A notable historical figure, Mikhail Shuisky, had a short but interesting life. He is a real hero of the Time of Troubles and an outstanding military man, thanks to whom the Bolotnikov uprisings were suppressed, and also some of the victories were won in the battles against the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
Childhood and adolescence of Mikhail Shuisky
He was born on November 8, 1586 (old style) into a boyar family of a prominent military official Vasily Fedorovich Skopin-Shuisky. Mikhail's mother is Princess Elena Petrovna, nee Tatev. The upbringing and education of her son was completely entrusted to the princess, who was left early without a husband, who became a direct participant in the palace intrigues that broke out for the Russian throne during the Time of Troubles. In his early youth he was ordained to the steward of Boris Godunov, and, a little later, with the "light" hand of False Dmitry I, he became a great swordsman, who was entrusted with delivering Queen Martha to the capital. When his uncle, Vasily Shuisky, headed the throne, the promising young man was brought closer to the court.
The exploits of the commander Shuisky
It is interesting that in such a short but eventful life, Mikhail Shuisky managed to see several tsars on the Russian throne, the last of whom was his relative, the famous Vasily Shuisky.
At the age of 18-19, Mikhail attracted everyone's attention, thanks to the victory over Bolotnikov. The first victory was won on the Pakhra River. This battle saved the position of the incumbent king. Mikhail did what was beyond the control of several boyars who had previously fought the rebels. Mikhail Vasilyevich was able to consolidate his military successes during the second victory over the Bolotnikov rebels in Tula.
Then it was the turn of Hetman Sapieha, who was active in the North of the state. For this Skopin-Shuisky had to hire the Swedish military. They were promised a decent salary and part of the Russian lands, which caused indignation from a number of courtiers. According to historians, the Swedes found an excellent moment to "stick their nose" into the internal affairs of Russia, because the Swedish king has already sent messengers three times with an offer to provide military support in the fight against the rebels. Of course, the signing of the decree on cooperation with the Swedes was carried out with the permission of Vasily Shuisky, who was sitting on the throne.
Mikhail went to Novgorod, where, on behalf of the tsar, he signed an agreement in which the Korela fortress and one of the counties were promised to the Swedes. In 1609, Mikhail Skopin-Shuisky, enlisting the support of the Swedes, saved the Russian "throne" in the north of the country, beating the enemy in Tula, Oreshka, Tver, Torzhok and Trinity Lavra.
It was believed that such an agreement was unequal, since the Swedes did not really try in battles, and, at the same time, were seriously aimed at destroying the territorial integrity of Russia.
However, the enemy was successfully beaten. Subsequently, the commander faced a problem - there was practically nothing to pay the Swedish mercenaries, besides, he needed to train the army. As a result of the victories won, Mikhail was twice offered to take the Russian throne, but he rejected this offer, becoming a simple national hero, a savior. Moscow joyfully greeted Mikhail as a winner.
The victories of the young commander, despite all the obstacles, in the form of a lack of funds to pay for the services of Swedish mercenaries, aroused wild envy among his relatives and nobility at the royal court. Dmitry Ivanovich Shuisky had to concede to his nephew Mikhail, who was greeted with royal honors in the capital after a series of military victories, control of the Moscow army, equipped for the battle of Smolensk. The personality of the brave Mikhail became a “bone in the throat,” even for the tsar, who was afraid of the people's love for his nephew. In this regard, the "good" relatives, as well as the boyar nobility, entered into a conspiracy and decided to poison Mikhail at one of the royal feasts.
The successes of the young governor were a real shock for the boyars. Each of them would like to be in the place of Mikhail, who was distinguished by an unusual mindset and the ability to think strategically. He was handsome, successful, and enjoyed great popular love. And even the tsar was jealous of his governor, knowing that Michael was twice asked to take the throne on which he himself sat. This is a competitor for the king and his entourage, with great influence and respect from the military.
Personal life
Shuisky was married. His chosen one was Alexandra Vasilievna Golovina - the daughter of a roundabout. Their common child "died" in infancy. And after the death of Mikhail, Alexander, as well as her mother-in-law, became nuns of the Intercession Monastery.
Death of the people's favorite
Rumors that Mikhail wanted to become a monarch were intentionally disbanded, and all the time they did not give rest to the reigning Vasily Shuisky. But the most evil hater was the tsar's brother, Dmitry. Mikhail's friend, the Swede, Jacob De la Gardie, felt the hatred of the Russian boyars for Mikhail Skopin Shuisky, so he repeatedly warned his friend about the danger. Jacob also persuaded Mikhail to start an anti-Polish campaign as soon as possible. However, Mikhail was in no hurry to make a decision. He had no idea that his murder had already been planned.
Once Michael was offered to baptize the son of one of the princes. He was supposed to become the godfather, the wife of Dmitry Shuisky, Ekaterina, who was the daughter of Malyuta Skuratov - the godmother. Catherine brought a poisoned glass of wine to Mikhail. The battle-hardened and physically developed young organism could not cope with the power of the poison. Mikhail Shuisky died two weeks after poisoning. Mikhail's relatives did not understand that with his hands it was possible to save the Shuisky dynasty and strengthen them on the throne. They were mad with jealousy for the glory of a young and talented military man, and were also afraid that the people would put him on the throne themselves, with the support of the Moscow army. And, no matter how Michael refuted the gossip, the tsar surrendered under the influence of the boyars. The fate of Shuisky, unfortunately, was doomed to a martyr's death, which overtook him on April 23, 1610.
According to his contemporaries, Mikhail Vasilyevich Skopin-Shuisky was a great man, with a wisdom, fortitude, cordiality, and knowledge of the art of war that was unusual for his age. He was also considered a successful diplomat.
