Peter the Great recognized Menshikov as a corrupt and deceitful man from their youth. Despite catching Menshikov stealing and punishing him multiple times, Menshikov remained indispensable to Peter for his ability to fulfill the Tsar’s wishes, no matter how vile. During the Great Northern War (1700-1721), the empire imposed heavy taxes, leaving people destitute. In 1724, the budget was 8,654,727 rubles, with 53% from per capita taxes, mostly funding the military.
After Peter’s death in 1725, Menshikov supported Catherine the Great and became the most influential man in the empire. As Peter II ascended, Menshikov planned to marry his daughter to the emperor to align with the Romanovs. However, in 1727, Menshikov was arrested, and his vast wealth was revealed: 4,000,000 rubles in cash, 9,000,000 in bank deposits, jewelry worth 1,000,000 rubles, numerous silver sets, and 1,700 kg of gold plate.
Menshikov’s holdings included vast properties, towns, and peasant souls, illustrating the excessive wealth of one official in the war-torn empire. Meanwhile, Franz Lefort, who introduced Menshikov to Peter, lived modestly, donating all bribes to the treasury.
N. B.: Based on online and archival materials.
Illustration: Portrait of Alexander Menshikov (1673-1729), Unidentified painter, 1750
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