Pyotr Stolypin

Pyotr Stolypin - Russian statesman, Secretary of State of His Imperial Majesty (1908), Acting State Councilor (1904), Chamberlain (1906). Grodno (1902-1903) and Saratov (1903-1906) governor, minister of the interior and chairman of the Council of Ministers (1906-1911), member of the State Council (1907-1911).

In Russian history at the beginning of the 20th century, he is known primarily as a reformer and statesman who played a significant role in the suppression of the revolution of 1905-1907. In April 1906, Emperor Nicholas II offered Stolypin the post of Minister of the Interior of Russia. Shortly thereafter, the government was dissolved along with the State Duma of the 1st convocation, and Stolypin was appointed chairman of the Council of Ministers.

In his new position, which he held until his death, Stolypin passed a number of bills that went down in history as the Stolypin agrarian reform, the main content of which was the introduction of private peasant land ownership. The law on courts-martial adopted by the government increased the penalties for serious crimes. Subsequently, Stolypin was sharply criticized for the rigidity of the measures taken. Among other activities of Stolypin as chairman of the Council of Ministers, the introduction of zemstvos in the western provinces, the restriction of the autonomy of the Grand Duchy of Finland, the change in electoral legislation and the dissolution of the Second Duma, which put an end to the revolution of 1905-1907, were of particular importance.

During speeches to the deputies of the State Duma, Stolypin's oratorical abilities were manifested. His phrases “Do not intimidate!”, “First calm, then reforms” and “They need great upheavals - we need Great Russia!” became winged.

Of the personal traits of his contemporaries, his fearlessness was especially distinguished. 11 attempts were planned and made on Stolypin. During the latter, committed in Kiev by Dmitry Bogrov, Stolypin was wounded, from which he died a few days later.