On the question of the appointment of Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolaevich (the Elder) as Commander-in-Chief of the Danube Army

The article highlights the issue of appointment Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolaevich (the Elder) as Commander-in-Chief Danube Army by Emperor Alexander II on eve Russo-Turkish War 1877–1878 basis published sources both official and memoir nature, well some archival data. myth created Marxist historiography that had a narrow outlook in military affairs, neither combat experience nor organizational work, was mediocre, incompetent, etc., is debunked. Meanwhile, received an excellent education, he taught best specialists professors era. He acquired his first practical knowledge war engineer Crimean War, during defense Sevastopol 1854–1855. subsequent activity field army reform, primarily engineering cavalry service, convinces undoubted abilities, deep knowledge, true state scope innovation. enjoyed great popularity among officers soldiers Russian army, which greatly facilitated character attentive attitude to people. knew upcoming theater operations future enemy — Turkish because able combine pilgrimage East Holy Land 1872 with reconnaissance purposes. II, taking into account totality merits younger brother, being fully confident honest performance duty, 1876 appointed Commander-in-chief Army. At time, there no personality equal him or higher qualities commander. developed force winter crossing Balkans led troops Constantinople. Field Marshal’s baton became 25th last full knight Order St. George history Empire.