First Cadet Corps

The First Cadet Corps was a military school in Saint Petersburg. History of creation The initiative to create cadet corps for noblemen in Russia belonged to Count Pavel Yaguzhinsky. By the decree of Empress Anna Ioannovna of July 29, 1731, the Senate was ordered to establish a cadet corps. Menshikov Palace on Vasilyevsky Island was transferred to the placement of the school. The opening took place on February 28, 1732: on this day there were 56 cadets. When in June the number of cadets was already 352, they were divided into three companies. The first graduation took place on June 8, 1734: all 11 graduates were promoted to ensigns. The first teachers were accepted without any test; since 1736, the best students began to be involved in teaching.