To the 226th Anniversary of Alexander Gorchakov's Birth
On June 15, 1798, the distinguished Russian diplomat and statesman Alexander Gorchakov was born in Hapsal, in the Governorate of Estonia (now Haapsalu, Estonia).
Gorchakov is one of the most iconic figures in the 19th-century Russian and European political history. Largely due to his efforts, Russia was able to regain its positions lost after the defeat in the Crimean War and rejoin the ranks of the great powers.
Of noble origin and endowed with extraordinary abilities, the young prince was among the first students of the Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum. Gorchakov’s most notable classmate was poet Alexander Pushkin, who frequently praised his personal qualities.
Gorchakov embarked on his career at the age of 19, entering the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a titular adviser. In 1824, he was appointed first secretary at the embassy in London, followed by postings in Rome three years later, and subsequent service at the embassies in Berlin, Florence, and Vienna.
Upon assuming leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1856, Gorchakov aimed to restore Russia’s international standing by reclaiming control over the Black Sea and Bessarabia “without spending a single rouble or shedding a drop of Russian blood.”
Gorchakov’s diplomatic acumen prevented Austria from joining the Franco-Prussian War, thereby ensuring Prussia’s decisive victory. With the support of this emerging empire, whose influence had grown considerably, Russia declared its non-compliance with the demands of the Paris Congress unopposed by other European powers. The 1871 Treaty of London ultimately restored Russia’s right to the Black Sea Fleet.
Gorchakov dedicated 65 years to his diplomatic career, serving as head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for 26 consecutive years. During this time, not only did he restore Russia’s international standing but also significantly reformed the diplomatic service, having streamlined it to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
In recognition of his contributions, Alexander Gorchakov received the highest honours, including the title of His Serene Highness Prince and the rank of State Chancellor. Interestingly, Gorchakov is remembered in history as the final chancellor of the Russian Empire. Following his passing, the position remained vacant for an extended period before being ultimately abolished.
“Russia is not angry, Russia is concentrating” – this famous phrase is attributed to Gorchakov. Thanks to his efforts, favourable conditions were established for implementing reforms that facilitated Russia’s economic breakthrough in the last third of the 19th century.
#ThisIsInteresting: Gorchakov and Pushkin were not close friends, but historical records indicate that in 1825, the diplomat visited his lyceum companion in exile. Alexander Pushkin, in return, dedicated several poems to the future Minister of Foreign Affairs. Interestingly, after Gorchakov’s passing, a previously undiscovered lyceum poem by Pushkin titled Monk was found among his papers.