6. Enemy of the People: M. M. Speranskii’s Fall and the Mythology of Treason in Social and Literary Consciousness, 1809–1812
Journal: Academic Studies Press eBooks
Year: 2019

S hishkov and his supporters' new summons to power was preceded by the sensational dismissal of M. M. Speranskii.On March 17, 1812, Alexander I had sent for his state secretary and, after a highly emotional audience that lasted many hours, accompanied by dramatic effects and His Majesty's tears, he relieved him of all of his duties.That evening Speranskii was sent under guard to Nizhnii Novgorod.Russian history is rich in instances of the sudden fall of yesterday's all-powerful favorites; nevert