Arakcheyev, Aleksey Andreyevich

(əlĭksyā´ əndrā´yəvĭch äräkchā´yĕf), 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.