Charles George Gordon

Charles George Gordon
Geruzet Frères - Belgian (active c. 1870-1889) · Public domain · source
Name	Charles George Gordon
Birth date	1833
Death date	1885
Birth place	Woolwich
Death place	Khartoum
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Branch	British Army
Rank	Major-General

Charles George Gordon was a prominent British Army officer who served in various parts of the world, including China, Africa, and Europe. He is best known for his role in the Taiping Rebellion and his ill-fated defense of Khartoum against the Mahdist State. Gordon's life and career were marked by his bravery, strategic thinking, and strong Christian beliefs, which influenced his actions and decisions, particularly during his interactions with Pope Pius IX and the Society of Jesus. His experiences in Crimea during the Crimean War and his involvement in the Arrow War also shaped his military career.

● Early Life and Education

Charles George Gordon was born in Woolwich, London, to a family with a strong military tradition, including his father, Henry William Gordon, who served in the Royal Artillery. Gordon's early education took place at Fullands School in Taunton and later at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, where he was influenced by notable figures such as Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Michael Faraday. He graduated from the academy in 1852 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Royal Engineers, beginning his military career under the command of Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.

● Military Career

Gordon's military career spanned several continents and conflicts, including the Crimean War, where he served alongside Lord Raglan and Florence Nightingale. He later played a crucial role in the Taiping Rebellion in China, working closely with Frederick Townsend Ward and Li Hongzhang to modernize the Ever Victorious Army. Gordon's experiences in China and his interactions with Zeng Guofan and the Tongzhi Emperor had a significant impact on his understanding of Asian cultures and imperialism. His military career also took him to Europe, where he was involved in the Austro-Prussian War and worked with notable figures such as Otto von Bismarck and Napoleon III.

● Governor-General of Sudan

In 1877, Gordon was appointed as the Governor-General of Sudan by the Khedive of Egypt, Isma'il Pasha, with the support of Benjamin Disraeli and the British Empire. During his tenure, Gordon worked to suppress the slave trade in Sudan, which was a major concern for William Wilberforce and the Anti-Slavery Society. He also attempted to modernize the administration of Sudan and improve the lives of its people, with the help of Samuel White Baker and the Church Missionary Society. However, his efforts were hindered by the Mahdist State, led by Muhammad Ahmad, which posed a significant threat to the stability of the region.

● Siege of Khartoum

In 1884, Gordon was besieged in Khartoum by the forces of the Mahdist State, led by Muhammad Ahmad. Despite being vastly outnumbered, Gordon and his troops, including the Cambridge University-educated Valentine Baker, held out for several months, hoping for relief from the British Army, which was led by Herbert Kitchener and Lord Wolseley. However, the relief force, which included the Gordon Relief Expedition and the Desert Column, arrived too late, and Gordon was killed on January 26, 1885, during the final assault on the city, which was also witnessed by Rudolf Slatin and Reginald Wingate.

● Death and Legacy

Gordon's death in Khartoum was a major shock to the British public, and he was hailed as a hero and a martyr, with Queen Victoria and William Ewart Gladstone paying tribute to his bravery. His legacy has endured, with many regarding him as a symbol of British courage and determination, alongside other notable figures such as Horatio Nelson and Winston Churchill. The Gordon Memorial College in Khartoum was established in his honor, and he is also remembered in St. Paul's Cathedral in London, where he is commemorated alongside other notable British military leaders, including Duke of Wellington and Lord Roberts.

● Personal Life and Beliefs

Gordon was a devout Christian and believed that his military career was a way of serving God, with the support of John Henry Newman and the Oxford Movement. He was also a strong advocate for the abolition of the slave trade and worked tirelessly to promote the welfare of the people of Sudan, with the help of David Livingstone and the London Missionary Society. Gordon's personal life was marked by his simplicity and humility, and he was known for his kindness and generosity, particularly in his interactions with Pope Leo XIII and the Catholic Church. His strong sense of duty and honor, as well as his commitment to his faith, guided his actions throughout his life and career, which was also influenced by his relationships with Lord Shaftesbury and the Clapham Sect.