conflicting opinions among historians because of its stiffness, and sometimes - violence, mass repressions.And, nevertheless, it managed to achieve significant results, since the USSR collapsed with the country after the civil war economy rapidly transformed into an industrial power.
Stalin and the Great Patriotic War
Immediately after the surprise attack of Germany on the territory of the USSR, it became clear that the Soviet army approached for battle unprepared.The soldiers of the Reich rapidly advancing, and our troops retreated inland, bringing enormous human losses.Wines unprepared army largely rests on Stalin.
Still, the cost of incredible efforts of the Red Army was able to turn the tide of World War II, throw back the enemy beyond the borders of the country, and then take Berlin.
This was also a significant achievement of Joseph Stalin as head of state and supreme commander.Despite the failures of the first months of the war, he managed to take control of the situation and choose the right strategic decision to organize the defense.For these achievements, Stalin was awarded the highest military rank - Generalissimo.This rank is assigned to it by the Supreme Council of the USSR in June 1945.Military rank, he skillfully combined with the activities of the leader of the state, for that matter, at the time, and other Generalissimo of the world.List of awarded this high rank in our country covers just Joseph Stalin.
Francisco Franco - Spanish dictator Francisco Franco
(1892 - 1975 gg.) - One of the most controversial figures in modern history.But, nevertheless, his actions allowed him to become known as much more of Generalissimo of the world.The list of achievements of Franco wide enough and includes both actions directed certainly to the benefit of Spain and questionable decisions.
world famous caudillo, as it came to dignify after coming to power, acquired by organizing in 1936 a military coup in Spain.Then he received the title of Generalissimo.Victory in the Civil War the Republicans, supported by Nazi Germany and fascist Italy, he became virtually the sole ruler of Spain, to establish an authoritarian regime in the country.
After the start of World War II, Franco was on the side of its allies, and tried to keep the neutrality, which, as history has shown, it was a very wise decision.This allowed him to retain power and since 1945.In fact, he ruled Spain until his death in 1975, handing over control of state King Juan Carlos I.
Thus, in the XX century Franco stayed in power for more than all the world generalissimo.In total he ruled, combining the highest state and military positions, 36 years old.
Kim Il Sung - the founder of the DPRK
Kim Il Sung (1912 - 1994). - The first leader and founder of the DPRK.Spent time is it in the highest military rank in the 20th century, less than all of Generalissimo of the world - just over two years.
Kim Il Sung was born in Korea in 1912.His biography is still a lot of controversy, although a certain mystery had enveloped almost all of Generalissimo of the world.Names in the course of his revolutionary activities, Kim Il Sung changed often, though by birth he was Kim Song Ju.
In 1945, Kim Il Sung became the chairman of the Communist Party of Korea, and from next year - the head of the new state of the Korean People's Democratic Republic.In 50 years of brutal war broke out with South Korea, supported by the United States.But, in fact, the fighting did not bring anyone tangible advantage.The war ended without a clear winner.
After that, Kim Il Sung focused on domestic affairs.His regime was wearing bright features of authoritarianism and personality cult.In 1992, two years before his death, Kim Il Sung was awarded the title of Generalissimo.
Generalissimo historical role
historical role almost every prominent person who had the highest military rank, it is difficult to overestimate.The greatest contribution to the history made almost all of Generalissimo of the world.The list of victories and achievements found in any textbook on history.And the memory of them is passed from mouth to mouth.
And this is not surprising, because the glory of military achievements and government itself is a monument to such famous historical figures as generalissimo of the world.Names Suvorov, Wallenstein, Menshikov, Sun Yat-sen, Stalin, Kim Il Sung, and other well-known figures will forever remain a part of history.
