Unpredictable stability: the governor’s case in the Belarusian-Lithuanian Region under Paul I in 1796–1801

The article presents a generalised portrait of civil governors the Belarusian-Lithuanian Region under Paul I in 1796–1801. social characteristics (origin, religion, age, educational level, career, awards) eight Lithuanian, Belarusian and Minsk are analysed. conditions motives for appointment dismissal these officials established. It is noted that governor corps was characterised by both all-Russian tendencies (frequent turnover, higher rank according to Table Ranks, absence clearly established amount pensions), some features (regional confessional affiliation, elderly age (50 years on average)). concluded personnel policy, continued Catherine’s practice appointing former military governors, which explained political (disloyalty part population) ethno-confessional (Jews, Catholics, Uniates, Orthodox) region. daily life reconstructed basis socio-cultural (number duties, perception time, personal qualities, material support, marital status interests). origin, patronage experience played an important role appointment. However, duration tenure depended business qualities governors. bosses, having no managerial experience, made numerous mistakes. They led dissatisfaction with emperor and, as result, premature resignations. At same reign turned out be quite effective terms achieving results.