Our hero was lucky to have many relatives whose political preferences were diametrically opposed. He himself could become the author of grandiose reforms, but the monarch did not approve of his ideas.
The name of this statesman is not as well known as the names of his immediate family. He differed from them in a calm disposition and preferred service to intrigues. There was a moment when our hero could write his name in the history of the Russian state in gold letters, but the monarch’s fears did not allow bold dreams to come true.
Childhood
Sasha was born in September 1941. His father Roman Vorontsov recently helped the daughter of Peter the Great to make a coup and ascend to the throne. The Empress knew how to be grateful, because her faithful servant hoped for high ranks and material well-being. The birth of the heir indescribably pleased him.
Coat of arms of the noble family Vorontsov
The boy grew up in a large family. He had three sisters and a brother. Children received a good home upbringing and education with an eye to the future. Parents wanted to see them at court. Dad also cared about leaving his descendants a rich inheritance. He became famous as the main bribe-taker of the empire. Elizaveta Petrovna was indignant at his arrogance, but did not dare to punish the one who at one time brought her to power.
Youth
When Alexander was 15 years old, the teenager was enrolled in the Izmailovsky regiment. The young man mastered the art of war, but he was more attracted to art. The officer devoted free hours to reading. In his library was a place and classics, and the most interesting works of contemporaries. In 1756, he made translations of Voltaire's books, whose work was very popular and was not yet considered seditious.
Uniform of the Life Guards Izmailovsky Regiment
A powerful parent wanted his son to make a career, avoiding risk situations. In the war against Prussia, the daring Vorontsov took part as a tourist - in 1758 he visited the lands that were conquered from the Emperor Frederick. The ruined country did not make a strong impression on the guy. He received much more pleasure when he left the places of past battles and went on a trip to Europe.
Choice of profession
The young man’s interest in foreign countries was highly appreciated by his uncle Mikhail. He decided to make his contribution to the fate of the future general, and in 1759 sent his nephew to the Strasbourg military school. After receiving the diploma, the benefactor paid Alexandra a voyage to Paris and Madrid. At home, young Vorontsov presented his uncle with his notes, which described the management system in Spain. The work was so good that the senior family members immediately decided that Sasha did not have a place in the army, he should become a diplomat.
In 1760, the Vorontsovs received the title of count from the emperor of the Roman Empire, Franz I. For a representative of a noble family there was a place in the ranks of Russian ambassadors - Alexander was appointed charge d'affaires in Vienna. Departure from the capital was to his advantage - too often quarrels occurred at home. The son argued with his father, who was a supporter of serfdom.
Portrait of Count Vorontsov Alexander Romanovich. Unknown artist
Two sisters
After the coronation of Peter III, Vorontsov was sent to London. The aspiring diplomat was appointed plenipotentiary minister. Our hero owed such success to his elder sister Elizabeth. She was the mistress of the sovereign and could easily convince her gentleman of anything. The girl helped her brother and protected her father from probable persecution, who was completely insolent in abuse of power.
Peter III and Catherine II
The overthrow of Peter Fedorovich did not change anything for Alexander Vorontsov. His younger sister, Catherine, married Dashkova, was a close friend of her namesake, who ascended the throne. The Empress dealt with what the Vorontsovs are. Alexander Romanovich remained at his post, and his parent received a number of comments regarding his behavior. In 1779, the son of a bribe taker became a senator. The only area in which our hero did not succeed was his personal life. The title and position were limited in the choice of the bride, and the reluctance to be a puppet in the wrong hands made me think before entering into marriage. The diplomat could not get a wife.
