Bestuzhev-ryumin, Aleksey Petrovich, Count

Related Category: Russian, Soviet, and CIS History: Biographies

(əlyĭksyā´ pētrô´vĭch byĭst´zhĕv-rē´myĭn), 1693–1766, Russian statesman. With the accession (1741) of Czarina Elizabeth, he was appointed vice chancellor and (1744) grand chancellor. Directing Russian foreign policy, he attempted to unite Russia, Austria, Great Britain, and Saxony against France and Prussia, which he viewed as Russia's natural enemies. Alliances were sealed with Great Britain (1742, 1747) and Austria (1746). The Anglo-Prussian alliance of Jan., 1756, and the outbreak of the Seven Years War that summer virtually nullified Bestuzhev-Ryumin's efforts. Over his strenuous objections, Russia joined (1757) a counteralliance with France and Austria. Removed (1758) from office and banished to his estate, he was recalled (1762) by Catherine II, who made him a field marshal.