Grigory Aleksandrovich Potemkin

Grigory Aleksandrovich Potemkin (1739-1791), Russian field marshal and statesman, born in Smolensk, and educated at Moscow State University. He came to the attention of Catherine the Great in 1762 after taking part in the coup d'état that made her empress. In 1774, after distinguishing himself in the Russo-Turkish War of 1768-1774, which was fought against the Ottoman Empire, Potemkin became a count, governor-general of the Ukraine, and the favorite of the empress. Their romance ended in 1776, but Potemkin remained the most powerful man in Russia almost until his death. In 1783 he played a major role in the Russian conquest of Crimea and was created a prince. He became a field marshal in 1784 and subsequently introduced many reforms into the Russian army, built a fleet on the Black Sea, and founded a number of ports. In 1787 he organized Catherine's triumphant Crimean tour, which brought on her second war with the Ottoman Empire (1787-1792). Potemkin acted in the war as commander in chief. He died en route to peace negotiations.