All the generalissimo of the world: list and photos

The Generalissimo is the highest rank that a soldier can get. The peculiarity is that it is often given not just for long service or skillful leadership, but for special achievements before the Motherland. First of all, this statement is typical for the XX century, when this title was literally received by individuals around the globe. Almost all generalissimo were distinguished by special qualities not available to every military man. The list of the most famous of them we will consider in this review.

Historical reference

The term "Generalissimo" in Latin is translated as "the most important in the army." Indeed, during the entire period of the existence of human civilization there has never been a higher military rank.

For the first time this high rank was conferred in 1569 by King Charles IX of France to his brother, who later replaced him on the throne and became known to the world under the name of Henry III. However, then it was rather not a title, but an honorary title. And the eighteen-year-old boy, who was Henry, could hardly have distinguished himself by that time on the battlefields.

Further, this title was appropriated in various countries, often without any sort of systematization. In some cases, it was really the highest military post, and in others - just a title, some states appropriated this rank for life, and others - only for the duration of military operations. So not all the Generalissimo of the late Middle Ages were connected with the army.

One of the most famous generalissimo of this period was the great commander of the Holy Roman Empire, Albrecht von Wallenstein, famous during the Thirty Years' War (1618 - 1648).

And what about Russia?

In Russia, the rank of generalissimo was first officially conferred to Governor Alexander Sergeevich Shein by Tsar Peter I in 1696 after the second Azov campaign.

Then this honorary title was awarded to the Duke Alexander Danilovich Menshikov. True, he stayed there for only a few months, and then was deprived of rank, falling into disgrace. Not much longer was the title of generalissimo father of the emperor of Russian John VI Anton Ulrich, namely, before the overthrow of his son. It followed in 1741.

But the most famous possessor of the title of Generalissimo in Russia was the greatest commander who had repeatedly defeated the Turks and Frenchmen, Alexander Suvorov (1730 - 1800). His famous Italian campaign was included in virtually all textbooks on military strategy. Probably, the number of his victories would be envied by all the generalissimo of the world. The list of achievements of Suvorov is really impressive.

Generalissimo of the XIX century

The nineteenth century gave a pleiad of remarkable people who were awarded this title. Almost all Generalissimo of this period were major commanders. The exception is unless the Duke of Angouleme, Louis, nominally even twenty minutes to visit the king of France.

The rest were generals who showed themselves as worthy of the generalissimo of the world. The list is crowned by the famous winner of Bonaparte - the British Duke Arthur Wellesley Wellington. In addition, this rank was given to such famous commanders as the Austrian Archduke Charles, the generalissimo of America Miguel Hidalgo, the prince Charles Philippe zu Schwarzenberg, the general of Napoleon Jean-Baptiste Jules Bernadotte, who received the highest military rank as King of Sweden Carl XIV Johan, Bavarian prince Carl Philipp Von Verde.

But in the Russian Empire, despite the large number of worthy generals, no one in the XIX century was awarded the title of generalissimo.

Great Generalissimo of the last century

The twentieth century brought two major global conflicts and many local wars. This led to the militarization of many countries in the world, in which often the supreme leader occupied a civilian and military position at the same time. Almost all Generalissimo of the 20th century were heads of state. Among them are such prominent figures as the leader of the Soviet Union Joseph Stalin, the President of the Republic of China Chiang Kai-shek, the dictator of Spain Francisco Franco, the head of the DPRK Kim Il Sung and others. Let's look at their biographies, learn more about what the great generalissimo of the world lived and did. Photos and biographies of these outstanding people are presented below.

Sun Yatsen - the first Generalissimo of the 20th century

Sun Yatsen (1866 - 1925) - statesman, revolutionary and leader of the Republic of China. He was awarded this important title before the other generalissimo of the world of the 20th century.

It was Sun Yatsen who stood at the foundations of the revolutionary Chinese Kuomintang party. In the course of the struggle for power after the revolution, which overthrew the monarchy in the Celestial Empire, a government was formed in the south of the country. Sun Yat-sen received in him the highest position - 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

Probably the most famous Chinese Generalissimo of the 20th century was Chiang Kai-shek (1887-1975).

This great commander and politician in 1933 became the leader of the Kuomintang party, which in fact was in charge immediately after the death of Sun Yat-sen. It was he who insisted on the beginning of the Northern campaign in 1926, which allowed to significantly expand the borders of the Republic of China during the civil war. In 1928, Chiang Kai-shek became the head of the government.

In 1931, the Japanese intervention in Manchuria began, and in 1927 an open war broke out, in which Chiang Kai-shek took an active part. Then he was awarded the title of generalissimo. After the victory of the Allied forces over Japan during the Second World War in China, a civil war broke out between the supporters of the Kuomintang and the Communists, led by Mao Zedong. Chiang Kai-shek was defeated at the head of his troops and had to retreat to Taiwan. There, the government of the Republic of China was formed by the Kuomintang. Chiang Kai-shek remained president of this partially recognized state until his death in 1975.

Joseph Stalin is the leader of the Soviet Union

Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin (Dzhugashvili) (1878 - 1953 gg.) - Outstanding political figure, leader of the USSR. It was during his reign that the Soviet Union obtained the great victory over fascist Germany that had come at a high price. For this he was awarded the title of generalissimo. This happened for the first time in the domestic history since the time of Suvorov.

Following the victory of the October Revolution, Stalin fell into the highest leadership of the young state. After Lenin's death, he gained the upper hand in the struggle for power and in the second half of the 1920s he became actually the sole leader of the Soviet Union.

The policy pursued by Stalin aroused many conflicting opinions among historians because of their rigidity, and sometimes - cruelty, mass repression. And, nevertheless, a significant result was achieved, as the USSR from a country with a collapsed economy after the civil war was rapidly becoming an industrial power.

Stalin and the Great Patriotic War

Immediately after Germany's sudden attack on the territory of the USSR, it became clear that the Soviet army had approached the fighting unprepared. The soldiers of the Reich were advancing swiftly, and our troops retreated deep into the country, bearing huge human losses. The fault in the army's unpreparedness lies largely with Stalin.

But still, at the cost of the incredible efforts of the Red Army, it was possible to reverse the course of the Great Patriotic War, to push the enemy out of the country's borders, and then to take Berlin.

This, too, was a significant contribution of Joseph Stalin as head of state and supreme commander-in-chief. Despite the setbacks of the first months of the war, he managed to take control of the situation and choose a strategically correct decision in the organization of defense. For these services, Stalin was awarded the highest military rank - generalissimo. This rank was conferred upon him by the decision of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR in June 1945. He skillfully combined military rank with the activities of the state leader, as, however, at that time other generalissimo of the world. The list of people awarded this high rank in our country is closed just by Joseph Stalin.

Francisco Franco - dictator of Spain

Francisco Franco (1892 - 1975) - one of the most controversial figures in modern history. But, nevertheless, his actions allowed him to become known no less than other generalissimo of the world. The list of Franco's accomplishments is wide enough, and includes both actions aimed, undoubtedly, for the benefit of Spain, and dubious decisions.

World fame Caudillo, as he began to be praised after coming to power, acquired, having organized in 1936 in Spain a military coup. Then he received the rank of Generalissimo. Having won the Republicans' civil war, with the support of Hitler's Germany and fascist Italy, he became in fact the only ruler of Spain, establishing an authoritarian regime in the country.

After the outbreak of World War II, Franco did not stand on the side of his allies, but tried to keep neutrality, which, as history showed, was a very wise decision. This allowed him to retain power even after 1945. In fact, he ruled Spain until his death in 1975, transferring state control to King Juan Carlos I.

Thus, in the twentieth century, Franco was in power more than all the generalissimo of the world. In total, he ruled, combining the highest state and military positions, 36 years.

Kim Il Sung is the founder of the DPRK

Kim Il Sung (1912 - 1994) - the first leader and founder of the DPRK. He spent time in a higher military rank in the 20th century less than all the generalissimo of the world - just over two years.

Kim Il Sung was born in Korea in 1912. His biography still causes a lot of controversy, although almost all the generalissimo of the world have been shrouded in mystery. Names in the course of his revolutionary activities Kim Il Sung changed frequently, although by birth he was Kim Song Zhu.

In 1945, Kim Il Sung became 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 the 50's a violent war broke out with South Korea, which was supported by the United States. But, in fact, the fighting did not bring anyone a noticeable advantage. The war ended without a clear winner.

After that, Kim Il Sung focused on domestic affairs. His regime bore bright features of authoritarianism and the cult of personality. In 1992, two years before his death, Kim Il Sung was awarded the rank of Generalissimo.

Generalissimo: the historical role

It is difficult to overestimate the historical role of almost every eminent person who possessed the highest military rank. The greatest contribution to history was made by almost all the generalissimo of the world. A list of their victories and achievements is contained in any history textbook. And the memory of them is passed from mouth to mouth.

And this is not surprising, because the glory of military and state accomplishments in itself is a monument for such outstanding historical figures as the generalissimo of the world. The names of Suvorov, Wallenstein, Menshikov, Sun Yatsen, Stalin, Kim Il Sung and other famous figures will forever remain the property of history.