Frederick Cesar La Harpe Swiss politician, teacher of the future Russian Emperor Alexander I Date of Birth: 06.04.1754 Country: Switzerland

Biography of Frederick Caesar de La Harpe

Frederick Caesar de La Harpe, a Swiss political figure and the tutor of future Russian Emperor Alexander I, was born on April 6, 1754. During the French Revolution, he dropped the noble particle "de" from his surname. After receiving his education, La Harpe became a lawyer in Bern. In the 1780s, he was invited by Catherine II to Russia to become the educator of her grandson, the future Russian Emperor Alexander I. This appointment left a mark in the history of Russia.

In 1795, Frederick Caesar de La Harpe was removed from his position as the tutor of the Russian heir to the throne. The main reasons for his dismissal were his liberal views and his adherence to the ideals of the French Revolution. The situation was straightforward. After the start of the revolution, La Harpe proposed reforms to the government of Bern. This initiative led to him being considered one of the instigators of the unrest in the canton of Vaud, which was under the control of Bern. His enemies brought this information to the St. Petersburg court, resulting in La Harpe losing his position at the imperial court.

In 1797, after selling his estate in Janto, La Harpe went to Geneva, and later to Paris. Several brochures were published by La Harpe in France, criticizing the aristocratic rule in Bern. In the Helvetic Republic, Frederick Caesar de La Harpe became a member of the executive directory.

La Harpe visited Russia for the last time in 1801-1802. He then lived in France, and spent the end of his life in his homeland, Switzerland. Frederick Caesar de La Harpe passed away on March 30, 1838.