Arakcheyev, Aleksey Andreyevich

Arakcheyev, Aleksey Andreyevich (uliksyā' undrā'yuvich äräkchā'yef) [key], 1769–1834, Russian general, adviser to Czar Alexander I. An exacting officer, he helped organize the bodyguard of Czar Paul I, who made him a count and gave him high offices. Under Alexander I he was made (1808) minister of war and was one of the czar's most powerful advisers. He virtually ruled Russia during Alexander's frequent trips abroad. Although a martinet and cruel, he was an efficient administrator and made valuable military reforms.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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