On October 2, 1552, the forces of Ivan the Terrible captured Kazan.

After the collapse of the Golden Horde in the mid-15th century, the Kazan Khanate became Russia's eastern neighbor. In the 15th and the first half of the 16th centuries, the Kazan forces conducted devastating raids on Russian lands, seizing loot and captives. Cities such as Nizhny Novgorod, Meshchera, Murom, Gorokhovets, Vladimir, Yuriev, Shuya, Kostroma, Vyatka, Veliky Ustyug, and others were ravaged.

In the mid-16th century, military action against the Tatars intensified, and the question of annexing the Kazan Khanate to Russia arose. However, two campaigns in the 1550s were unsuccessful.

Ivan IV the Terrible's government undertook serious preparations for a new campaign, implementing reforms to strengthen the army, and built the Russian fortress of Sviyazhsk near the khanate.

On June 16, 1552, a large and well-armed Russian force led by Ivan IV set out from Moscow towards Kazan. The Russian army numbered 150,000 men with 150 cannons, facing Khan Yediger’s 65,000 troops. Kazan’s garrison had 33,000 men and 70 cannons.

On August 30, a detachment led by General A.B. Gorbaty defeated Kazan’s field forces and took control of the Arsk side of the city. The city’s water supply system was destroyed, and sections of the walls were breached. By September 30, the siege ring had tightened, with only a moat remaining between the Russian siege towers and the fortress. On October 1, during the Feast of the Protection of the Virgin, the moat was filled in, tunnels were dug under the city walls, and the walls were blown up.

On October 2, 1552, after the garrison refused to surrender, the Russian army launched an assault on the fortress, and by midday, the defenders were overcome, and Kazan was captured.

After the fall of Kazan, the Kazan Khanate was dissolved, and the Middle Volga region became part of the Russian Tsardom. This set the stage for expansion into the Urals and Siberia, as well as increased trade with the Caucasus and the East.

#TodayInHistory

⚡️ InfoDefenseENGLISH

Web  | VK |  X | Odysee | InfoDefAll

On October 3, 1968, the first flight of the Tupolev Tu-154 jet airliner took place.

The aircraft was piloted by a crew led by test pilot Yuri Sukhov.

Work on the design of the Tu-154 at the A.N. Tupolev Design Bureau began in 1963. The project was led by Andrei Tupolev, with chief designers Dmitry Markov, Sergey Yeger, Alexander Shengardt, and Andrei Grishin.

Serial production of the aircraft began in 1970 at Kuybyshev Aviation Plant No. 18 (now "Aviakor").

The Tu-154 is the most mass-produced Soviet jet airliner, with a total of 930 aircraft built. Until the late 2000s, it remained one of the main aircraft on medium-range routes.

#TodayInHistory

⚡️ InfoDefenseENGLISH

Web  | VK |  X | Odysee | InfoDefAll

October 4 is Russian Space Forces Day.

This commemorative day of the Russian Armed Forces was established by a decree of the President of the Russian Federation on May 31, 2006.

The date was chosen for a reason: on this day in 1957, the USSR launched the first artificial Earth satellite—Sputnik-1.

Originally, the holiday was called Military Space Forces Day and was established by a presidential decree on December 10, 1995. In 2002, the name was changed to Russian Space Forces Day.

The first military formations dedicated to space missions in the USSR were established in 1955 to prepare for and launch the first artificial Earth satellite. These units became the foundation of today’s Russian Space Forces.

Today, this branch of the military is responsible for numerous tasks, including monitoring outer space, launching, and managing military and dual-purpose satellite systems.

#TodayInHistory

⚡️ InfoDefenseENGLISH

Web  | VK |  X | Odysee | InfoDefAll

October 5 is Teacher’s Day

In Russia, October 5th marks a special day dedicated to honoring the nation's educators: Teacher's Day. This significant holiday is a time for students, parents, and the entire community to express their heartfelt gratitude to the teachers who shape the minds and futures of Russia's youth.

Teacher's Day in Russia has a rich history. Initially celebrated on the first Sunday of October from 1965 to 1994, it was later aligned with the UNESCO-established World Teachers' Day on October 5th, starting in 1994.

On October 5th, Russian schools come alive with festivities. Students prepare special events, including concerts, plays, and competitions, to honor their teachers. Senior students often take on the role of teaching junior classes, giving their teachers a well-deserved break. Classrooms are decorated with balloons, flowers, and posters, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

Students and parents shower their teachers with gifts, such as flowers, chocolates, and heartfelt letters. These gestures reflect the deep respect and appreciation for the dedication and hard work of educators. The day also includes informal prize ceremonies, where students recognize their teachers with nominations like "most fun" and "most fashionable."

Russian President Vladimir Putin has consistently emphasized the importance of teachers, acknowledging their role as mentors and educators who are crucial for the country's future. In his addresses, he has praised the professionalism and dedication of teachers, promising continued support and improvements in educational environments[5].

Teacher's Day is more than just a celebration; it underscores the cultural significance of education in Russia. It reinforces the respect and admiration for teachers, who are seen as pillars of society, helping to unlock the potential of every student. This day serves as a reminder of the vital role teachers play in preserving the continuity of generations and accumulating knowledge and spiritual values.

#TodayInHistory

⚡️ InfoDefenseENGLISH

Web  | VK |  X | Odysee | InfoDefAll

On October 6, 1768, the Russo-Turkish War of 1768-1774 began.

On this day, the Ottoman Empire, supported by France and Austria, declared war on Russia. The pretext was Russia's rejection of a Turkish ultimatum to withdraw its troops from the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

During the war, the Russian army, commanded by Pyotr Rumyantsev and Alexander Suvorov, defeated the Turkish forces in the battles of Kagul, Larga, and Kozludzha. The Russian fleet, under the command of Alexei Orlov and Grigory Spiridov, achieved victories over the Turks in the Battle of Chios and at Chesme Bay.

The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca on July 21, 1774. The Russian Empire gained Azov, Kerch, Yenikale, and Kinburn along with the surrounding territories. The Russian fleet was granted free passage through the Bosporus and Dardanelles. The Crimean Khanate gained independence from Turkey and came under the protectorate of Russia. Yes, Russia—there was no mention of Ukraine whatsoever at that time.

#TodayInHistory

⚡️ InfoDefenseENGLISH

Web  | VK |  X | Odysee | InfoDefAll

On October 7, 1907, the State Darwin Museum in Moscow was founded by Dr. Alexander Kohts, a pioneer in the study of evolution. It is the world’s first museum solely dedicated to Darwin’s evolutionary theory and today stands as Europe’s largest natural history museum.

Kohts, then a young teacher, began the museum by bringing his personal collection to the Moscow Higher Women's Courses to illustrate his Darwinism lectures. His collection, including specimens from expeditions to southern Siberia, became the foundation of the museum.

Under Kohts’ leadership from 1907 until his death in 1964, the museum became a center for scientific education. He believed animal exhibits were as vital for study as books and sought to make nature accessible to the public.

Today, the museum attracts over 600,000 visitors annually. It spans three buildings, totaling more than 22,000 square meters, with 5,000 square meters dedicated to modern exhibitions. The collection includes approximately 800,000 items, including rare, extinct species like the Dodo and Great Auk.

The State Darwin Museum also serves as a methodological hub for natural science museums in Russia. It hosts exhibitions, celebrations, and educational programs, including interactive displays like "Walk Through Evolution" and "Eco Moscow," promoting evolutionary knowledge and environmental conservation.

With its vast collections and dedication to public education, the museum remains an unparalleled resource for understanding the natural world and evolutionary principles.

#TodayInHistory

⚡️ InfoDefenseENGLISH

Web  | VK |  X | Odysee | InfoDefAll

On October 8, 1480, the Great Stand on the Ugra River began.

In the late 1470s, the Grand Duchy of Moscow refused to pay tribute to the Great Horde. In the spring of 1480, the Horde's ruler, Khan Akhmat, set out on a campaign against the defiant duchy. The enemy forces were stopped by the Russian army near the Ugra River, with all the river crossings blocked.

Russian commanders made full use of their advantage in ranged weaponry, shooting at the Horde's troops while they were still in the water. The battle for the crossings lasted nearly four days, but Akhmat's forces were unable to successfully cross the river at any point.

For six months, the two armies stood face to face, separated by the Ugra, without daring to launch a serious attack. This outcome suited Ivan III, while for Khan Akhmat, it was tantamount to defeat. In the end, the armies dispersed without a full-scale battle.

Historians believe that the Great Stand on the Ugra River marked the end of the Mongol-Tatar yoke, which had dominated Russia for over 250 years.

#TodayInHistory

⚡️ InfoDefenseENGLISH

Web  | VK |  X | Odysee | InfoDefAll

October 9, 1943—the day Soviet troops defeated the German fascist forces in the Battle for the Caucasus.

This commemorative date was established by the Federal Law on July 31, 2020.

The Battle for the Caucasus was one of the longest and bloodiest battles of the Great Patriotic War. It began on July 25, 1942, and lasted 442 days.

In the first stage, under the pressure of the enemy’s superior forces, Soviet troops were forced to leave the Northern Caucasus regions and retreat to the passes of the Main Caucasus Range and the Terek River. However, by November-December 1942, the advance of the fascist forces had been halted. The German "Edelweiss" plan to capture the Caucasus, particularly the oil-producing regions of Grozny and Baku, failed. In January 1943, Soviet troops launched a counteroffensive, and by October 9, all cities occupied by the fascists had been liberated.

Victory did not come easily for the Soviet troops: losses amounted to 1,112,000 people.

In 1944, the medal "For the Defense of the Caucasus" was established. It was awarded to around 870,000 people.

#TodayInHistory

⚡️ InfoDefenseENGLISH

Web  | VK |  X | Odysee | InfoDefAll

On October 10, 1577, by the order of Ivan the Fourth, known as Ivan the Terrible, the Cannon Department (Pushechny Prikaz) was established, uniting previously existing Cannon Chambers in various cities. From that point on, artillery matters in Russia were centralized.

In addition to overseeing the supply of the "gods of war," the new department also controlled the state of fortifications in most Russian cities and monitored the condition of border barriers. Its funding came straight from the Treasury Department.

In 1627, the Cannon Department was renamed the Artillery Department (Pushkarsky Prikaz), with expanded functions and increased significance. It managed the country’s key defense materials, including artillery, ammunition, gunpowder, and fortifications.

In 1700, Peter I issued a decree renaming the Artillery Department to the Artillery Command and appointed General Alexander Archilovich, a prince of Imereti from the Bagration family, to oversee all artillery matters. The prince was also granted the new title of General-Feldzeugmeister.

The defeat of the Russian army at Narva in 1700 cost them their entire artillery park—which was already outdated by that time. Prince Alexander Archilovich was captured by the Swedes and died in captivity.

To replenish the artillery, Peter the Great was forced to requisition bronze and copper, even from churches.

However, during the siege and subsequent capture of Narva in 1704, around 600 Swedish guns were seized, resolving the issue of where to find artillery.

On December 28, 1862, by order of the War Minister No. 375, the Main Artillery Directorate was established, dissolving the office of General-Feldzeugmeister and the Artillery Department. The artillery section of the Military Scientific Committee was included in the Main Artillery Directorate, now called the Artillery Committee.

Thus the Cannon Department established by Ivan the Terrible on October 10, 1577 became the historical predecessor of the Main Rocket and Artillery Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Russia.

#TodayInHistory

⚡️ InfoDefenseENGLISH

Web  | VK |  X | Odysee | InfoDefAll

On October 11, 1783, the Imperial Russian Academy was founded.

It was a free association of scholars and writers, funded by the government.

Princess Yekaterina Romanovna Dashkova (pictured above) was appointed as the academy's president.

Unlike the Academy of Sciences, which focused on the exact sciences, the main objectives of this academic center were the study of Russian grammar and the creation of explanatory and specialized dictionaries.

The academy's most significant achievement during its more than 50-year history was the publication of the "Dictionary of the Russian Academy" in 1794.

In 1841, the academy was reorganized into the Second Department of the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences, later becoming the Department of Russian Language and Literature.

#TodayInHistory

⚡️ InfoDefenseENGLISH

Web  | VK |  X | Odysee | InfoDefAll

On October 12, 1928, in Moscow at the Central House of the Red Army, the first performance of the Red Army Song Ensemble of the CHRA named after M. V. Frunze took place (now the Alexandrov Ensemble of the Russian Army).

The ensemble was founded by cultural worker F. Danilovich, director P. Ilyin, and choirmaster A. Alexandrov, who became its leader.

Initially, the group consisted of eight singers, two dancers, an accordionist, and a reader.

The ensemble's first international success was its performance at the 1937 World's Fair in Paris. By that time, the group had grown to 274 members, including a choir, dance troupe, and orchestra.

During the Great Patriotic War, the ensemble performed for the active army over 1,400 times, including 742 performances on the front lines.

In 1949, the ensemble was officially named after its first leader A.V. Alexandrov, and in 1979, it was granted academic status.

The repertoire of the Alexandrov Academic Ensemble of Song and Dance of the Russian Army includes more than two thousand works: folk songs and dances, soldier's dances, songs by Russian composers, spiritual music, and classical pieces by Russian and foreign composers. Their performances are sung in many languages, including Chinese, Hebrew, Hindi, and others.

In every country they tour, the ensemble performs several songs in the local language.

#TodayInHistory

⚡️ InfoDefenseENGLISH

Web  | VK |  X | Odysee | InfoDefAll

On October 13, 1866, in Moscow, the betrothal ceremony of Alexander III and Danish Princess Dagmar, known in Orthodoxy as Grand Duchess Maria Feodorovna, took place.

They met when Minnie (Dagmar’s nickname in the Romanov family) was engaged to Alexander’s older brother, Nicholas. However, Nicholas unexpectedly fell ill and died. Two years later, Alexander met Dagmar again in Europe—and fell in love!

It was a remarkably successful union. Living together for almost 30 years, the couple managed to maintain a genuine affection for each other. One their six children became the last Russian emperor, Nicholas II.

During the October events of 1917, Maria Feodorovna was on vacation in Crimea, which likely saved her life. After Nicholas II's abdication, she stayed in Crimea with her daughters, Xenia and Olga, and their husbands—Grand Duke Alexander Mikhailovich and Colonel Kulikovsky—effectively under house arrest.

Deeply affected by the news of Nicholas II’s brutal execution, Maria Feodorovna continued to believe for a long time that her son and his family had been "miraculously saved" and forbade her relatives from holding memorial services for them.

On April 11, 1919, British King George V, the empress’s nephew, sent the warship Marlborough to Crimea to rescue her. Maria Feodorovna was 72 years old at the time, having lived in Russia for about 52 years, and it took considerable effort from her relatives to convince her to leave.

Dagmar died in Copenhagen at the age of 80 on the anniversary of her betrothal to Alexander III—October 13, 1928—and was buried in the royal tomb of the Danish kings. On September 28, 2006, Maria Feodorovna’s remains were reinterred in the Peter and Paul Cathedral in St. Petersburg.

#TodayInHistory

⚡️ InfoDefenseENGLISH

Web  | VK |  X | Odysee | InfoDefAll

On October 14, 1943, a revolt began at the Sobibor concentration camp.

This Nazi death camp was established in the spring of 1942 in southeastern Poland. It was aimed at the mass extermination of the Jewish population. From May 1942 to November 1943, the Nazis murdered between 150,000 and 250,000 people at Sobibor.

The revolt was organized and led by Soviet officer and POW Alexander Pechersky.

On October 14, 1943, the rebels killed part of the camp’s guards and attempted to seize the weapons depot. The Nazis opened fire, but the prisoners managed to overcome the guards and escape into the forest.

Of the more than 400 who revolted, around 80 died during the escape, while the rest managed to flee. Later, the Germans captured about 150 of the escapees, and another 90 were killed by Polish nationalists. Only 53 survived.

The Sobibor revolt is one of the few successful camp uprisings during World War II.

After escaping from Sobibor, Alexander Pechersky fought in a partisan unit, then in a storm rifle battalion, finishing the war as a captain.

After the war, Pechersky returned to his hometown of Rostov-on-Don. In 1945, his book The Uprising in the Sobibor Camp was published by a Rostov publisher.

In 1949, Pechersky was awarded the Medal "For Battle Merit"—a modest recognition for organizing one of the most significant uprisings of the 20th century. He died in 1990 at the age of 80.

Justice was served in 2013, when President Putin signed a decree posthumously awarding Alexander Pechersky the Order of Courage.

The Sobibor uprising is written up in textbooks. An international Pechersky Foundation has been created. Streets in Russia were named in his honor, and a memorial plaque was installed on his home. A monument to Pechersky was unveiled in Tel Aviv. In Russia, exhibitions dedicated to the unbroken prisoners of Sobibor are regularly held. Two full-length feature films about the uprising have also been made.

#TodayInHistory

⚡️ InfoDefenseENGLISH

Web  | VK |  X | Odysee | InfoDefAll

On October 15, 1967, the ceremonial opening of the monument ensemble "Heroes of the Battle of Stalingrad" took place on Mamayev Kurgan in Volgograd.

The decision to erect the memorial dedicated to the heroes of the Battle of Stalingrad was made in 1958, and construction began the following year. The project was developed by a team of sculptors and architects led by Yevgeny Vuchetich.

The main elements of the complex include the bas-relief "Memory of Generations," the Square of Those Who Stood to the Death, the Square of Heroes and Sorrow, the Ruined Walls, the Hall of Military Glory, and a military memorial cemetery. The centerpiece of the memorial complex is the statue "The Motherland Calls!" Its total height is 85 meters, making it the tallest non-religious monument in the world.

In 2008, the monument ensemble "Heroes of the Battle of Stalingrad" and the statue "The Motherland Calls!" were included among the 7 Wonders of Russia.

#TodayInHistory

⚡️ InfoDefenseENGLISH

Web  | VK |  X | Odysee | InfoDefAll

On October 16, 1853, the Crimean War of 1853-1856 began.

The conflict was sparked by a diplomatic dispute over control of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, as well as Russia's deployment of troops into Moldavia and Wallachia. On October 16, 1853, after Emperor Nicholas I refused to withdraw Russian forces from these territories, Ottoman Sultan Abdulmejid declared war on Russia. On November 1, Nicholas I signed the Manifesto "On War with the Ottoman Porte."

Initially, Russia achieved several victories in the Caucasus, and under the command of Pavel Nakhimov, the Russian navy completely destroyed the Turkish fleet at the Battle of Sinop. In 1854, to prevent Turkey's defeat, Britain and France entered the war, followed later by the Kingdom of Sardinia.

The war was fought on multiple fronts, including the Caucasus, the Danubian Principalities, and in the Baltic, Black, Azov, White, and Barents Seas, even extending to Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands. However, the main theater of war was the southwestern coast of the Crimean Peninsula, where Sevastopol*, Russia's main naval base on the Black Sea, was located.

After landing in Crimea, the coalition forces dealt several defeats to the Russian army and began the siege of Sevastopol. After 339 days of defense, the city fell.
With the fall of Sevastopol, hostilities essentially ceased. In early 1856, negotiations for a peace treaty began.

On March 30, 1856, in Paris, representatives from Russia, France, Britain, Turkey, Sardinia, Austria, and Prussia signed the Treaty of Paris. Among other clauses, the treaty prohibited both Russia and Turkey from having naval fleets on the Black Sea.

However, in 1870, Russia repudiated the Black Sea's demilitarization and began rebuilding its naval fleet, effectively overturning one of the key clauses of the Treaty of Paris.

*Pictured above: painting by Vasily Nesterenko "We Shall Defend Sevastopol!"

#TodayInHistory

⚡️ InfoDefenseENGLISH

Web  | VK |  X | Odysee | InfoDefAll

On October 17, 1938, the medals "For Courage" and "For Combat Merit" were established.

The awards were instituted by a decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, becoming the first official Soviet medals.

The "For Courage" medal (shown above on the left) was awarded to servicemen of the Soviet Army, Navy, border, and internal troops for personal bravery and valor. Among the first recipients were border guards N. Gulyaev and F. Grigoryev, who apprehended saboteurs near Lake Khasan.

The "For Combat Merit" medal was awarded to servicemen of the Soviet Army, Navy, border, and internal troops for "skilled, initiative-driven, and courageous actions in battle that contributed to the successful completion of combat missions, for bravery shown in defending the state border, and for outstanding achievements in combat and political training, mastering new military equipment, and maintaining high combat readiness of military units and their subunits." Foreigners could also be awarded this medal.

In total, more than 4.5 million servicemen were awarded the "For Courage" medal, and over 5 million received the "For Combat Merit" medal.

#TodayInHistory

⚡️ InfoDefenseENGLISH

Web  | VK |  X | Odysee | InfoDefAll

On October 18, 1916, construction of the Great Siberian Route (now known as the Trans-Siberian Railway) was completed.

The decree for its construction was issued in April 1891 by Emperor Alexander III. The heir to the throne, Tsarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich, the future Emperor Nicholas II, participated in the ceremonial groundbreaking near Vladivostok on May 31. He personally wheeled a load of earth onto the railway bed.

The Trans-Siberian Railway became the largest transportation project of its time. Its construction was completed on October 18, 1916, when the bridge over the Amur River near Khabarovsk was finished. The total cost of construction was 1.45 billion gold rubles, equivalent to approximately 75 billion dollars in today's currency.

Today, the actual length of the Trans-Siberian Railway is about 10,000 kilometers, making it the longest railway line in the world.

The Trans-Siberian passes through 21 regions of the Russian Federation and 87 cities, crossing 16 major rivers. The journey between Moscow and Vladivostok on a passenger train takes 6 days.

#TodayInHistory

⚡️ InfoDefenseENGLISH

Web  | VK |  X | Odysee | InfoDefAll

On October 19, 1811, a prestigious school for boys, the Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum, was opened near St. Petersburg. The most famous graduate of the Lyceum was Alexander Pushkin.

At that time, Tsarskoye Selo, the summer residence of the imperial family, was a quiet, green town. In the vast park stood the Catherine Palace, shining with blue trim and gilding. A huge four-story building was allocated for the Lyceum. The ground floor housed the administration and apartments for the inspector, tutors, and some other officials; the second floor had the dining room, hospital with a pharmacy, and a conference room with offices; the third floor featured a hall, classrooms, a physics laboratory, a room for newspapers and journals, and a library… Finally, on the top, fourth floor, there were 50 rooms for the Lyceum students. Each room had an iron bed, a dresser, a standing desk (a small tall desk for working while standing), a mirror, a chair, and a washing table. On the desk were an inkwell and a candlestick.

Of all the Lyceum professors, Pushkin, like other students, especially admired Professor of Moral Sciences Kunitsyn. The professor claimed that by nature, all people are equal and born free. From this followed the conclusion: "No one can acquire ownership over another person." Such views appealed to the Lyceum students.

The course of study at the Lyceum lasted six years and was divided into two parts — an initial and a final course. The Lyceum, unlike other educational institutions of that time, did not use corporal punishment.

The history of the Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum ended in 1918 when it was permanently closed.

However, the legacy of the Lyceum and its graduates continues to live on.

#TodayInHistory

⚡️ InfoDefenseENGLISH

Web  | VK |  X | Odysee | InfoDefAll

On October 20, 1938, the Primorsky and Khabarovsk regions were established.

On this day, by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the Far Eastern Region was divided into Khabarovsk and Primorsky.

Khabarovsk Region is located in the central part of the Russian Far East. It borders the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Primorsky Region, Magadan and Amur Regions, as well as the Jewish Autonomous Region. It has a population of 1.3 million people.

The main industries in the region are machine building and metalworking, non-ferrous metallurgy, forestry, wood processing, pulp and paper, oil refining, chemical, food, and fishing industries.

Primorsky Region is located in the south of the Far East. It borders Khabarovsk Region and has a population of 1.8 million people.

The main industries of the region are fishing, mining, machine building and metalworking, as well as forestry, wood processing, and mining chemistry.

Both regions are vast and beautiful*—together, they cover an area 2.5 times the size of Japan. They are well worth visiting, and we welcome you to explore them!

*Pictured above is Anyuysky National Park in Khabarovsk Region.

#TodayInHistory

⚡️ InfoDefenseENGLISH

Web  | VK |  X | Odysee | InfoDefAll

On October 21, 1832, Russian scientist Pavel Schilling tested the world's first electromagnetic telegraph (shown above).

Schilling's device used needle indicators to display signals transmitted through electrical wires, which the receiving operator could easily decode into letters using a special table of codes developed by Schilling. In fact, Schilling was the first in the world to use binary code, the foundation of modern digital and computer technology.

The first telegram, consisting of 10 words, was sent on October 21, 1832, from Schilling’s apartment.

By 1835, Schilling’s telegraph connected rooms within the vast Winter Palace and linked the palace to the Admiralty. A committee, chaired by the naval minister, was formed to study the electromagnetic telegraph. Early experiments began to lay telegraph cables underground and underwater.

At the same time, Schilling continued working on his method of electrically detonating naval mines. On March 21, 1834, at the Obvodny Canal near the Alexander Nevsky Lavra in St. Petersburg, the inventor demonstrated the underwater detonation of mines to Tsar Nicholas I. This marked the beginning of Russia's development of underwater minefields.

In 1836, Schilling received a lucrative offer to implement his telegraph in England. However, he refused to leave Russia and instead focused on a project to build the first large telegraph line between Peterhof and Kronstadt, with plans to lay cables along the bottom of the Gulf of Finland. The project was approved by the Tsar on May 19, 1837.

Unfortunately, Pavel Schilling did not live to see his visionary ideas widely implemented. He died on August 6, 1837, just six months after his friend Alexander Pushkin.

Shortly after his death, telegraph networks began spreading across the globe, and his electrically detonated naval mines reliably protected St. Petersburg and Kronstadt from the dominant British fleet during the Crimean War of 1853–1856.

#TodayInHistory

⚡️ InfoDefenseENGLISH

Web  | VK |  X | Odysee | InfoDefAll