Dmitry Lobanov-Rostovsky – the Treaty of Tilsit author

Introduction. In Russian historical science, a steady consensus has been established regarding the biography of Prince Dmitry I. Lobanov-Rostovsky. The article is dedicated to him - the hero of the Crimean battles and the Russian-Turkish war of 1787-1792, an outstanding peacemaker who made an enormous contribution to the conclusion of the Peace of Tilsit, who did much to strengthen the western borders of Russia and the formation of the country’s military reserve in 1812, the commander of the Russian reserve army in 1813. For 10 years he truly was the “Eye of the Emperor” serving as Minister of Justice and Prosecutor General. He was lucky to be a witness to the defeat and flight of Napoleon’s troops outside Russia.

Materials and methods. The methodological background of the present research is based on general scientific and specific methods of research into historical and juridical phenomena and processes, as we as system-based comparative statistical analysis.

Results of the research. It is revealed and reasonably proved that after the Russian army was defeated in June 1807 near Friedland Alexander I made the right decision to negotiate for truce with Napoleon charging Lobanov-Rostovsky with an assignment to hold the negotiation, who carried out the emperor’s commission brilliantly. The peace was concluded in Tilsit. At that time both Alexander I and Lobanov-Rostovsky realized that a war with France was inevitable. The conclusion of the peace in Tilsit enabled Russia to secure the western frontiers, to prepare the army, to increase its numerical strength and to improve its combat readiness.

Discussion and conclusions. The results of the conducted research show as follows: all the activities and the life of Dmitry I. Lobanov-Rostovsky were dedicated to the selfless service to Russia. Whatever posts he held, his activity was based on faith in his people, on the desire to sincerely serve his country.

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