General L.G. Kornilov: A Rough Sketch for a Character Portrait

Abstract

The article is devoted to the destiny of General L.G. Kornilov as one of the most strikingrevolutionary-era military leaders who was at the head of the White movement at its birth. The main stages of his military career such as his becoming a military professional, his participation in the military campaigns and forming the characteristics of a general-commander, and his political ascent in 1917 are considered. The central part of the article is devoted to the analysis of Kornilov’s role as the leader of the military anti-democratic opposition who squared off against the Provisional Government and as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Volunteer Army who took the charge of anti-Bolshevik opposition in the south of Russia.