All the tsars of Russia in order (with portraits): a complete list. Why the name Fedor in the royal family was unlucky

There were names in the royal family that were traditionally considered not very suitable for princes from the Rurik and Romanov families.

Judge for yourself: the first-born of Ivan the Terrible, Dmitry, tragically drowned in the river a year old - the boyars carefully supported the nurse under the arms, so that God forbid she would not stumble ... and the bridges along which the prince was carried to the ship broke through. What can I say, it's fate.

The second Dmitry, the son of the last wife of Ivan the Terrible, Maria Nagoya, was left without a father at an early age, but he did not manage to take the throne: he died playing "knives". Boris Godunov was blamed for his death, but, according to recent studies, most likely, the prince fell on a knife in an attack of hereditary epilepsy.

False Dmitry I, who tried to seize the throne, was eventually killed, and the ashes were shot from a cannon. Nothing good awaited the "Tushino thief", False Dmitry II. So the name "Dmitry" in the royal family turned out to be under an unspoken taboo, at least for the older branches of the family.

The name "Ivan" was also unlucky: after Ivan V, brother and co-ruler of Peter I, weak-minded and weak, the name was practically not used in the royal family. However, the same thing awaited the name of Peter himself: after the unsuccessful reigns of the teenager Peter II, who died of smallpox, and Peter III, who was killed as a result of a palace coup ...

Pious but weak
Approximately the same thing happened with the name "Fedor". All three kings who ascended the throne under this name turned out to be extremely short-lived.

The first of them was Fedor I Ioannovich (1557−1598), the son of Ivan IV the Terrible and Anastasia Romanovna Yurieva-Zakharova, the last tsar of the Rurik dynasty. He ruled for only 12 years. He was sickly and mentally handicapped, with difficulty even performing ritual duties. During the coronation, tired, he handed over the Cap of Monomakh to Prince Mstislavsky, and the golden “power” to Boris Fedorovich Godunov, which shocked the audience and became a kind of symbol of the decline of the dynasty.

However, the king was not malicious, he loved church services and the ringing of bells. The daughter of Tsar Theodosius died in infancy, had no sons.

The state was ruled by the tsar's brother-in-law Boris Godunov, brother of Tsarina Irina. Thanks to his activities, in the reign of Fedor, Western Siberia was annexed to Russia, fortified cities were built on the southern borders: Voronezh, Belgorod, Kursk, Samara, Saratov, Tsaritsyn, etc., the Russian-Swedish war (1590−1593) ended beneficial for Russia world, a powerful defensive line was built in Moscow - the White City. In 1589, the Patriarch of Constantinople agreed to the formation of an independent Moscow Patriarchate. But the position of the peasants worsened: they lost the right to change owners, the enslaved could not redeem themselves, in 1597 a decree was issued on a five-year investigation of fugitive serfs. Increased taxes and taxed urban population.

In general, while Boris ruled, Fedor spent his days in illness and piety and died a very young man.

Fedor III Alekseevich Romanov (1661−1682), the son of Alexei Mikhailovich and Maria Ilyinichna Miloslavskaya, the elder brother of Peter I, almost exactly repeated the fate of this tsar. All five sons of Alexei Mikhailovich from Maria Miloslavskaya were sickly, three died during the life of his father. Fedor suffered from scurvy and could hardly walk. The state was ruled by the boyar I. M. Miloslavsky, the bed-keeper I. M. Yazykov, the steward A. T. Likhachev and others, the tutor of the tsar Simeon of Polotsk and the Moscow Patriarch Joachim had significant influence.

In the reign of Fedor, criminal penalties were mitigated, self-mutilation was abolished, a census was conducted, and tax collection was streamlined. Localism was abolished in 1682. However, the tsar himself was little involved in state affairs, both in his youth and in poor health.

He was also unlucky in his family life. Fedor's first wife, Agafia Grushetskaya, died in childbirth. However, he had to marry another: Marfa Matveevna Apraksina. And what do you think? Two months after the wedding, the king died at the age of 21.

Talented but Unlucky
But if the names of the first and third Fedor are more or less known - they are mentioned in connection with the names of Ivan the Terrible or Peter I - then the second Fedor is practically unknown to a wide circle. But he was a really talented young man.

Fyodor II Borisovich Godunov (1589−1605) was the son of Boris Godunov and Maria Grigoryevna Skuratova-Belskaya. In order to strengthen the throne for his son, the "usurper" Godunov called Fedor "the great sovereign" during his lifetime. Like his father, the young man was distinguished by a deep mind, erudition, and extraordinary abilities. But a truly tragic fate awaited him.

Moscow swore allegiance to the sixteen-year-old Fyodor without unrest. However, he had to reign for only seven weeks ... It was the shortest reign in the history of Russia: 49 days. And all the more surprising how much this young monarch managed to start.

Under the leadership of Fedor, one of the first Russian maps was drawn up, the Stone Order was established, which was in charge of stone construction in the country. However, Fyodor became most famous for his love of cartography and attention to travelers: he showed talent for this while still being a prince. A. S. Pushkin in the tragedy "Boris Godunov" portrayed Fedor at this occupation:

Tsar.
And you, my son, what are you doing? What's this?

Theodore.
Drawing of the Moscow land; our kingdom
From end to end. You see: here is Moscow,
Here is Novgorod, here is Astrakhan. Here is the sea
Here are the dense forests of Perm,
But Siberia.

Tsar.
What is it
Is there a pattern here?

Theodore. This is the Volga.

Tsar.
How good! Here is the sweet fruit of learning!
How can you see from the clouds
The whole kingdom suddenly: borders, cities, rivers.
Learn my son: science cuts
We experience fast-flowing life -
Someday, and soon maybe
All areas that you are now
Depicted so cunningly on paper
All hand in hand will get yours ...

Yes, sixteen-year-old Fyodor got all this, but not for long ...

After seven weeks of the reign of Fedor, supporters of False Dmitry I broke into the chambers. Mother and sister stood near the young king with icons, but the traitors dragged Fyodor from the throne and strangled him along with his mother. Princess Xenia, no less educated and talented than her brother (she even wrote songs), according to some sources, False Dmitry forced cohabitation by force, but because of the jealousy of Maria Mnishek sent to the monastery.

By order of False Dmitry, Fedor and the tsarina were buried without honors, but under Shuisky they were solemnly reburied in the Trinity Monastery. History does not tolerate the subjunctive mood, so we cannot say how the history of Russia would have turned under Fedor II if he had lived a long, full life.

And soon the Romanov dynasty came to the throne, and it became somehow politically unintentional to be interested in this issue. Alas, this dramatic page in the history of the country, when a conspiracy took the life of a talented and educated teenage king, is almost forgotten ...

Such a great country as Russia should naturally be very rich in history. And indeed it is! Here you can see what were Russian rulers and you can read biographies of Russian princes, presidents and other rulers. I decided to provide you with a list of the rulers of Russia, where each will have a short biography under the cut (next to the name of the ruler, click on this icon " [+] “to open a biography under the cut), and then, if the ruler is iconic, a link to the full article, which will be very useful for both schoolchildren and students and everyone who is interested in the history of Russia. The list of rulers will be replenished, Russia really had a lot of rulers and each one is worthy of a detailed review. But, alas, I don’t have so many forces, so everything will be gradual. In general, here is a list of the rulers of Russia, where you will find the biographies of the rulers, their photographs and the dates of their reign.

Novgorod princes:

Kyiv Grand Dukes:

• (912 - autumn 945)

  

  Grand Duke Igor is a controversial character in our history. Historical chronicles give different information about him, starting from the date of birth and ending with the cause of his death. It is generally accepted that Igor is the son of the prince of Novgorod, although there are inconsistencies in the age of the prince in different sources ...

• (autumn 945 - after 964)

  Princess Olga is one of the great women of Russia. Regarding the date and place of birth, ancient chronicles give very contradictory information. It is possible that Princess Olga is the daughter of the one called the Prophet, or maybe her pedigree comes from Bulgaria from Prince Boris, or she was born in a village near Pskov, and again there are two options: an humble family and the ancient princely family of the Izborskys.

• (after 964 - spring 972)
  The Russian prince Svyatoslav was born in 942. His parents were - who became famous for the war with the Pechenegs and campaigns against Byzantium and. When Svyatoslav was only three years old, he lost his father. Prince Igor collected an unbearable tribute from the Drevlyans, for which he was brutally killed by them. The widowed princess decided to take revenge on these tribes and sent the princely army on a campaign, which was led by the young prince under the tutelage of the governor Sveneld. As you know, the Drevlyans were defeated, and their city Ikorosten was completely destroyed.
  
• Yaropolk Svyatoslavich (972-978 or 980)
• (June 11, 978 or 980 - July 15, 1015)

  

  One of the greatest names in the fate of Kievan Rus is Vladimir the Holy (Baptist). This name is shrouded in a veil of legends and secrets, epics and myths were composed about this man, in which Prince Vladimir the Red Sun was invariably called his bright and warm name. And according to the chronicles, the Prince of Kyiv was born around 960 as a half-breed, as contemporaries would say. His father was a mighty prince, and his mother was a simple slave Malusha, who was in the service of, from the small town of Lyubech.

• (1015 - autumn 1016) Prince Svyatopolk the Accursed is the son of Yaropolk, after whose death he adopted the boy. Svyatopolk wanted great power during the life of Vladimir and prepared a conspiracy against him. However, he became a full-fledged ruler only after the death of his stepfather. He earned the throne in a dirty way - he killed all the direct heirs of Vladimir.
• (autumn 1016 - summer 1018)

  Prince Yaroslav I Vladimirovich the Wise was born in 978. The chronicles do not provide a description of his appearance. It is known that Yaroslav was lame: the first version says that since childhood, and the second - this was a consequence of one of the wounds in the battle. The chronicler Nestor, describing his character, mentions his great mind, prudence, devotion to the Orthodox faith, courage and compassion for the poor. Prince Yaroslav the Wise, unlike his father, who loved to arrange feasts, led a modest lifestyle. Great devotion to the Orthodox faith sometimes turned into superstition. As mentioned in the chronicle, by his order, the bones of Yaropolk were dug and, and, after illumination, they were reburied in the Church of the Most Holy Theotokos. With this act, Yaroslav wanted to save their souls from torment.

• Izyaslav Yaroslavich (February 1054 - September 15, 1068)
• Vseslav Bryachislavich (September 15, 1068 - April 1069)
• Svyatoslav Yaroslavich (March 22, 1073 - December 27, 1076)
• Vsevolod Yaroslavich (January 1, 1077 - July 1077)
• Svyatopolk Izyaslavich (April 24, 1093 - April 16, 1113)
• (April 20, 1113 – May 19, 1125) The grandson and son of the Byzantine princess - went down in history as Vladimir Monomakh. Why Monomakh? There are suggestions that he took this nickname from his mother, the Byzantine princess Anna, the daughter of the Byzantine king Constantine Monomakh. There are other assumptions about the nickname Monomakh. Allegedly, after a campaign in Taurida, against the Genoese, where he killed the Genoese prince in a duel during the capture of Kafa. And the word monomakh is translated as a single combatant. Now, of course, it is difficult to judge the correctness of this or that opinion, but it was with such a name as Vladimir Monomakh that the chroniclers captured it.
• (May 20, 1125 – April 15, 1132) Having inherited a strong power, Prince Mstislav the Great not only continued the work of his father, Prince Vladimir Monomakh of Kyiv, but also made every effort to ensure the prosperity of the Fatherland. Therefore, the memory remained in history. And his ancestors called him - Mstislav the Great.
• (April 17, 1132 - February 18, 1139) Yaropolk Vladimirovich was the son of a great Russian prince and was born in 1082. No information has been preserved about the childhood years of this ruler. The first mention in history of this prince refers to 1103, when he, together with his retinue, went to war against the Polovtsians. After this victory in 1114, Vladimir Monomakh entrusted his son with the management of the Pereyaslav volost.
• Vyacheslav Vladimirovich (February 22 - March 4, 1139)
• (March 5, 1139 - July 30, 1146)
• Igor Olgovich (until August 13, 1146)
• Izyaslav Mstislavich (August 13, 1146 - August 23, 1149)
• (August 28, 1149 - summer 1150)
  This prince of Kievan Rus went down in history thanks to two great achievements - the founding of Moscow by the heyday of the North-Eastern part of Russia. Until now, historians are debating about when Yuri Dolgoruky was born. Some chroniclers claim that this happened in 1090, while others are of the opinion that this significant event took place around 1095-1097. His father was the Grand Duke of Kyiv -. Almost nothing is known about the mother of this ruler, except that she was the second wife of the prince.
• Rostislav Mstislavich (1154-1155)
• Izyaslav Davydovich (winter 1155)
• Mstislav Izyaslavich (December 22, 1158 - spring 1159)
• Vladimir Mstislavich (spring 1167)
• Gleb Yurievich (March 12, 1169 - February 1170)
• Mikhalko Yurievich (1171)
• Roman Rostislavich (July 1, 1171 - February 1173)
• (February - March 24, 1173), Yaropolk Rostislavich (co-ruler)
• Rurik Rostislavich (March 24 - September 1173)
• Yaroslav Izyaslavich (November 1173-1174)
• Svyatoslav Vsevolodovich (1174)
• Ingvar Yaroslavich (1201 - January 2, 1203)
• Rostislav Rurikovich (1204-1205)
• Vsevolod Svyatoslavich Chermny (summer 1206-1207)
• Mstislav Romanovich (1212 or 1214 - June 2, 1223)
• Vladimir Rurikovich (June 16, 1223-1235)
• Izyaslav (Mstislavich or Vladimirovich) (1235-1236)
• Yaroslav Vsevolodovich (1236-1238)
• Mikhail Vsevolodovich (1238-1240)
• Rostislav Mstislavich (1240)
• (1240)

Vladimir Grand Dukes

• (1157 - 29 June 1174)
  Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky was born in 1110, was the son and grandson of . As a young man, the prince was named Bogolyubsky for his especially reverent attitude towards God and the habit of always turning to Scripture.
• Yaropolk Rostislavich (1174 - June 15, 1175)
• Yuri Vsevolodovich (1212 - April 27, 1216)
• Konstantin Vsevolodovich (Spring 1216 - February 2, 1218)
• Yuri Vsevolodovich (February 1218 - March 4, 1238)
• Svyatoslav Vsevolodovich (1246-1248)
• (1248-1248/1249)
• Andrei Yaroslavich (December 1249 - July 24, 1252)
• (1252 - 14 November 1263)
  In 1220, Prince Alexander Nevsky was born in Pereyaslav-Zallesk. Still, being very young, he accompanied his father in all campaigns. When the young man was 16 years old, his father Yaroslav Vsevolodovich, due to his departure to Kyiv, entrusted Prince Alexander with the throne in Novgorod.
• Yaroslav Yaroslavich of Tver (1263-1272)
• Vasily Yaroslavich of Kostroma (1272 - January 1277)
• Dmitry Alexandrovich Pereyaslavsky (1277-1281)
• Andrei Alexandrovich Gorodetsky (1281-1283)
• (autumn 1304 - 22 November 1318)
• Yuri Danilovich of Moscow (1318 - November 2, 1322)
• Dmitry Mikhailovich Terrible Eyes of Tver (1322 - September 15, 1326)
• Alexander Mikhailovich of Tverskoy (1326-1328)
• Alexander Vasilievich of Suzdal (1328-1331), Ivan Danilovich Kalita of Moscow (1328-1331) (co-ruler)
• (1331 - 31 March 1340) Prince Ivan Kalita was born in Moscow around 1282. But the exact date, unfortunately, is not set. Ivan was the second son of the Moscow prince Danila Alexandrovich. The biography of Ivan Kalita until 1304 was not marked with practically anything significant and important.
• Semyon Ivanovich Proud of Moscow (October 1, 1340 - April 26, 1353)
• Ivan Ivanovich Red of Moscow (March 25, 1353 - November 13, 1359)
• Dmitry Konstantinovich of Suzdal-Nizhny Novgorod (June 22, 1360 - January 1363)
• Dmitry Ivanovich Donskoy of Moscow (1363)
• Vasily Dmitrievich of Moscow (August 15, 1389 - February 27, 1425)

Moscow princes and Moscow grand dukes

Russian emperors

• (October 22, 1721 - January 28, 1725) The biography of Peter the Great deserves special attention. The fact is that Peter 1 belongs to the group of Russian emperors who made a huge contribution to the history of the development of our country. This article tells about the life of a great man, about the role he played in the transformation of Russia.

  _____________________________

  Also on my site there are a number of articles about Peter the Great. If you want to thoroughly study the history of this outstanding ruler, then please read the following articles from my website:

  _____________________________

• (January 28, 1725 – May 6, 1727)
  Catherine 1 was born under the name of Martha, she was born in the family of a Lithuanian peasant. Thus begins the biography of Catherine the Great, the first Empress of the Russian Empire.
  
  
• (May 7, 1727 - January 19, 1730)
  Peter 2 was born in 1715. Already at an early age he became an orphan. First, his mother died, then in 1718, the father of Peter II, Alexei Petrovich, was executed. Peter II was the grandson of Peter the Great, who was absolutely not interested in the fate of his grandson. HE never considered Peter Alekseevich as the heir to the Russian throne.
  
• (February 4, 1730 - October 17, 1740) Anna Ioannovna is known for her difficult character. She was a vindictive and vindictive woman, distinguished by capriciousness. Anna Ioannovna had absolutely no ability to conduct public affairs, while she was not even simply inclined to this.
  
• (October 17, 1740 - November 25, 1741)
• (November 9, 1740 - November 25, 1741)
• (November 25, 1741 - December 25, 1761)
• (December 25, 1761 - June 28, 1762)
• () (June 28, 1762 - November 6, 1796) Many will probably agree that the biography of Catherine 2 is one of the most fascinating stories about the life and reign of an amazing, strong woman. Catherine 2 was born on April 22 / May 2, 1729, in the family of Princess Johanna - Elizabeth and Prince Christian August of Anhalt - Zerbsky.
• (November 6, 1796 - March 11, 1801)
• (Blessed) (March 12, 1801 - November 19, 1825)
• (December 12, 1825 - February 18, 1855)
• (Liberator) (February 18, 1855 - March 1, 1881)
• (Peacemaker) (March 1, 1881 - October 20, 1894)
• (October 20, 1894 - March 2, 1917) The biography of Nicholas II will be quite interesting to many of the inhabitants of our country. Nicholas II was the eldest son of Alexander III, the Russian Emperor. His mother, Maria Feodorovna, was Alexander's wife.
  

Nicholas II (1894 - 1917) Due to the stampede that occurred during his coronation, many people died. So the name "Bloody" was attached to the kindest philanthropist Nikolai. In 1898, Nicholas II, taking care of world peace, issued a manifesto in which he called on all countries of the world to completely disarm. After that, a special commission met in The Hague to develop a number of measures that could further prevent bloody clashes between countries and peoples. But the peace-loving emperor had to fight. First, in the First World War, then the Bolshevik coup broke out, as a result of which the monarch was overthrown, and then shot with his family in Yekaterinburg. The Orthodox Church canonized Nicholas Romanov and his entire family as saints.

Rurik (862-879)

Prince of Novgorod, nicknamed the Varangian, as he was called to reign by the Novgorodians because of the Varangian Sea. is the founder of the Rurik dynasty. He was married to a woman named Efanda, with whom he had a son named Igor. He also raised his daughter and stepson Askold. After his two brothers died, he became the sole ruler of the country. He gave all the surrounding villages and settlements to the management of his close associates, where they had the right to independently create a court. Around this time, Askold and Dir, two brothers who were in no way related to Rurik by family ties, occupied the city of Kyiv and began to rule the glades.

Oleg (879 - 912)

Kyiv prince, nicknamed the Prophet. Being a relative of Prince Rurik, he was the guardian of his son Igor. According to legend, he died, stung in the leg by a snake. Prince Oleg became famous for his intelligence and military prowess. With a huge army for those times, the prince went along the Dnieper. On the way, he conquered Smolensk, then Lyubech, and then took Kyiv, making it the capital. Askold and Dir were killed, and Oleg showed the glades the little son of Rurik - Igor as their prince. He went on a military campaign to Greece and, with a brilliant victory, provided the Russians with preferential rights to free trade in Constantinople.

Igor (912 - 945)

Following the example of Prince Oleg, Igor Rurikovich conquered all the neighboring tribes and forced them to pay tribute, successfully repulsed the Pecheneg raids and also undertook a campaign in Greece, which, however, was not as successful as the campaign of Prince Oleg. As a result, Igor was killed by the neighboring subjugated tribes of the Drevlyans for his irrepressible greed in extortions.

Olga (945 - 957)

Olga was the wife of Prince Igor. She, according to the customs of that time, very cruelly took revenge on the Drevlyans for the murder of her husband, and also conquered the main city of the Drevlyans - Korosten. Olga was distinguished by very good ability to rule, as well as a brilliant, sharp mind. Already at the end of her life, she accepted Christianity in Constantinople, for which she was later canonized as a saint and named Equal-to-the-Apostles.

Svyatoslav Igorevich (after 964 - spring 972)

The son of Prince Igor and Princess Olga, who, after the death of her husband, took the reins of government into her own hands, while her son grew up, learning the wisdom of the art of war. In 967, he managed to defeat the army of the Bulgarian king, which greatly alarmed the emperor of Byzantium, John, who, in collusion with the Pechenegs, persuaded them to attack Kyiv. In 970, together with the Bulgarians and Hungarians, after the death of Princess Olga, Svyatoslav went on a campaign against Byzantium. The forces were not equal, and Svyatoslav was forced to sign a peace treaty with the empire. After his return to Kyiv, he was brutally killed by the Pechenegs, and then the skull of Svyatoslav was decorated with gold and made from it a bowl for pies.

Yaropolk Svyatoslavovich (972 - 978 or 980)

After the death of his father, Prince Svyatoslav Igorevich, he made an attempt to unite Russia under his rule, defeating his brothers: Oleg Drevlyansky and Vladimir Novgorodsky, forcing them to leave the country, and then annexed their lands to the Kyiv principality. He managed to conclude a new agreement with the Byzantine Empire, and also to attract the horde of the Pecheneg Khan Ildea to his service. Tried to establish diplomatic relations with Rome. Under him, as the Joachim manuscript testifies, Christians were given a lot of freedom in Russia, which caused displeasure of the pagans. Vladimir Novgorodsky immediately took advantage of this displeasure and, having agreed with the Varangians, recaptured Novgorod, then Polotsk, and then laid siege to Kyiv. Yaropolk was forced to flee to Roden. He tried to make peace with his brother, for which he went to Kyiv, where he was a Varangian. Chronicles characterize this prince as a peace-loving and meek ruler.

Vladimir Svyatoslavovich (978 or 980 - 1015)

Vladimir was the youngest son of Prince Svyatoslav. He was Prince of Novgorod since 968. Became Prince of Kyiv in 980. He was distinguished by a very warlike disposition, which allowed him to conquer the Radimichi, Vyatichi and Yotvingians. Vladimir also waged wars with the Pechenegs, with the Volga Bulgaria, with the Byzantine Empire and Poland. It was during the reign of Prince Vladimir in Russia that defensive structures were built at the borders of the rivers: Desna, Trubezh, Sturgeon, Sula and others. Vladimir also did not forget about his capital city. It was under him that Kyiv was rebuilt with stone buildings. But Vladimir Svyatoslavovich became famous and remained in history due to the fact that in 988 - 989. made Christianity the state religion of Kievan Rus, which immediately increased the authority of the country in the international arena. Under him, the state of Kievan Rus entered the period of its greatest prosperity. Prince Vladimir Svyatoslavovich became an epic character, in which he is referred to only as "Vladimir the Red Sun." Canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church, named Prince Equal to the Apostles.

Svyatopolk Vladimirovich (1015 - 1019)

Vladimir Svyatoslavovich, during his lifetime, divided his lands between his sons: Svyatopolk, Izyaslav, Yaroslav, Mstislav, Svyatoslav, Boris and Gleb. After Prince Vladimir died, Svyatopolk Vladimirovich occupied Kyiv and decided to get rid of his rival brothers. He gave the order to kill Gleb, Boris and Svyatoslav. However, this did not help him establish himself on the throne. Soon, Prince Yaroslav of Novgorod expelled him from Kyiv. Then Svyatopolk turned for help to his father-in-law, King Boleslav of Poland. With the support of the Polish king, Svyatopolk again took possession of Kyiv, but soon circumstances developed in such a way that he was again forced to flee the capital. On the way, Prince Svyatopolk committed suicide. This prince was popularly nicknamed the Accursed because he took the life of his brothers.

Yaroslav Vladimirovich the Wise (1019 - 1054)

Yaroslav Vladimirovich, after the death of Mstislav Tmutarakansky and after the expulsion of the Holy Regiment, became the sole ruler of the Russian land. Yaroslav was distinguished by a sharp mind, for which, in fact, he received his nickname - the Wise. He tried to take care of the needs of his people, built the cities of Yaroslavl and Yuryev. He also built churches (St. Sophia in Kyiv and Novgorod), realizing the importance of spreading and establishing a new faith. It was he who published the first code of laws in Russia called "Russian Truth". He divided the allotments of the Russian land between his sons: Izyaslav, Svyatoslav, Vsevolod, Igor and Vyacheslav, bequeathing them to live in peace with each other.

Izyaslav Yaroslavich the First (1054 - 1078)

Izyaslav was the eldest son of Yaroslav the Wise. After the death of his father, the throne of Kievan Rus passed to him. But after his campaign against the Polovtsy, which ended in failure, he was driven out by the people of Kiev themselves. Then his brother Svyatoslav became the Grand Duke. Only after the death of Svyatoslav, Izyaslav again returned to the capital city of Kyiv. Vsevolod the First (1078 - 1093) It is possible that Prince Vsevolod could well have been a useful ruler, thanks to his peaceful disposition, piety and truthfulness. Being himself an educated person, knowing five languages, he actively contributed to education in his principality. But, alas. Constant, incessant raids of the Polovtsy, pestilence, famine did not favor the rule of this prince. He held onto the throne thanks to the efforts of his son Vladimir, who would later be called Monomakh.

Svyatopolk II (1093 - 1113)

Svyatopolk was the son of Izyaslav the First. It was he who inherited the throne of Kyiv after Vsevolod the First. This prince was distinguished by a rare spinelessness, which is why he failed to calm the internecine friction between the princes for power in the cities. In 1097, a congress of princes took place in the city of Lubicz, at which each ruler, kissing the cross, pledged to own only his father's land. But this shaky peace treaty was not allowed to materialize. Prince Davyd Igorevich blinded Prince Vasilko. Then the princes, at a new congress (1100), deprived Prince Davyd of the right to own Volhynia. Then, in 1103, the princes unanimously accepted Vladimir Monomakh's proposal for a joint campaign against the Polovtsy, which was done. The campaign ended with the victory of the Russians in 1111.

Vladimir Monomakh (1113 - 1125)

Regardless of the right of seniority of the Svyatoslavichs, when Prince Svyatopolk II died, Vladimir Monomakh was elected Prince of Kyiv, who wanted the unification of the Russian land. Grand Duke Vladimir Monomakh was brave, tireless and favorably distinguished himself from the rest by his remarkable mental abilities. He managed to humble the princes with meekness, and he fought successfully with the Polovtsians. Vladimir Monoma is a vivid example of the prince's service not to his personal ambitions, but to his people, which he bequeathed to his children.

Mstislav the First (1125 - 1132)

The son of Vladimir Monomakh, Mstislav the First, was very much like his legendary father, demonstrating the same remarkable qualities of a ruler. All the recalcitrant princes showed him respect, fearing to anger the Grand Duke and share the fate of the Polovtsian princes, whom Mstislav expelled to Greece for disobedience, and sent his son to reign in their place.

Yaropolk (1132 - 1139)

Yaropolk was the son of Vladimir Monomakh and, accordingly, the brother of Mstislav the First. During his reign, he came up with the idea to transfer the throne not to his brother Vyacheslav, but to his nephew, which caused confusion in the country. It was because of these strife that the Monomakhovichi lost the throne of Kyiv, which was occupied by the descendants of Oleg Svyatoslavovich, that is, the Olegovichi.

Vsevolod II (1139 - 1146)

Having become the Grand Duke, Vsevolod II desired to secure the throne of Kyiv for his family. For this reason, he handed over the throne to Igor Olegovich, his brother. But Igor was not accepted by the people as a prince. He was forced to take the veil as a monk, but even the monastic attire did not protect him from the wrath of the people. Igor was killed.

Izyaslav II (1146 - 1154)

Izyaslav II fell in love with the people of Kiev to a greater extent because with his mind, temper, affability and courage he very much reminded them of Vladimir Monomakh, the grandfather of Izyaslav II. After Izyaslav ascended the throne of Kyiv, the concept of seniority, adopted for centuries, was violated in Russia, that is, for example, while his uncle was alive, his nephew could not be a Grand Duke. A stubborn struggle began between Izyaslav II and Prince Yuri Vladimirovich of Rostov. Izyaslav was twice expelled from Kyiv in his life, but this prince still managed to retain the throne until his death.

Yuri Dolgoruky (1154 - 1157)

It was the death of Izyaslav II that paved the way to the throne of Kyiv Yuri, whom the people later called Dolgoruky. Yuri became the Grand Duke, but he did not have a chance to reign for long, only three years later, after which he died.

Mstislav II (1157 - 1169)

After the death of Yuri Dolgoruky between the princes, as usual, internecine strife for the throne of Kyiv began, as a result of which Mstislav II Izyaslavovich became the Grand Duke. Mstislav was expelled from the throne of Kyiv by Prince Andrei Yurievich, nicknamed Bogolyubsky. Before the expulsion of Prince Mstislav, Bogolyubsky literally ruined Kyiv.

Andrei Bogolyubsky (1169 - 1174)

The first thing that Andrei Bogolyubsky did, becoming the Grand Duke, was to transfer the capital from Kyiv to Vladimir. He ruled Russia autocratically, without squads and vecha, pursued all those dissatisfied with this state of affairs, but, in the end, he was killed by them as a result of a conspiracy.

Vsevolod III (1176 - 1212)

The death of Andrei Bogolyubsky caused strife between the ancient cities (Suzdal, Rostov) and new ones (Pereslavl, Vladimir). As a result of these confrontations, Andrei Bogolyubsky's brother Vsevolod the Third, nicknamed the Big Nest, began to reign in Vladimir. Despite the fact that this prince did not rule and did not live in Kyiv, nevertheless, he was called the Grand Duke and was the first to make him swear allegiance not only to himself, but also to his children.

Constantine the First (1212 - 1219)

The title of Grand Duke Vsevolod the Third, contrary to expectations, was transferred not to his eldest son Konstantin, but to Yuri, as a result of which strife arose. The decision of the father to approve the Grand Duke Yuri was also supported by the third son of Vsevolod the Big Nest - Yaroslav. And Konstantin in his claims to the throne was supported by Mstislav Udaloy. Together they won the Battle of Lipetsk (1216) and Konstantin nevertheless became the Grand Duke. Only after his death, the throne passed to Yuri.

Yuri II (1219 - 1238)

Yuri successfully fought with the Volga Bulgarians and Mordovians. On the Volga, on the very border of Russian possessions, Prince Yuri built Nizhny Novgorod. It was during his reign that the Mongol-Tatars appeared in Russia, who in 1224 in the Battle of Kalka first defeated the Polovtsy, and then the troops of the Russian princes who came to support the Polovtsy. After this battle, the Mongols left, but thirteen years later they returned under the leadership of Batu Khan. The hordes of the Mongols ravaged the Suzdal and Ryazan principalities, and also, in the battle of the City, they defeated the army of the Grand Duke Yuri II. In this battle, Yuri died. Two years after his death, the hordes of the Mongols plundered the south of Russia and Kyiv, after which all the Russian princes were forced to admit that from now on they all and their lands were under the rule of the Tatar yoke. The Mongols on the Volga made the city of Saray the capital of the horde.

Yaroslav II (1238 - 1252)

The Khan of the Golden Horde appointed Prince Yaroslav Vsevolodovich of Novgorod as Grand Duke. This prince during his reign was engaged in restoring Russia devastated by the Mongol army.

Alexander Nevsky (1252 - 1263)

Being at first the Prince of Novgorod, Alexander Yaroslavovich defeated the Swedes on the Neva River in 1240, for which, in fact, he was named Nevsky. Then, two years later, he defeated the Germans in the famous Battle of the Ice. Among other things, Alexander fought very successfully with the Chud and Lithuania. From the Horde, he received a label for the Great reign and became a great intercessor for the entire Russian people, as he traveled to the Golden Horde four times with rich gifts and bows. was later canonized as a saint.

Yaroslav III (1264 - 1272)

After Alexander Nevsky died, two of his brothers began to fight for the title of Grand Duke: Vasily and Yaroslav, but the Khan of the Golden Horde decided to give the label to reign to Yaroslav. Nevertheless, Yaroslav failed to get along with the Novgorodians, he treacherously called on even the Tatars against his own people. The Metropolitan reconciled Prince Yaroslav III with the people, after which the prince again swore an oath on the cross to rule honestly and fairly.

Basil the First (1272 - 1276)

Vasily the First was the prince of Kostroma, but he claimed the throne of Novgorod, where the son of Alexander Nevsky, Dmitry, reigned. And soon Vasily the First achieved his goal, thereby strengthening his principality, previously weakened by division into destinies.

Dmitry the First (1276 - 1294)

The entire reign of Dmitry the First proceeded in a continuous struggle for the rights of the great reign with his brother Andrei Alexandrovich. Andrei Alexandrovich was supported by the Tatar regiments, from which Dmitry managed to escape three times. After his third escape, Dmitry nevertheless decided to ask Andrei for peace and, thus, received the right to reign in Pereslavl.

Andrew II (1294 - 1304)

Andrei II pursued a policy of expanding his principality through the armed seizure of other principalities. In particular, he claimed the principality in Pereslavl, which caused civil strife with Tver and Moscow, which, even after the death of Andrei II, were not stopped.

Saint Michael (1304 - 1319)

Prince Mikhail Yaroslavovich of Tver, having paid a large tribute to the khan, received from the Horde a label for a great reign, while bypassing the Moscow prince Yuri Danilovich. But then, while Mikhail was at war with Novgorod, Yuri, conspiring with the Horde ambassador Kavgady, slandered Mikhail before the khan. As a result, the khan summoned Michael to the Horde, where he was brutally killed.

Yuri III (1320 - 1326)

Yuri the Third, married the daughter of Khan Konchaka, who in Orthodoxy took the name Agafya. It was her untimely death that Yuri Mikhail Yaroslavovich of Tverskoy treacherously accused, for which he suffered an unjust and cruel death at the hands of the Horde Khan. So Yuri received a label for reigning, but the son of the murdered Mikhail, Dmitry, also claimed the throne. As a result, Dmitry at the first meeting killed Yuri, avenging the death of his father.

Dmitry II (1326)

For the murder of Yuri III, he was sentenced to death by the Horde Khan for arbitrariness.

Alexander of Tver (1326 - 1338)

The brother of Dmitry II - Alexander - received from the khan a label to the throne of the Grand Duke. Prince Alexander of Tverskoy was distinguished by justice and kindness, but he literally ruined himself by allowing the people of Tver to kill Shchelkan, the khan's ambassador hated by all. Khan sent a 50,000-strong army against Alexander. The prince was forced to flee first to Pskov and then to Lithuania. Only 10 years later, Alexander received the khan's forgiveness and was able to return, but, at the same time, he did not get along with the prince of Moscow - Ivan Kalita - after which Kalita slandered Alexander of Tverskoy in front of the khan. Khan urgently summoned A. Tverskoy to his Horde, where he was executed.

John the First Kalita (1320 - 1341)

John Danilovich, nicknamed "Kalita" (Kalita - wallet) for his stinginess, was very cautious and cunning. With the support of the Tatars, he devastated the principality of Tver. It was he who took upon himself the responsibility of accepting tribute for the Tatars from all over Russia, which contributed to his personal enrichment. With this money, John bought entire cities from the specific princes. Through the efforts of Kalita, the metropolis was also transferred from Vladimir to Moscow in 1326. He laid the Assumption Cathedral in Moscow. Since the time of John Kalita, Moscow has become the permanent residence of the Metropolitan of All Russia and becomes the Russian center.

Simeon the Proud (1341 - 1353)

The Khan gave Simeon Ioannovich not only a label to the Grand Duchy, but also ordered all the other princes to obey only him, so Simeon began to be called the prince of all Russia. The prince died, leaving no heir from a pestilence.

John II (1353 - 1359)

Brother of Simeon the Proud. He had a meek and peaceful disposition, he obeyed the advice of Metropolitan Alexei in all matters, and Metropolitan Alexei, in turn, was highly respected in the Horde. During the reign of this prince, relations between the Tatars and Moscow improved significantly.

Dmitry the Third Donskoy (1363 - 1389)

After the death of John the Second, his son Dmitry was still small, therefore the khan gave the label to the great reign to the Suzdal prince Dmitry Konstantinovich (1359 - 1363). However, the Moscow boyars benefited from the policy of strengthening the Moscow prince, and they managed to achieve a great reign for Dmitry Ioannovich. The Suzdal prince was forced to submit and, together with the rest of the princes of northeastern Russia, swore allegiance to Dmitry Ioannovich. The attitude of Russia towards the Tatars also changed. Due to civil strife in the horde itself, Dmitry and the rest of the princes took the opportunity not to pay the usual dues. Then Khan Mamai entered into an alliance with the Lithuanian prince Jagiello and moved with a large army to Russia. Dmitry and other princes met the army of Mamai on the Kulikovo field, (near the river Don) and at the cost of huge losses on September 8, 1380, Russia defeated the army of Mamai and Jagello. For this victory they called Dmitry Ioannovich Donskoy. Until the end of his life, he took care of strengthening Moscow.

Basil the First (1389 - 1425)

Vasily ascended the princely throne, already having experience of government, since even during the life of his father he shared the reign with him. Expanded the Moscow principality. Refused to pay tribute to the Tatars. In 1395, Khan Timur threatened Russia with an invasion, but it was not he who attacked Moscow, but Edigey, the Tatar Murza (1408). But he lifted the siege from Moscow, receiving a ransom of 3,000 rubles. Under Basil the First, the Ugra River was designated as the border with the Lithuanian principality.

Vasily II (Dark) (1425 - 1462)

Yuri Dmitrievich Galitsky decided to take advantage of the minority of Prince Vasily and claimed his rights to the Grand Duke's throne, but the Khan decided the dispute in favor of the young Vasily II, which was greatly facilitated by the Moscow boyar Vasily Vsevolozhsky, hoping to marry his daughter to Vasily in the future, but these expectations were not destined to come true . Then he left Moscow and assisted Yuri Dmitrievich, and soon he took possession of the throne, on which he died in 1434. His son Vasily Kosoy began to claim the throne, but all the princes of Russia rebelled against this. Vasily II captured Vasily Kosoy and blinded him. Then the brother of Vasily Kosoy Dmitry Shemyaka captured Vasily II and also blinded him, after which he took the throne of Moscow. But soon he was forced to give the throne to Vasily II. Under Vasily II, all metropolitans in Russia began to be recruited from Russians, and not from Greeks, as before. The reason for this was the adoption of the Florentine Union in 1439 by Metropolitan Isidore, who was from the Greeks. For this, Vasily II gave the order to take Metropolitan Isidore into custody and instead appointed Bishop John of Ryazan.

John the Third (1462 -1505)

Under him, the core of the state apparatus began to form and, as a result, the state of Russia. He annexed Yaroslavl, Perm, Vyatka, Tver, Novgorod to the Moscow principality. In 1480, he overthrew the Tatar-Mongol yoke (Standing on the Ugra). In 1497, the Sudebnik was compiled. John the Third launched a large construction in Moscow, strengthened the international position of Russia. It was under him that the title "Prince of All Russia" was born.

Basil the Third (1505 - 1533)

"The last collector of Russian lands" Vasily the Third was the son of John the Third and Sophia Paleolog. He had a very impregnable and proud disposition. Having annexed Pskov, he destroyed the specific system. He fought twice with Lithuania on the advice of Mikhail Glinsky, a Lithuanian nobleman, whom he kept in his service. In 1514, he finally took Smolensk from the Lithuanians. Fought with the Crimea and Kazan. As a result, he managed to punish Kazan. He withdrew all trade from the city, ordering from now on to trade at the Makariev Fair, which was then transferred to Nizhny Novgorod. Vasily the Third, wishing to marry Elena Glinskaya, divorced his wife Solomonia, which turned the boyars against him even more. From the marriage with Elena, Vasily III had a son, John.

Elena Glinskaya (1533 - 1538)

She was appointed to rule by Vasily III himself until the age of their son John. Elena Glinskaya, having barely ascended the throne, very severely dealt with all the rebellious and dissatisfied boyars, after which she made peace with Lithuania. Then she decided to repulse the Crimean Tatars, who boldly attacked the Russian lands, however, these plans of hers could not be realized, since Elena suddenly died.

John the Fourth (Terrible) (1538 - 1584)

John the Fourth, Prince of All Russia became in 1547 the first Russian Tsar. From the end of the forties he ruled the country with the participation of the Chosen Rada. During his reign, the convocation of all Zemsky Sobors began. In 1550, a new Sudebnik was drawn up, and reforms of the court and administration (Zemskaya and Gubnaya reforms) were also carried out. conquered the Kazan Khanate in 1552, and the Astrakhan Khanate in 1556. In 1565, the oprichnina was introduced to strengthen the autocracy. Under John the Fourth, trade relations with England were established in 1553, and the first printing house in Moscow was opened. From 1558 to 1583 the Livonian War for access to the Baltic Sea continued. In 1581, the annexation of Siberia began. The entire domestic policy of the country under Tsar John was accompanied by disgrace and executions, for which he was nicknamed the Terrible by the people. The enslavement of the peasants increased significantly.

Fedor Ioannovich (1584 - 1598)

He was the second son of John the Fourth. He was very sickly and weak, did not differ in sharpness of mind. That is why very quickly the actual control of the state passed into the hands of the boyar Boris Godunov, the brother-in-law of the tsar. Boris Godunov, having surrounded himself with exclusively devoted people, became a sovereign ruler. He built cities, strengthened relations with the countries of Western Europe, built the Arkhangelsk Harbor on the White Sea. By order and instigation of Godunov, an all-Russian independent patriarchate was approved, and the peasants were finally attached to the land. It was he who in 1591 ordered the assassination of Tsarevich Dmitry, who was the brother of the childless Tsar Fedor, and was his direct heir. 6 years after this murder, Tsar Fedor himself died.

Boris Godunov (1598 - 1605)

The sister of Boris Godunov and the wife of the late Tsar Fedor abdicated the throne. Patriarch Job recommended that Godunov's supporters convene a Zemsky Sobor, at which Boris was elected tsar. Godunov, having become king, was afraid of conspiracies on the part of the boyars and, in general, was distinguished by excessive suspicion, which naturally caused disgrace and exile. At the same time, the boyar Fyodor Nikitich Romanov was forced to take tonsure, and he became a monk Filaret, and his young son Mikhail was sent into exile at Beloozero. But not only the boyars were angry with Boris Godunov. A three-year crop failure and the pestilence that followed it, which hit the Muscovite kingdom, forced the people to see this as the fault of Tsar B. Godunov. The king tried his best to alleviate the plight of the starving. He increased the earnings of people employed in state buildings (for example, during the construction of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower), generously distributed alms, but people still grumbled and willingly believed the rumors that the legitimate Tsar Dmitry was not killed at all and would soon take the throne. In the midst of preparations for the fight against False Dmitry, Boris Godunov died suddenly, while having managed to bequeath the throne to his son Fyodor.

False Dmitry (1605 - 1606)

The fugitive monk Grigory Otrepiev, who was supported by the Poles, declared himself Tsar Dmitry, who miraculously managed to escape from the murderers in Uglich. He entered Russia with several thousand men. The army came out to meet him, but it also went over to the side of False Dmitry, recognizing him as the legitimate king, after which Fyodor Godunov was killed. False Dmitry was a very good-natured man, but with a sharp mind, he diligently engaged in all state affairs, but caused displeasure of the clergy and boyars, from the fact that, in their opinion, he did not honor the old Russian customs enough, and completely neglected many. Together with Vasily Shuisky, the boyars entered into a conspiracy against False Dmitry, spread a rumor that he was an impostor, and then, without hesitation, they killed the fake tsar.

Vasily Shuisky (1606 - 1610)

The boyars and townspeople elected the old and inept Shuisky as king, while limiting his power. In Russia, rumors arose again about the salvation of False Dmitry, in connection with which new unrest began in the state, intensified by the rebellion of a serf named Ivan Bolotnikov and the appearance of False Dmitry II in Tushino (“Tushinsky thief”). Poland went to war against Moscow and defeated the Russian troops. After this, Tsar Vasily was forcibly tonsured a monk, and a troubled time of interregnum came to Russia, lasting three years.

Mikhail Fedorovich (1613 - 1645)

The diplomas of the Trinity Lavra, sent all over Russia and calling for the defense of the Orthodox faith and the fatherland, did their job: Prince Dmitry Pozharsky, with the participation of the Zemstvo headman of Nizhny Novgorod Kozma Minin (Sukhoroky), gathered a large militia and moved to Moscow in order to clear the capital of rebels and Poles, which was done after painful efforts. On February 21, 1613, the Great Zemstvo Duma gathered, at which Mikhail Fedorovich Romanov was elected Tsar, who, after long rejections, nevertheless ascended the throne, where the first thing he undertook was to pacify both external and internal enemies.

He concluded the so-called pillar agreement with the Kingdom of Sweden, in 1618 he signed the Treaty of Deulino with Poland, according to which Filaret, who was the parent of the king, was returned to Russia after a long captivity. Upon his return, he was immediately elevated to the rank of patriarch. Patriarch Filaret was an adviser to his son and a reliable co-ruler. Thanks to them, by the end of the reign of Mikhail Fedorovich, Russia began to enter into friendly relations with various Western states, having practically recovered from the horror of the Time of Troubles.

Alexei Mikhailovich (Quiet) (1645 - 1676)

Tsar Alexei is considered one of the best people of ancient Russia. He had a meek, humble disposition, and was very pious. He could not stand quarrels at all, and if they happened, he suffered greatly and tried in every possible way to reconcile with the enemy. In the first years of his reign, his closest adviser was his uncle, boyar Morozov. In the fifties, Patriarch Nikon became his adviser, who decided to unite Russia with the rest of the Orthodox world and ordered everyone from now on to be baptized in the Greek manner - with three fingers, which caused a split among the Orthodox in Russia. (The most famous schismatics are the Old Believers, who do not want to deviate from the true faith and be baptized with a "fig", as ordered by the patriarch - noblewoman Morozova and archpriest Avvakum).

During the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich, riots broke out every now and then in different cities, which they managed to suppress, and the decision of Little Russia to voluntarily join the Muscovite state provoked two wars with Poland. But the state survived thanks to the unity and concentration of power. After the death of his first wife, Maria Miloslavskaya, in whose marriage the tsar had two sons (Fyodor and John) and many daughters, he married a second time to the girl Natalia Naryshkina, who bore him a son, Peter.

Fedor Alekseevich (1676 - 1682)

During the reign of this tsar, the issue of Little Russia was finally resolved: its western part went to Turkey, and the East and Zaporozhye - to Moscow. Patriarch Nikon was returned from exile. They also abolished localism - the ancient boyar custom to take into account the service of ancestors when occupying state and military positions. Tsar Fedor died without leaving an heir.

Ivan Alekseevich (1682 - 1689)

Ivan Alekseevich, together with his brother Peter Alekseevich, was elected king thanks to the Streltsy rebellion. But Tsarevich Alexei, suffering from dementia, did not take any part in public affairs. He died in 1689 during the reign of Princess Sophia.

Sophia (1682 - 1689)

Sophia remained in history as the ruler of an extraordinary mind and possessed all the necessary qualities of a real queen. She managed to calm the unrest of the dissenters, curb the archers, conclude an "eternal peace" with Poland, which is very beneficial for Russia, as well as the Nerchinsk Treaty with distant China. The princess undertook campaigns against the Crimean Tatars, but fell victim to her own lust for power. Tsarevich Peter, however, having guessed her plans, imprisoned her half-sister in the Novodevichy Convent, where Sophia died in 1704.

Peter the Great (Great) (1682 - 1725)

The greatest tsar, and since 1721 the first Russian emperor, statesman, cultural and military figure. He made revolutionary reforms in the country: collegiums, the Senate, bodies of political investigation and state control were created. He made divisions in Russia into provinces, and also subordinated the church to the state. He built a new capital - St. Petersburg. The main dream of Peter was the elimination of Russia's backwardness in development compared to European countries. Taking advantage of Western experience, he tirelessly created manufactories, factories, shipyards.

To facilitate trade and for access to the Baltic Sea, he won the Northern War, lasting 21 years, from Sweden, thereby “cutting through” a “window to Europe”. He built a huge fleet for Russia. Thanks to his efforts, the Academy of Sciences was opened in Russia and the civil alphabet was adopted. All reforms were carried out by the most cruel methods and caused multiple uprisings in the country (Streletsky in 1698, Astrakhan from 1705 to 1706, Bulavinsky from 1707 to 1709), which, however, were also mercilessly suppressed.

Catherine the First (1725 - 1727)

Peter the Great died without leaving a will. So, the throne passed to his wife Catherine. Catherine became famous for having equipped Bering on a round-the-world trip, and also established the Supreme Privy Council at the instigation of a friend and colleague of her late husband Peter the Great - Prince Menshikov. Thus, Menshikov concentrated virtually all state power in his hands. He persuaded Catherine to appoint the son of Tsarevich Alexei Petrovich as the heir to the throne, to whom his father, Peter the Great, had sentenced him to death for being disgusted with the reforms - Peter Alekseevich, and also to agree to his marriage with Menshikov's daughter Maria. Until the age of Peter Alekseevich, Prince Menshikov was appointed ruler of Russia.

Peter II (1727 - 1730)

Peter II ruled for a short time. Having barely got rid of the imperious Menshikov, he immediately fell under the influence of the Dolgoruky, who, in every possible way distracting the emperors from public affairs with fun, actually ruled the country. They wished to marry the emperor to Princess E. A. Dolgoruky, but Pyotr Alekseevich suddenly died of smallpox and the wedding did not take place.

Anna Ioannovna (1730 - 1740)

The Supreme Privy Council decided to somewhat limit the autocracy, therefore they chose Anna Ioannovna, Dowager Duchess of Courland, daughter of John Alekseevich, as empress. But she was crowned on the Russian throne as an autocratic empress and, first of all, having entered into rights, destroyed the Supreme Privy Council. She replaced it with the Cabinet and, instead of the Russian nobles, gave positions to the Germans Ostern and Munnich, as well as to the Courlander Biron. The cruel and unjust rule was later called "Bironism".

Russia's intervention in the internal affairs of Poland in 1733 cost the country dearly: the lands conquered by Peter the Great had to be returned to Persia. Before her death, the empress appointed the son of her niece Anna Leopoldovna as her heir, and appointed Biron as regent for the baby. However, Biron was soon overthrown, and Anna Leopoldovna became the empress, whose reign cannot be called long and glorious. The guards staged a coup and proclaimed Empress Elizabeth Petrovna, daughter of Peter the Great.

Elizaveta Petrovna (1741 - 1761)

Elizabeth destroyed the Cabinet, established by Anna Ioannovna, and returned the Senate. Issued a decree abolishing the death penalty in 1744. In 1954, she established the first loan banks in Russia, which became a great boon for merchants and nobles. At the request of Lomonosov, she opened the first university in Moscow and in 1756 opened the first theater. During her reign, Russia waged two wars: with Sweden and the so-called "seven-year war", in which Prussia, Austria and France took part. Thanks to the peace with Sweden, part of Finland went to Russia. The death of Empress Elizabeth put an end to the Seven Years' War.

Peter the Third (1761 - 1762)

He was absolutely unsuitable for governing the state, but his temper was complacent. But this young emperor managed to turn absolutely all layers of Russian society against him, since he, to the detriment of Russian interests, showed a craving for everything German. Peter the Third, not only did he make a lot of concessions in relation to the Prussian Emperor Frederick II, he also reformed the army according to the same Prussian model, dear to his heart. He issued decrees on the destruction of the secret office and the free nobility, which, however, did not differ in certainty. As a result of the coup, due to his relationship with the empress, he quickly signed the abdication and soon died.

Catherine II (1762 - 1796)

The time of her reign was one of the greatest after the reign of Peter the Great. Empress Catherine ruled harshly, suppressed the Pugachev peasant uprising, won two Turkish wars, which resulted in the recognition of the independence of the Crimea by Turkey, and also the coast of the Sea of ​​\u200b\u200bAzov departed Russia. Russia got the Black Sea Fleet, and active construction of cities began in Novorossia. Catherine II established the colleges of education and medicine. Cadet corps were opened, and for the education of girls - the Smolny Institute. Catherine the Second, herself possessing literary abilities, patronized literature.

Paul the First (1796 - 1801)

He did not support the transformations that his mother, Empress Catherine, started in the state system. Of the achievements of his reign, one should note a very significant relief in the life of serfs (only a three-day corvee was introduced), the opening of a university in Dorpat, and the emergence of new women's institutions.

Alexander the First (Blessed) (1801 - 1825)

The grandson of Catherine II, assuming the throne, vowed to govern the country "according to the law and heart" of his crowned grandmother, who, in fact, was engaged in his upbringing. At the very beginning, he undertook a number of different liberation measures aimed at different sections of society, which aroused the undoubted respect and love of people. But external political problems distracted Alexander from domestic reforms. Russia, in alliance with Austria, was forced to fight against Napoleon, the Russian troops were defeated at Austerlitz.

Napoleon forced Russia to abandon trade with England. As a result, in 1812, Napoleon nevertheless, having violated the agreement with Russia, went to war against the country. And in the same year, 1812, Russian troops defeated Napoleon's army. Alexander the First established a state council in 1800, ministries and a cabinet of ministers. In St. Petersburg, Kazan and Kharkov, he opened universities, as well as many institutes and gymnasiums, the Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum. It greatly facilitated the life of the peasants.

Nicholas the First (1825 - 1855)

He continued the policy of improving peasant life. He founded the Institute of St. Vladimir in Kyiv. Published a 45-volume complete collection of laws of the Russian Empire. Under Nicholas I in 1839, the Uniates were reunited with Orthodoxy. This reunification was a consequence of the suppression of the uprising in Poland and the complete destruction of the Polish constitution. There was a war with the Turks, who oppressed Greece, as a result of the victory of Russia, Greece gained independence. After the rupture of relations with Turkey, on the side of which England, Sardinia and France sided, Russia had to join a new struggle.

The emperor died suddenly during the defense of Sevastopol. During the reign of Nicholas I, the Nikolaev and Tsarskoye Selo railways were built, great Russian writers and poets lived and worked: Lermontov, Pushkin, Krylov, Griboyedov, Belinsky, Zhukovsky, Gogol, Karamzin.

Alexander II (Liberator) (1855 - 1881)

The Turkish war had to be ended by Alexander II. The Paris peace was concluded on very unfavorable terms for Russia. In 1858, according to an agreement with China, Russia acquired the Amur region, and later - Usuriysk. In 1864, the Caucasus finally became part of Russia. The most important state transformation of Alexander II was the decision to free the peasants. Killed by an assassin in 1881.

For almost 400 years of the existence of this title, it was worn by completely different people - from adventurers and liberals to tyrants and conservatives.

Rurikovichi

Over the years, Russia (from Rurik to Putin) has changed its political system many times. At first, the rulers had a princely title. When, after a period of political fragmentation, a new Russian state was formed around Moscow, the owners of the Kremlin thought about accepting the royal title.

This was done under Ivan the Terrible (1547-1584). This one decided to marry the kingdom. And this decision was not accidental. So the Moscow monarch emphasized that he was the successor. It was they who bestowed Orthodoxy on Russia. In the 16th century, Byzantium no longer existed (it fell under the onslaught of the Ottomans), so Ivan the Terrible rightly believed that his act would have serious symbolic significance.

Such historical figures as this king had a great influence on the development of the whole country. In addition to the fact that Ivan the Terrible changed his title, he also captured the Kazan and Astrakhan khanates, starting Russian expansion to the East.

Ivan's son Fedor (1584-1598) was distinguished by his weak character and health. Nevertheless, under him the state continued to develop. The patriarchate was established. Rulers have always paid much attention to the issue of succession to the throne. This time he stood up especially sharply. Fedor had no children. When he died, the Rurik dynasty on the Moscow throne came to an end.

Time of Troubles

After Fyodor's death, Boris Godunov (1598-1605), his brother-in-law, came to power. He did not belong to the royal family, and many considered him a usurper. Under him, due to natural disasters, a colossal famine began. The tsars and presidents of Russia have always tried to keep calm in the provinces. Due to the tense situation, Godunov failed to do this. Several peasant uprisings took place in the country.

In addition, the adventurer Grishka Otrepiev called himself one of the sons of Ivan the Terrible and began a military campaign against Moscow. He really managed to capture the capital and become king. Boris Godunov did not live up to this moment - he died from health complications. His son Fyodor II was captured by the associates of False Dmitry and killed.

The impostor ruled for only a year, after which he was overthrown during the Moscow uprising, which was inspired by disgruntled Russian boyars who did not like that False Dmitry surrounded himself with Catholic Poles. decided to transfer the crown to Vasily Shuisky (1606-1610). During the Time of Troubles, the rulers of Russia often changed.

The princes, tsars and presidents of Russia had to carefully guard their power. Shuisky did not hold her back and was overthrown by the Polish interventionists.

First Romanovs

When in 1613 Moscow was liberated from foreign invaders, the question arose of who should be made sovereign. This text presents all the tsars of Russia in order (with portraits). Now it's time to tell about the ascension to the throne of the Romanov dynasty.

The first sovereign of this kind - Michael (1613-1645) - was just a young man when he was put to rule a vast country. His main goal was the struggle with Poland for the lands occupied by it during the Time of Troubles.

These were the biographies of the rulers and the dates of the reign until the middle of the 17th century. After Michael, his son Alexei (1645-1676) ruled. He annexed left-bank Ukraine and Kyiv to Russia. So, after several centuries of fragmentation and Lithuanian rule, the fraternal peoples finally began to live in one country.

Alexei had many sons. The eldest of them, Fedor III (1676-1682), died at a young age. After him came the simultaneous reign of two children - Ivan and Peter.

Peter the Great

Ivan Alekseevich was unable to govern the country. Therefore, in 1689, the sole reign of Peter the Great began. He completely rebuilt the country in a European manner. Russia - from Rurik to Putin (let's look at all the rulers in chronological order) - knows few examples of an era so full of changes.

A new army and navy appeared. To do this, Peter started a war against Sweden. The Northern War lasted 21 years. During it, the Swedish army was defeated, and the kingdom agreed to cede its southern Baltic lands. In this region, in 1703, St. Petersburg was founded - the new capital of Russia. Peter's success made him think about changing his title. In 1721 he became emperor. However, this change did not abolish the royal title - in everyday speech, monarchs continued to be called kings.

The era of palace coups

Peter's death was followed by a long period of unstable power. The monarchs succeeded each other with enviable regularity, which was facilitated. As a rule, the guards or certain courtiers were at the head of these changes. During this era, Catherine I (1725-1727), Peter II (1727-1730), Anna Ioannovna (1730-1740), Ivan VI (1740-1741), Elizabeth Petrovna (1741-1761) and Peter III (1761-1762) ruled ).

The last of them was of German origin. Under the predecessor of Peter III, Elizabeth, Russia waged a victorious war against Prussia. The new monarch renounced all conquests, returned Berlin to the king and concluded a peace treaty. With this act, he signed his own death warrant. The guards organized another palace coup, after which Peter's wife Catherine II was on the throne.

Catherine II and Paul I

Catherine II (1762-1796) had a deep state mind. On the throne, she began to pursue a policy of enlightened absolutism. The Empress organized the work of the famous statutory commission, the purpose of which was to prepare a comprehensive project of reforms in Russia. She also wrote the Order. This document contained many considerations about the transformations needed for the country. The reforms were curtailed when a peasant uprising led by Pugachev broke out in the Volga region in the 1770s.

All the tsars and presidents of Russia (in chronological order, we listed all the royal persons) took care that the country looked worthy on the foreign arena. She was no exception. She led several successful military campaigns against Turkey. As a result, Crimea and other important Black Sea regions were annexed to Russia. At the end of Catherine's reign, three partitions of Poland took place. So the Russian Empire received important acquisitions in the west.

After the death of the great empress, her son Paul I (1796-1801) came to power. This quarrelsome man was not liked by many in the St. Petersburg elite.

First half of the 19th century

In 1801 there was another and the last palace coup. A group of conspirators dealt with Pavel. His son Alexander I (1801-1825) was on the throne. His reign fell on the Patriotic War and the invasion of Napoleon. The rulers of the Russian state have not faced such a serious enemy intervention for two centuries. Despite the capture of Moscow, Bonaparte was defeated. Alexander became the most popular and famous monarch of the Old World. He was also called "the liberator of Europe".

Inside his country, Alexander in his youth tried to implement liberal reforms. Historical figures often change their policies as they age. So Alexander soon abandoned his ideas. He died in Taganrog in 1825 under mysterious circumstances.

At the beginning of the reign of his brother Nicholas I (1825-1855) there was an uprising of the Decembrists. Because of this, conservative orders triumphed in the country for thirty years.

Second half of the 19th century

Here are all the tsars of Russia in order, with portraits. Further, we will talk about the main reformer of the national statehood - Alexander II (1855-1881). He became the initiator of the manifesto on the liberation of the peasants. The destruction of serfdom allowed the development of the Russian market and capitalism. The country began to grow economically. The reforms also affected the judiciary, local self-government, administrative and conscription systems. The monarch tried to raise the country to its feet and learn the lessons that the lost started under Nicholas I presented him.

But Alexander's reforms were not enough for the radicals. Terrorists attempted several times on his life. In 1881 they were successful. Alexander II died from a bomb explosion. The news came as a shock to the whole world.

Because of what happened, the son of the deceased monarch, Alexander III (1881-1894), forever became a tough reactionary and conservative. But he is best known as a peacemaker. During his reign, Russia did not conduct a single war.

The last king

Alexander III died in 1894. Power passed into the hands of Nicholas II (1894-1917) - his son and the last Russian monarch. By that time, the old world order with the absolute power of kings and kings had already outlived itself. Russia - from Rurik to Putin - knew a lot of upheavals, but it was under Nicholas that there were more than ever many of them.

In 1904-1905. the country experienced a humiliating war with Japan. It was followed by the first revolution. Although the unrest was suppressed, the king had to make concessions to public opinion. He agreed to establish a constitutional monarchy and a parliament.

The tsars and presidents of Russia at all times faced a certain opposition within the state. Now people could elect deputies who expressed these sentiments.

In 1914 the First World War began. No one then suspected that it would end with the fall of several empires at once, including the Russian one. In 1917, the February Revolution broke out, and the last tsar had to abdicate. Nicholas II, together with his family, was shot by the Bolsheviks in the basement of the Ipatiev House in Yekaterinburg.

The first accession in Russia took place in 1547, Ivan the Terrible became the sovereign. Previously, the throne was occupied by the Grand Duke. Some Russian tsars could not hold on to power, they were replaced by other rulers. Russia experienced different periods: the Time of Troubles, palace coups, assassinations of tsars and emperors, revolutions, years of terror.

The pedigree of the Rurikovichs was cut short on Fedor Ioannovich, the son of Ivan the Terrible. For several decades, power passed to different monarchs. In 1613, the Romanovs ascended the throne, after the revolution of 1917 this dynasty was overthrown, and the first socialist state in the world was established in Russia. The emperors were replaced by leaders and general secretaries. At the end of the twentieth century, a course was taken to create a democratic society. The president of the country began to be elected by citizens by secret ballot.

John the Fourth (1533 - 1584)

Grand Duke, who became the first king of all Russia. Formally, he ascended the throne at the age of 3, when his father, Prince Vasily the Third, died. Officially took the royal title in 1547. The sovereign was known for his stern disposition, for which he received the nickname Terrible. Ivan the Fourth was a reformer, during his reign the Sudebnik of 1550 was compiled, zemstvo meetings began to be convened, changes were made in education, the army, and self-government.

The increase in the territory of Russia amounted to 100%. The Astrakhan and Kazan khanates were conquered, the development of Siberia, Bashkiria, and the Don region began. The last years of the kingdom were marked by failures during the Livonian War and the bloody years of the oprichnina, when most of the Russian aristocracy was destroyed.

Fedor Ioannovich (1584 - 1598)

Middle son of Ivan the Terrible. According to one version, he became heir to the throne in 1581, when his older brother Ivan died at the hands of his father. He went down in history under the name of Theodore the Blessed. He became the last representative of the Moscow branch of the Rurik dynasty, since he left no heirs. Fyodor Ioannovich, unlike his father, was meek in character and kind.

During his reign, the Moscow Patriarchate was established. Several strategic cities were founded: Voronezh, Saratov, Stary Oskol. From 1590 to 1595, the Russo-Swedish war continued. Russia returned part of the coast of the Baltic Sea.

Irina Godunova (1598 - 1598)

Wife of Tsar Fedor and sister of Boris Godunov. In marriage with her husband, they had only one daughter, who died in infancy. Therefore, after the death of her husband, Irina became the heir to the throne. She was listed as queen for a little over a month. Irina Fedorovna led an active social life during the life of her husband, even received European ambassadors. But a week after his death, she decided to take the veil as a nun and go to the Novodevichy Convent. After she was tonsured, she took the name Alexander. Irina Fedorovna was considered the queen until her brother Boris Fedorovich was approved as sovereign.

Boris Godunov (1598 - 1605)

Boris Godunov was the brother-in-law of Fyodor Ioannovich. Thanks to a happy accident, shown ingenuity and cunning, he became the king of Russia. His promotion began in 1570, when he went to the guardsmen. And in 1580 he was granted the title of boyar. It is generally accepted that Godunov led the state back in the time of Fyodor Ioannovich (he was not capable of this because of the gentleness of his character).

Godunov's board was aimed at the development of the Russian state. He began to actively approach Western countries. Doctors, cultural and statesmen came to Russia. Boris Godunov was known for his suspiciousness and repressions against the boyars. During his reign, there was a terrible famine. The sovereign even opened the royal barns to feed the hungry peasants. In 1605 he died unexpectedly.

Fyodor Godunov (1605 - 1605)

He was an educated young man. He is considered one of the first cartographers of Russia. The son of Boris Godunov, was elevated to the reign at the age of 16, became the last of the Godunovs on the throne. He reigned for just under two months, from April 13 to June 1, 1605. Fedor became king during the offensive of the troops of False Dmitry the First. But the governors, who led the suppression of the uprising, betrayed the Russian tsar and swore allegiance to False Dmitry. Fedor and his mother were killed in the royal chambers, and their bodies were put on display in Red Square. In the short period of the reign of the king, the Stone Order was approved - this is an analogue of the Ministry of Construction.

False Dmitry (1605 - 1606)

This king came to power after a rebellion. He introduced himself as Tsarevich Dmitry Ivanovich. He said that he miraculously escaped the son of Ivan the Terrible. There are different versions about the origin of False Dmitry. Some historians say that this is a runaway monk, Grigory Otrepyev. Others claim that he really could be Tsarevich Dmitry, who was secretly taken to Poland.

During the year of his reign, he returned many repressed boyars from exile, changed the composition of the Duma, and banned bribery. On the part of foreign policy, he was going to start a war with the Turks for access to the Sea of ​​Azov. He opened the borders of Russia for the free movement of foreigners and compatriots. He was killed in May 1606 as a result of a conspiracy by Vasily Shuisky.

Vasily Shuisky (1606 - 1610)

Representative of the Shuisky princes from the Suzdal branch of the Rurikovich. The tsar was little popular among the people and depended on the boyars who elected him to rule. He tried to strengthen the army. A new military code was established. During the time of Shuisky, there were numerous uprisings. The rebel Bolotnikov was replaced by False Dmitry II (allegedly, False Dmitry I who escaped in 1606). Part of the regions of Russia swore allegiance to the self-proclaimed king. The country was also besieged by Polish troops. In 1610 the ruler was overthrown by the Polish-Lithuanian king. Until the end of his days he lived in captivity in Poland.

Vladislav the Fourth (1610 - 1613)

Son of the Polish-Lithuanian king Sigismund III. He was considered the sovereign of Russia in the Time of Troubles. In 1610 he took the oath of the Moscow boyars. According to the Smolensk Treaty, he was to take the throne after the adoption of Orthodoxy. But Vladislav did not change his religion and refused to change to Catholicism. He never came to Russia. In 1612, the government of the boyars was overthrown in Moscow, who invited Vladislav the Fourth to the throne. And then it was decided to make Mikhail Fedorovich Romanov tsar.

Mikhail Romanov (1613 - 1645)

The first sovereign of the Romanov dynasty. This clan belonged to the seven largest and oldest families of the Moscow boyars. Mikhail Fedorovich was only 16 years old when he was put on the throne. Informally, his father, Patriarch Filaret, led the country. Officially, he could not be crowned king, since he had already been tonsured a monk.

During the time of Mikhail Fedorovich, normal trade and economy, which had been undermined by the Time of Troubles, was restored. An "eternal peace" was concluded with Sweden and the Commonwealth. The tsar ordered an exact inventory of the manorial lands in order to establish a real tax. The regiments of the "new system" were created.

Alexei Mikhailovich (1645 - 1676)

In the history of Russia he was nicknamed the Quietest. The second representative of the Romanov tree. During his reign, the Cathedral Code was established, a census of draft houses was carried out and the male population was censused. Alexei Mikhailovich finally attached the peasants to their place of residence. New institutions were founded: the orders of Secret Affairs, Accounting, Reitar and Grain Affairs. During the time of Alexei Mikhailovich, a church schism began, after the innovations, the Old Believers appeared, who did not accept the new rules.

In 1654, Russia was united with Ukraine, and the colonization of Siberia continued. By order of the king, copper money was issued. An unsuccessful attempt at a high duty on salt was also introduced, which caused salt riots.

Fedor Alekseevich (1676 - 1682)

Son of Alexei Mikhailovich and first wife Maria Miloslavskaya. He was very painful, like all the children of Tsar Alexei from his first wife. He suffered from scurvy and other diseases. Fedor was declared heir after the death of his older brother Alexei. He ascended the throne at the age of fifteen. Fedor was very educated. During his short reign, a complete census of the population was carried out. A direct tax was introduced. Localism was destroyed and digit books were burned. This ruled out the possibility of the boyars to occupy commanding positions on the basis of the merits of their ancestors.

There was a war with the Turks and the Crimean Khanate in 1676-1681. Left-bank Ukraine and Kyiv were recognized by Russia. Repressions against the Old Believers continued. Fedor left no heirs, died at the age of twenty, presumably from scurvy.

John the Fifth (1682 - 1696)

After the death of Fyodor Alekseevich, a twofold situation arose. He left two brothers, but John was in poor health and mind, and Peter (the son of Alexei Mikhailovich from his second wife) was small in age. The boyars decided to put both brothers in power, and their sister Sofya Alekseevna became their regent. He has never been involved in public affairs. All power was concentrated in the hands of the sister and the Naryshkin family. The princess continued her struggle with the Old Believers. Russia concluded a profitable "eternal peace" with Poland and an unfavorable treaty with China. She was overthrown in 1696 by Peter the Great and tonsured a nun.

Peter the Great (1682 - 1725)

The first emperor of Russia, known as Peter the Great. He ascended the Russian throne together with his brother Ivan at the age of ten. Before 1696 rules together with him under the regency of Sister Sophia. Peter traveled to Europe, learned new crafts and shipbuilding. Turned Russia towards Western European countries. This is one of the most significant reformers in the country.

His main bills include: the reform of local self-government and central government, the creation of the Senate and Collegia, the Synod and the General Regulations were organized. Peter ordered to re-equip the army, introduced a regular set of recruits, created a strong fleet. The mining, textile and processing industries began to develop, monetary and educational reforms were carried out.

Under Peter, wars were fought to seize access to the sea: the Azov campaigns, the victorious Northern War, which gave access to the Baltic Sea. Russia expanded to the East and towards the Caspian Sea.

Catherine the First (1725 - 1727)

The second wife of Peter the Great. Took the throne, because the last will of the emperor remained unclear. In the two years of the reign of the empress, all power was concentrated in the hands of Menshikov and the Privy Council. During the time of Catherine the Great, the Supreme Privy Council was created, the role of the Senate was reduced to a minimum. Long wars during the time of Peter the Great affected the country's finances. Bread became more expensive, famine began in Russia, and the empress lowered the poll tax. There were no major wars in the country. The time of Catherine the Great became famous for the fact that Bering's expedition to the Far North was organized.

Peter II (1727 - 1730)

Grandson of Peter the Great, son of his eldest son Alexei (who was executed at the behest of his father). He took the throne at only 11 years old, the real power was in the hands of the Menshikovs, and then the Dolgorukov family. Due to his age, he did not have time to show any interest in state affairs.

The traditions of the boyars and outdated orders began to revive. The army and navy fell into decay. There was an attempt to restore the patriarchate. As a result, the influence of the Privy Council increased, the members of which invited Anna Ioannovna to reign. During the time of Peter the Great, the capital was moved to Moscow. The emperor died at the age of 14 from smallpox.

Anna Ioannovna (1730 - 1740)

The fourth daughter of Tsar John the Fifth. She was sent by Peter the Great to Courland and married to a duke, but was widowed after a couple of months. After the death of Peter II, she was invited to reign, but her powers were limited to the nobles. However, the Empress restored absolutism. The period of her reign went down in history under the name "Bironism", by the name of Biron's favorite.

Under Anna Ioannovna, the Office of Secret Investigation Affairs was established, which carried out reprisals against the nobles. The fleet was reformed and the construction of ships, which had been slowed down in recent decades, was restored. The Empress restored the powers of the Senate. In foreign policy, the tradition of Peter the Great was continued. As a result of the wars, Russia received Azov (but without the right to maintain a fleet in it) and part of the right-bank Ukraine, Kabarda in the North Caucasus.

John the Sixth (1740 - 1741)

Great-grandson of John the Fifth, son of his daughter Anna Leopoldovna. Anna Ioannovna had no children, but she wanted to leave the throne to her father's descendants. Therefore, before her death, she appointed her great-nephew as her successor, and in the event of his death, the subsequent children of Anna Leopoldovna.

The emperor ascended the throne at the age of two months. His first regent was Biron, a couple of months later there was a palace coup, Biron was sent into exile, and John's mother became regent. But she was delusional, incapable of ruling. Her favorites - Minich, and later Osterman, were overthrown during a new coup, and the little prince was arrested. The emperor spent his entire life in captivity, in the Shlisselburg fortress. They tried to free him many times. One of these attempts ended in the assassination of John the Sixth.

Elizaveta Petrovna (1741 - 1762)

Daughter of Peter the Great and Catherine the First. She ascended the throne as a result of a palace coup. She continued the policy of Peter the Great, finally restored the role of the Senate and many Colleges, and abolished the Cabinet of Ministers. Conducted a population census and implemented new taxation reforms. On the cultural side, her reign went down in history as the Age of Enlightenment. In the 18th century, the first university, the Academy of Arts, and the Imperial Theater were opened.

In foreign policy, she adhered to the precepts of Peter the Great. During the years of her power, the victorious Russo-Swedish War and the Seven Years' War against Prussia, England and Portugal took place. Immediately after the victory of Russia, the empress died, leaving no heirs behind. And Emperor Peter the Third gave all the territories received back to the Prussian King Frederick.

Peter the Third (1762 - 1762)

Grandson of Peter the Great, son of his daughter Anna Petrovna. He reigned for only six months, then, as a result of a palace coup, he was overthrown by his wife Catherine II, and a little later he lost his life. At first, historians assessed the period of his reign as negative for the history of Russia. But then they appreciated a number of the emperor's merits.

Peter abolished the Secret Chancellery, began the secularization (confiscation) of church lands, and stopped persecuting the Old Believers. Adopted the Manifesto on the Liberty of the Nobility. Among the negative aspects is the complete annulment of the results of the Seven Years' War and the return to Prussia of all the recaptured territories. He died almost immediately after the coup due to unexplained circumstances.

Catherine II (1762 - 1796)

The wife of Peter the Third, came to power as a result of a palace coup, overthrowing her husband. Her era went down in history as a period of maximum enslavement of the peasants and extensive privileges for the nobles. So Catherine tried to thank the nobles for the power she had received and strengthen her forces.

The period of government went down in history as "the policy of enlightened absolutism." Under Catherine, the Senate was reorganized, the provincial reform passed, and the Legislative Commission was convened. The secularization of land near the church was completed. Catherine II carried out reforms in almost every area. Police, city, judicial, educational, monetary, customs reforms were carried out. Russia continued to expand its borders. As a result of the wars, Crimea, the Black Sea region, Western Ukraine, Belarus, and Lithuania were annexed. Despite significant successes, the era of Catherine is known as a period of flourishing corruption and favoritism.

Paul the First (1796 - 1801)

Son of Catherine II and Peter III. Relations between the Empress and her son were strained. Catherine saw her grandson Alexander on the Russian throne. But before her death, the will disappeared, so the power passed to Paul. The sovereign issued a law on succession to the throne and stopped the opportunity for women to rule the country. The eldest male representative became the ruler. The positions of the nobles were weakened and the position of the peasants was improved (a law on a three-day corvee was adopted, the poll tax was abolished, and the separate sale of family members was prohibited). Administrative and military reforms were carried out. Drilling and censorship intensified.

Under Paul, Russia joined the anti-French coalition, and troops led by Suvorov liberated Northern Italy from the French. Paul also prepared a campaign against India. He was killed in 1801 during a palace coup organized by his son Alexander.

Alexander the First (1801 - 1825)

Eldest son of Paul I. He went down in history as Alexander the Blessed. He carried out moderate-liberal reforms, Speransky and members of the Private Committee became their developer. The reforms consisted in an attempt to weaken serfdom (decree on free cultivators), replacing Peter's collegiums with ministries. A military reform was carried out, according to which military settlements were formed. They contributed to the maintenance of a standing army.

In foreign policy, Alexander maneuvered between England and France, moving closer to one or the other country. Part of Georgia, Finland, Bessarabia, part of Poland joined Russia. Alexander won the Patriotic War of 1812 with Napoleon. He died unexpectedly in 1825, which gave rise to rumors that the king had gone into a hermitage.

Nicholas the First (1825 - 1855)

Third son of Emperor Paul. He rose to reign, since Alexander the First left no heirs, and the second brother Constantine renounced the throne. The first days of his accession began with the Decembrist uprising, which the emperor suppressed. The emperor tightened the state of the country, his policy was aimed against the reforms and indulgences of Alexander the First. Nicholas was severe, for which he was nicknamed Palkin (punishment with sticks was the most common in his time).

During the time of Nicholas, the Secret Police was created, tracking future revolutionaries, the laws of the Russian Empire were codified, the monetary reform of Kankrin and the reform of state peasants were carried out. Russia participated in wars with Turkey and Persia. At the end of the reign of Nicholas, the difficult Crimean War took place, but the emperor died before he lived to see its end.

Alexander II (1855 - 1881)

The eldest son of Nicholas, went down in history as a great reformer who ruled in the 19th century. In history, Alexander II was called the Liberator. The emperor had to end the bloody Crimean War, as a result, Russia signed an agreement that infringes on its interests. The great reforms of the emperor include: the abolition of serfdom, the modernization of the financial system, the elimination of military settlements, the reform of secondary and higher education, the judicial and zemstvo reforms, the improvement of local government and the military reform, during which the rejection of recruits and the introduction of universal military service.

In foreign policy, he adhered to the course of Catherine II. Victories were won in the Caucasian and Russian-Turkish wars. Despite the great reforms, the growth of public discontent continued. The emperor died as a result of a successful terrorist attack.

Alexander the Third (1881 - 1894)

During his reign, Russia did not conduct a single war, for which Alexander III was named Emperor the Peacemaker. He adhered to conservative views and carried out a number of counter-reforms, unlike his father. Alexander the Third adopted the Manifesto on the inviolability of autocracy, increased administrative pressure, and destroyed university self-government.

During his reign, the law "On Cook's Children" was adopted. It limited the possibility of education for children from the lower strata. The situation of the liberated peasants improved. The Peasants' Bank was opened, redemption payments were lowered, and the poll tax was abolished. The emperor's foreign policy was characterized by openness and peacefulness.

Nicholas II (1894 - 1917)

The last emperor of Russia and the representative of the Romanov dynasty on the throne. His reign is characterized by rapid economic development and the growth of the revolutionary movement. Nicholas II decided to go to war with Japan (1904-1905), which was lost. This increased public discontent and led to the revolution (1905-1907). As a result, Nicholas II signed a decree on the creation of a Duma. Russia became a constitutional monarchy.

By order of Nicholas, at the beginning of the 20th century, an agrarian reform (Stolypin's project), a monetary reform (Witte's project) were carried out, and the army was modernized. In 1914, Russia was drawn into the First World War. Which led to the strengthening of the revolutionary movement and the discontent of the people. In February 1917, a revolution took place, and Nicholas was forced to abdicate. He was shot along with his family and courtiers in 1918. The Imperial Family is canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church.

Georgy Lvov (1917 - 1917)

Russian politician, held power from March to July 1917. He was the head of the Provisional Government, bore the title of prince, descended from distant branches of the Rurikovich. He was appointed by Nicholas II after signing the abdication. He was a member of the first State Duma. He worked as the head of the Moscow City Duma. During the First World War, he created an alliance to help the wounded and was engaged in the delivery of food and medicine to hospitals. After the failure in the June offensive at the front and the July uprising of the Bolsheviks, Georgy Evgenievich Lvov voluntarily resigned.

Alexander Kerensky (1917 - 1917)

He was the head of the Provisional Government from July to October 1917, until the October socialist revolution. He was a lawyer by education, was a member of the Fourth State Duma, a member of the Socialist-Revolutionary Party. Alexander was Minister of Justice and Minister of War of the Provisional Government until July. Then he became chairman of the government, retaining the post of military and naval minister. He was overthrown during the October Revolution and fled from Russia. He lived all his life in exile, died in 1970.

Vladimir Lenin (1917 - 1924)

Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov is a major Russian revolutionary. Leader of the Bolshevik Party, theorist of Marxism. During the October Revolution, the Bolshevik Party came to power. Vladimir Lenin became the leader of the country and the creator of the first socialist state in the history of the world.

During the reign of Lenin, World War I ended in 1918. Russia signed a humiliating peace and lost part of the territories of the southern regions (later they again became part of the country). Important decrees on peace, land and power were signed. Until 1922, the Civil War continued, in which the Bolshevik army won. A labor reform was passed, a clear working day was established, mandatory days off and holidays. All workers were entitled to a pension. Every person has the right to free education and health care. The capital was moved to Moscow. The USSR was created.

Along with many social reforms, religion was persecuted. Almost all churches and monasteries were closed, property was liquidated or plundered. Mass terror and executions continued, an unbearable surplus appraisal (a tax in grain and products paid by the peasants), an exodus of the intelligentsia and the cultural elite was introduced. He died in 1924, in recent years he was ill and practically cannot lead the country. This is the only person whose body is still in an embalmed state on Red Square.

Joseph Stalin (1924 - 1953)

In the course of numerous intrigues, Iosif Vissarionovich Dzhugashvili became the leader of the country. Soviet revolutionary, supporter of Marxism. The timing of his reign is still considered ambiguous. Stalin directed the development of the country towards mass industrialization and collectivization. Formed a super-centralized administrative-command system. His rule became an example of a rigid autocracy.

Heavy industry was actively developing in the country, there was an increase in the construction of factories, reservoirs, canals and other large-scale projects. But often the work was done by prisoners. The time of Stalin was remembered for mass terror, conspiracies against many intellectuals, executions, deportation of peoples, violation of fundamental human rights. The personality cult of Stalin and Lenin flourished.

Stalin was the supreme commander during the Great Patriotic War. Under his leadership, the Soviet army won a victory in the USSR and reached Berlin, an act of unconditional surrender of Germany was signed. Stalin died in 1953.

Nikita Khrushchev (1953 - 1962)

Khrushchev's rule is called the "thaw". During his leadership, many political "criminals" were released or commuted, and ideological censorship was reduced. The USSR actively explored space, and for the first time under Nikita Sergeevich, our cosmonauts flew into outer space. The construction of residential buildings developed at an active pace to provide young families with apartments.

Khrushchev's policy was aimed at combating personal farming. He forbade collective farmers to keep personal livestock. The corn campaign was actively carried out - an attempt to make corn the main crop. Virgin lands were massively developed. Khrushchev's reign was remembered for the Novocherkassk execution of workers, the Caribbean crisis, the beginning of the Cold War, and the construction of the Berlin Wall. Khrushchev was removed from the post of First Secretary as a result of a conspiracy.

Leonid Brezhnev (1962 - 1982)

The period of Brezhnev's rule in history was called the "era of stagnation". Nevertheless, in 2013 he was recognized as the best leader of the USSR. Heavy industry continued to develop in the country, and the light sector grew at a minimal pace. In 1972, the anti-alcohol campaign passed, and the volume of alcohol production decreased, but the shadow sector of the distribution of the surrogate increased.

Under the leadership of Leonid Brezhnev, the Afghan war was unleashed in 1979. The international policy of the Secretary of the Central Committee of the CPSU was aimed at defusing world tension in connection with the Cold War. France signed a joint statement on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. In 1980, the Summer Olympics were held in Moscow.

Yuri Andropov (1982 - 1984)

Andropov was the chairman of the KGB from 1967 to 1982, which could not but be reflected in the short period of his rule. The role of the KGB was strengthened. Special subdivisions were created to supervise enterprises and organizations of the USSR. A large-scale campaign was held to strengthen labor discipline at factories. Yuri Andropov began a general purge of the party apparatus. There were high-profile trials on corruption issues. Planned to begin the modernization of the political apparatus and a series of economic reforms. Andropov died in 1984 as a result of kidney failure due to gout.

Konstantin Chernenko (1984 - 1985)

Chernenko got into the leadership of the state at the age of 72, already having serious health problems. And was considered just an intermediate figure. He was in power for a little less than a year. Historians disagree on the role of Konstantin Chernenko. Some believe that he hindered Andropov's undertakings by hiding corruption cases. Others believe that Chernenko was a successor to the policy of his predecessor. Konstantin Ustinovich died of cardiac arrest in March 1985.

Mikhail Gorbachev (1985 - 1991)

He became the last general secretary of the party and the last leader of the USSR. Gorbachev's role in the life of the country is considered ambiguous. He has received many awards, the most prestigious being the Nobel Peace Prize. Under him, cardinal reforms were carried out and the policy of the state was changed. Gorbachev outlined a course for "perestroika" - the introduction of market relations, the democratic development of the country, publicity and freedom of speech. All this led the unprepared country to a deep crisis. Under Mikhail Sergeyevich, Soviet troops were withdrawn from Afghanistan, and the Cold War ended. The USSR and the Warsaw bloc collapsed.

Table of the reign of Russian tsars

A table representing all the rulers of Russia in chronological order. Next to the name of each king, emperor and head of state is the time of his reign. The scheme gives an idea of ​​the sequence of monarchs.