Alexander Guchkov was born in Moscow, Russia on 14th October, 1862. He was a major industrialist and in 1907 was elected to the Duma. Guchkov advocated political reform and became leader of the Octobrist Party. Later he became a leading figure in the Constitutional Democratic Party (Cadets).
Guchkov was also a strong critic of the relationship between Alexandra and Gregory Rasputin. In the Duma Guchkov claimed that Rasputin was an “ignoble deciver” and a “dangerous adviser”. He also doubted whether Nicholas II would ever accept a constitutional monarchy. Some progressives were suspicious of Guchkov because of his close friendship with Peter Stolypin and other senior government ministers.
During the First World War Guchkov became chairman of the Duma Committee on Military and Naval Affairs. After Nicholas II abdicated, George Lvov appointed Guchkov as Minister of War in the Provisional Government.
Guchkov made vain attempts to stop Bolsheviks propaganda being distributed in the Russian Army. After street demonstrations against him he resigned and was replaced by Alexander Kerensky.
Guchkov fled the country after the October Revolution. Alexander Guchkov lived in Paris where he died on 14th February, 1936.