How many were the generalissimo in the world: we study history

The Generalissimo is the most honorable military rank. He was awarded only outstanding people who significantly influenced the course of history, won the most important for their peoples battles, were brilliant tactics. Naturally, such exceptional personalities can not be many, even for the entire long history of mankind. About those who rose to the Generalissimo, as well as the current status of this title read below.

Interpretation of the term "generalissimo"

The title "Generalissimo" is the peak of a military career. He was awarded for outstanding services to his native country, for victory in key battles. At the same time the military had to command one or several allied armies and take tactically successful actions. Of particular importance was the title in the twentieth century, when mankind, one after another, was shaken by two world wars.

From the Latin language "Generalissimo" is translated as "the chief in the army." In the history of the military operations there was no higher rank. For the first time it was appropriated in the far XVI century, to be exact - in 1569.

All the generalissimo of the world - outstanding leaders, brilliant tactics and virtuoso strategists. However, among those who were given this title, there are contradictory figures.

The number of generalissimo in the world

How many were the generalissimo in the world? To date, their number is 77. Among them are nine French soldiers, six Austrian commanders, two German. The history also includes five Russian generalissimo.

However, this is only official data. How many were the generalissimo in the world, really worthy of this title? They are much less than 77. This is due to the fact that the title was appropriated not only for outstanding military services. He was honored by many representatives of royal families, as well as their approximate as an encouragement. In this case, the "Generalissimo" was nothing more than an honorary title, which does not reflect the real state of affairs and has anything to do with the army.

The First Generalissimo

Not so important as there were generalissimo in the world, most importantly - which of them became the first person to deserve this title. In the second half of the 16th century, namely in 1569, the French King Charles IX awarded this title to his brother, who later became the next head of state, Henry III. This is just the case when the title was conferred on the highest will of the monarch, and not for military merit, which simply was not due to the age of the king's cousin.

Many generalissimo world, as already mentioned above, also received this title as a sign of favor of the monarch's person. In some states, the title was appropriated for life. In others - only for the duration of military operations. In peacetime, the former commanders-in-chief had no privileges, for example, the supreme army rank.

Generalissimo of Russia

The list of generalissimo of our country is not great at all. The first person to receive this highest title was Voevoda Alexander Shein, who distinguished himself in the second Azov campaign. For his services to the Fatherland, the Russian Emperor Peter I officially awarded him this title.

There were also cases where the title was first appropriated and then taken away, if a person fell into disfavor. This is what happened with Alexander Menshikov, who was listed as Generalissimo for only a few months. A similar situation was with the father of John VI, the Russian emperor. The son granted his father a higher military rank as an honorary title. After the overthrow of John VI, his parent was demoted.

Not so important as there were generalissimo in the world. It is important that the representative of our country is, perhaps, the greatest of them. It's about Alexander Suvorov, famous for his victories over the Turkish armies. But his main achievement is the Italian campaign, during which the commander showed miracles of strategy and tactics.

Joseph Stalin

Approximately two months after the victory of the Soviet Union in the Great Patriotic War, the highest military rank was introduced on the territory of the country. It is not hard to guess who was the first and only during the existence of the USSR to receive it. It was the leader of the state Joseph Stalin. The awarding of the honorary title was approved by a group of commanders who commanded the Allied armies, as well as members of the Politburo.

Thus, Generalissimo Stalin was added to the list of holders of higher military ranks. It is worth noting that the head of the USSR became the first in the modern history of our country commander in chief since Suvorov, who received this title. The leader of the Soviet Union was also awarded the second Order of Victory.

Current status of the title

It is difficult to overestimate the role of each historical person, who was awarded a higher military rank. To date, the title "generalissimo" in Russia does not exist. It was abolished together with many other titles of the USSR. Thus, Generalissimo Stalin was the last person in our country to be awarded the highest military rank.

This title was often associated with features of the personality cult of the person to whom it was assigned. This is one of the reasons why this military title was abolished in many countries. In modern history, all without exception, the Generalissimo were also heads of state. And, all were inclined to dictatorship. That is why many historians have doubts about the military merits of some generalissimo.