Lavr Kornilov

Lavr Georgiyevich Kornilov (Russian: Лавр Георгиевич Корнилов, IPA: [ˈlavr ɡʲɪˈorɡʲɪjɪvʲɪtɕ kɐrˈnʲiləf]; 30 August [O.S. 18 August] 1870 – 13 April 1918) was a Russian military intelligence officer, explorer, and general in the Imperial Russian Army during World War I. He served as Supreme Commander of the Russian Army and as the military leader of the Whites in the Russian Civil War. He is particularly remembered for the Kornilov Affair, an unsuccessful coup d’etat against the Provisional Government led by Alexander Kerensky. The event became a significant turning point in the Russian Revolution, strengthening the Bolsheviks' position and influence.

Born in Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kornilov began his military career after graduating from the Mikhailovsky Artillery School and the General Staff Academy. He distinguished himself during the Russo-Japanese War and later served as a military attaché in Qing China. During World War I, Kornilov commanded the 48th Infantry Division and gained recognition for his daring escape from Austrian captivity in 1915. His successes on the Eastern Front elevated him to prominence, leading to his appointment as Supreme Commander during the revolutionary upheaval of 1917.