23.04.2017 09:10
Rurik (862-879)
Rurik Novgorod prince, nicknamed Varangian, as he was called to reign by the Novgorodians from across the Varangian Sea. Rurik 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 Askold's daughter and stepson. After his two brothers died, he became the sole ruler of the country. He gave all the surrounding villages and towns to the management of his entourage, where they had the right to independently administer the court. Around this time, Askold and Dir, two brothers who were not in any way related to Rurik by family ties, occupied the city of Kiev and began to rule over the glades.
Oleg (879 - 912)
Kiev prince, nicknamed the Prophet. As 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 at that time, the prince went along the Dnieper. On the way, he conquered Smolensk, then Lyubech, and then took Kiev, making it the capital. Askold and Dir were killed, and Oleg showed Rurik's little son Igor as their prince to the glades. 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 neighboring tribes and forced them to pay tribute, successfully repelled the raids of the Pechenegs 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 conquered neighboring 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 avenged the Drevlyans for the murder of her husband, and also conquered the main city of the Drevlyans - Korosten. Olga was distinguished by very good leadership skills, as well as a brilliant, sharp mind. Already at the end of her life, in Constantinople she adopted Christianity, for which she was subsequently canonized 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 into her own hands, while her son was growing up, learning the wisdom of the art of war. He succeeded in defeating the army of the Bulgarian king in 967, which greatly alarmed the emperor of Byzantium John, who, in collusion with the Pechenegs, persuaded them to attack Kiev. 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 Kiev, he was brutally killed by the Pechenegs, and then Svyatoslav's skull 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 Kiev principality. He managed to conclude a new treaty with the Byzantine Empire, and also to attract to his service the horde of the Pechenezh Khan Ildeya. He 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 the displeasure of the pagans. Vladimir Novgorodsky immediately took advantage of this displeasure and, having agreed with the Varangians, anew seized Novgorod for himself, then Polotsk, and then laid siege to Kiev. Yaropolk was forced to flee to Roden. He tried to make peace with his brother, for which he went to Kiev, where he was the Varangians. The chronicles characterize this prince as a peace-loving and meek ruler.
Vladimir Svyatoslavovich (978 or 980 - 1015)
Vladimir Svyatoslavovich Vladimir was the youngest son of Prince Svyatoslav. He was a Novgorod prince from 968. He became the prince of Kiev in 980. He was distinguished by a very warlike disposition, which allowed him to conquer the Radimichi, Vyatichi and Yatvingians. Vladimir also fought 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 on 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 Kiev 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 strengthened the country's authority 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 as "Vladimir the Red Sun". Canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church, named Equal to the Apostles Prince.
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 Kiev 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 he was expelled from Kiev by Prince Yaroslav of Novgorod. Then Svyatopolk turned to his father-in-law - the King of Poland Boleslav for help. With the support of the Polish king, Svyatopolk again seized Kiev, 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 Damned because he took the life of his brothers.
Yaroslav Vladimirovich the Wise (1019 - 1054)
After the death of Mstislav Tmutarakansky and after the expulsion of the Holy Regiment, Yaroslav Vladimirovich became the sole ruler of the Russian land. Yaroslav was distinguished by a sharp mind, for which, in fact, he received his nickname - Wise. He tried to take care of the needs of his people, built the cities of Yaroslavl and Yuryev. He also built churches (of St. Sophia in Kiev and Novgorod), realizing the importance of spreading and strengthening the new faith. It was Yaroslav the Wise who published the first set 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 among themselves in peace.
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, the Kievites themselves drove him out. Then his brother Svyatoslav became the Grand Duke. Only after the death of Svyatoslav, Izyaslav returned to the capital city of Kiev. Vsevolod the First (1078 - 1093) Perhaps Prince Vsevolod could well have been a useful ruler, thanks to his peaceful disposition, piety and truthfulness. An educated man himself, knowing five languages, he actively contributed to enlightenment in his principality. But alas. Constant, incessant raids of the Polovtsians, pestilence, famine did not favor the rule of this prince. He remained on 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 Kiev throne after Vsevolod the First. This prince was distinguished by a rare spinelessness, which is why he did not manage to calm the internecine friction between the princes for power in the cities. In 1097, a congress of princes was held in the city of Lubich, at which each ruler, kissing the cross, pledged to own only his father's land. But this shaky peace treaty was not allowed to come true. Prince Davyd Igorevich blinded Prince Vasilko. Then the princes, at a new congress (1100), deprived Prince Davyd of the right to own Volyn. Then, in 1103, the princes unanimously accepted Vladimir Monomakh's proposal for a joint campaign against the Polovtsians, which was done. The campaign ended with a Russian victory 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 Kiev, wishing to unite the Russian land. Grand Duke Vladimir Monomakh was brave, indefatigable and distinguished himself favorably from the rest by his remarkable mental abilities. He managed to humble the princes with meekness, and he fought successfully with the Polovtsy. 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 wonderful qualities of a ruler. All the rebellious 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 in their place sent his son to reign.
Yaropolk (1132 - 1139)
Yaropolk was the son of Vladimir Monomakh and, accordingly, the brother of Mstislav the First. During his reign, the idea came to him 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 Monomakhovichs lost the throne of Kiev, which was occupied by the descendants of Oleg Svyatoslavovich, that is, the Olegovichi.
Vsevolod II (1139 - 1146)
Having become the Grand Duke, Vsevolod II wanted to secure the throne of Kiev 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 monastic vows, 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 intelligence, disposition, friendliness and courage he reminded them very much of Vladimir Monomakh, the grandfather of Izyaslav II. After Izyaslav ascended the Kiev throne, 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 of Rostov Yuri Vladimirovich. Izyaslav was twice driven from Kiev 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 Kiev 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, after which he died.
Mstislav II (1157 - 1169)
After the death of Yuri Dolgoruky between the princes, as usual, internecine strife for the Kiev throne began, as a result of which Mstislav II Izyaslavovich became the Grand Duke. Prince Andrei Yurievich, nicknamed Bogolyubsky, expelled Mstislav from the Kiev throne. Before the expulsion of Prince Mstislav, Bogolyubsky literally ravaged Kiev.
Andrey Bogolyubsky (1169 - 1174)
The first thing that Andrei Bogolyubsky did when he became the Grand Duke was to move the capital from Kiev to Vladimir. He ruled Russia autocraticly, without squads and veche, pursued all those who were dissatisfied with this state of affairs, but, in the end, he was killed by them as a result of a conspiracy.
Vsevolod the Third (1176 - 1212)
The death of Andrei Bogolyubsky caused strife between the ancient cities (Suzdal, Rostov) and the new ones (Pereslavl, Vladimir). As a result of these confrontations, the brother of Andrei Bogolyubsky, 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 Kiev, 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, transferred not to his eldest son Konstantin, but to Yuri, as a result of which strife arose. The father's decision to approve Yuri as Grand Duke was also supported by the third son of Vsevolod the Big Nest, Yaroslav. And Constantine in his claim to the throne was supported by Mstislav Udaloy. Together they won the Battle of Lipetsk (1216) and Constantine nevertheless became the Grand Duke. Only after his death, the throne passed to Yuri.
Yuri II (1219 - 1238)
Yuri fought successfully 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 in Russia that the Mongol-Tatars appeared, who in 1224, in the battle of Kalka, defeated the Polovtsians, and then the troops of the Russian princes, who came to support the Polovtsians. After this battle, the Mongols left, but thirteen years later they returned under the leadership of Khan Batu. Hordes of Mongols devastated the Suzdal and Ryazan princedoms, and also, in the battle of the City, defeated the army and the Grand Duke Yuri II. In this battle, Yuri died. Two years after his death, hordes of Mongols plundered the south of Russia and Kiev, after which all 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 Sarai the capital of the horde.
Yaroslav II (1238 - 1252)
The Khan of the Golden Horde appointed the Grand Duke of Novgorod Prince Yaroslav Vsevolodovich. During his reign, this prince was engaged in restoring Russia, devastated by the Mongol army.
Alexander Nevsky (1252 - 1263)
At first, being a Novgorod prince, 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 very successfully fought against 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. Alexander Nevsky was subsequently canonized.
Yaroslav the Third (1264 - 1272)
After Alexander Nevsky died, his two 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 Yaroslav to reign. Nevertheless, Yaroslav did not manage to get along with the Novgorodians, he treacherously called on even the Tatars to his own people. The metropolitan reconciled Prince Yaroslav the Third with the people, after which the prince again swore an oath on the cross to rule honestly and justly.
Basil the First (1272 - 1276)
Vasily the First was a Kostroma prince, but he claimed the throne of Novgorod, where the son of Alexander Nevsky, Dmitry, reigned. And soon Basil the First achieved his goal, thereby strengthening his principality, which had previously been weakened by division into districts.
Dmitry the First (1276 - 1294)
The entire reign of Dmitry the First proceeded in a continuous struggle for the rights of the Grand Duke 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 the Pereslavl reign.
Andrew the Second (1294 - 1304)
Andrew II pursued a policy of expanding his principality through the armed seizure of other principalities. In particular, he claimed a principality in Pereslavl, which caused feuds 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 a label from the Horde for a grand duke, bypassing the Moscow prince Yuri Danilovich. But then, while Mikhail was at war with Novgorod, Yuri, in agreement with the Horde ambassador Kavgadye, slandered Mikhail in front of the khan. As a result, the khan summoned Mikhail to the Horde, where he was brutally killed.
Yuri the Third (1320 - 1326)
Yuri the Third, married the daughter of Khan Konchak, who took the name Agafya in Orthodoxy. It was in her premature death that Yuri cunningly accused Mikhail Yaroslavovich of Tverskoy, for which he suffered an unfair and cruel death at the hands of the Horde Khan. So Yuri received a label for reign, but the son of the murdered Mikhail, Dmitry, also claimed the throne. As a result, Dmitry killed Yuri at the first meeting, avenging his father's death.
Dmitry the Second (1326)
For the murder of Yuri III, he was sentenced to death by the Horde Khan for arbitrariness.
Alexander Tverskoy (1326 - 1338)
The brother of Dmitry II - Alexander - received a label from the khan 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 Tver people to kill Shchelkan, the hated Khan ambassador. The Khan sent an army of 50,000 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 Tversky 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 - purse) for his stinginess, was very careful and cunning. With the support of the Tatars, he devastated the Tver principality. It was he who took upon himself the responsibility to accept tribute for the Tatars from all over Russia, which also contributed to his personal enrichment. With this money, John bought up entire cities from the appanage princes. Through the efforts of Kalita, the metropolitanate was also transferred from Vladimir to Moscow in 1326. He founded 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 for the Great Duke, 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 without leaving an heir from a pestilence.
John the Second (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, enjoyed great respect 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 grand duke 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 the grand duke for Dmitry Ioannovich. The Suzdal prince was forced to submit and, together with the rest of the princes of north-eastern Russia, swore allegiance to Dmitry Ioannovich. The relationship between Russia and the Tatars also changed. Due to civil strife in the horde itself, Dmitry and the other princes took the opportunity not to pay the already familiar quitrent. Then Khan Mamai entered into an alliance with the Lithuanian prince Jagell and marched with a large army to Russia. Dmitry with other princes met the army of Mamai on the Kulikovo field, (near the Don river) and at the cost of huge losses on September 8, 1380, Russia won a victory over the army of Mamai and Yagell. For this victory, they called Dmitry Ioannovich Donskoy. Until the end of his life, he cared about strengthening Moscow.
Basil the First (1389 - 1425)
Vasily ascended the princely throne, already having experience in government, since even during his father's life 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 Edigei, the Tatar murza (1408). But he lifted the siege from Moscow, having received a ransom in the amount of 3,000 rubles. Under Vasily the First, the Ugra River was designated as the border with the Lithuanian principality.
Vasily the Second (Dark) (1425 - 1462)
Vasily II the Dark Yuri Dmitrievich Galitsky decided to take advantage of Prince Vasily's minority 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 in the future to marry his daughter to Vasily, but these expectations did not was destined to come true. Then he left Moscow and provided assistance to Yuri Dmitrievich, and soon he seized 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 the Kosoy and blinded him. Then the brother of Vasily the Kosoy Dmitry Shemyak 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 Basil II. Under Vasily the Second, all the 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 Isidor into custody and instead appointed Bishop John of Ryazan.
John the Third (1462 -1505)
Under him, the nucleus of the state apparatus began to form and, as a result, the state of Rus. 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 "Code of Laws" was drawn up. John the Third launched a large building 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 the Russian lands" Vasily the Third was the son of John III and Sophia Palaeologus. He was distinguished by a very impregnable and proud disposition. Having annexed Pskov, he destroyed the specific system. He fought with Lithuania twice on the advice of Mikhail Glinsky, a Lithuanian nobleman, whom he kept in his service. In 1514 he finally took Smolensk from the Lithuanians. He fought with the Crimea and Kazan. As a result, he managed to punish Kazan. He recalled all trade from the city, ordering from now on to trade at the Makarievskaya fair, which was then transferred to Nizhny Novgorod. Vasily the Third, wishing to marry Elena Glinskaya, divorced his wife Solomonia, which further turned the boyars against himself. From a marriage with Helen, Basil the Third gave birth to a son, John.
Elena Glinskaya (1533 - 1538)
Was appointed to rule by Basil III himself until the age of majority of their son John. Elena Glinskaya, having barely ascended the throne, dealt very harshly with all the rebellious and disgruntled 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 were not given to be realized, since Elena died suddenly.
John the Fourth (Terrible) (1538 - 1584)
John the Fourth, Prince of All Russia, became the first Russian tsar in 1547. Since the late forties, he ruled the country with the participation of the Chosen Rada. During his reign, the convocation of all Zemsky Councils began. In 1550, a new Code of Law was drawn up, as well as reforms of the court and administration (Zemskaya and Gubnaya reforms). John Vasilyevich 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 continued for access to the Baltic Sea. In 1581, the annexation of Siberia began. The entire internal policy of the country under Tsar John was accompanied by disgrace and executions, for which he was popularly called the Terrible. 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 have a sharp mind. That is why very quickly the actual government of the state passed into the hands of the boyar Boris Godunov, the king's brother-in-law. 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 established, and the peasants were finally attached to the land. It was he who, in 1591, ordered the assassination of Tsarevich Dmitry, who was a brother to the childless Tsar Fedor, and was his direct heir. 6 years after this murder, Tsar Fyodor himself died.
Boris Godunov (1598 - 1605)
Boris Godunov's sister and wife of the late Tsar Fyodor abdicated the throne. Patriarch Job recommended Godunov's supporters to gather the Zemsky Sobor, at which Boris was elected tsar. Godunov, having become king, was afraid of conspiracies from 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 to Beloozero. But it was not only the boyars who were angry with Boris Godunov. A three-year crop failure and the pestilence that followed it, which fell on the Muscovite kingdom, forced the people to see the fault of Tsar B. Godunov in this. The king tried as best he could to alleviate the plight of the starving. He increased the earnings of people employed in government buildings (for example, during the construction of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower), generously distributed alms, but people still murmured and willingly believed rumors that the legitimate Tsar Dmitry had not been 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 managing to bequeath the throne to his son Fedor.
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 people. An 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 dealt with all state affairs, but caused the displeasure of the clergy and boyars, because, in their opinion, he did not respect the old Russian customs enough, and in many even neglected. 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, killed the fake tsar.
Vasily Shuisky (1606 - 1610)
Boyars and townspeople elected the old and inexperienced Shuisky as tsar, thus limiting his power. In Russia, rumors arose again about the salvation of False Dmitry, in connection with which new troubles began in the state, intensified by the rebellion of a servant named Ivan Bolotnikov and the appearance of False Dmitry II in Tushino ("Tushino thief"). Poland went to war against Moscow and defeated the Russian troops. After that, Tsar Basil was forcibly tonsured into a monk, and a troubled interregnum, lasting three years, came to Russia.
Mikhail Fedorovich (1613 - 1645)
The diplomas of the Trinity Lavra, sent out throughout Russia and calling for the protection of the Orthodox faith and the fatherland, did their job: Prince Dmitry Pozharsky, with the participation of the Zemstvo head of the Nizhny Novgorod Kozma Minin (Sukhoroky), gathered a large militia and moved to Moscow in order to cleanse 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 denials, nevertheless ascended the throne, where the first thing he did was to pacify both external and internal enemies.
He concluded the so-called pillar treaty with the Kingdom of Sweden, in 1618 he signed the Deulinsky treaty with Poland, according to which Filaret, who was the king's parent, was returned to Russia after a long captivity. Upon his return, he was immediately elevated to the rank of patriarch. Patriarch Filaret was an advisor 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, practically recovering from the horror of the time of troubles.
Alexey Mikhailovich (Quiet) (1645 - 1676)
Alexei Mikhailovich Tsar Alexei is considered one of the best people in ancient Russia. He had a meek, humble disposition, was very pious. He could not endure quarrels at all, and if they happened, he suffered a lot 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 took it into his head to unite Russia with the rest of the Orthodox world and ordered everyone to be baptized in the Greek manner from now on - with three fingers, which caused a split among the Orthodox in Russia. (The most famous schismatics are Old Believers who do not want to deviate from the true faith and be baptized with a "fig", as ordered by the patriarch - boyarina Morozova and archpriest Avvakum).
During the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich, riots broke out in different cities, which were suppressed, and the decision of Little Russia to voluntarily join the Moscow state provoked two wars with Poland. But the state held out thanks to the unity and concentration of power. After the death of his first wife, Maria Miloslavskaya, in marriage with whom the tsar had two sons (Fedor and John) and many daughters, he married again to the girl Natalya 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. And also abolished parochialism - the ancient boyar custom to take into account the service of ancestors when occupying government and military posts. Tsar Fyodor died without leaving an heir.
Ivan Alekseevich (1682 - 1689)
Ivan Alekseevich, together with his brother Peter Alekseevich, was elected tsar thanks to the rifle revolt. But Tsarevich Alexei, suffering from dementia, did not take any part in state 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 schismatics, curb the archers, conclude "eternal peace" with Poland, very beneficial for Russia, as well as the Treaty of Nerchinsk with distant China. The princess undertook campaigns against the Crimean Tatars, but fell victim to her own lust for power. Tsarevich Peter, however, having figured out her plans, imprisoned his half-sister in the Novodevichy Convent, where Sophia died in 1704.
Peter the Great (the Great) (1682 - 1725)
The greatest tsar, and since 1721 the first Russian emperor, statesman, cultural and military leader. He made revolutionary reforms in the country: collegia, 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. Built a new capital - St. Petersburg. Peter's main dream was to eliminate the backwardness of Russia in development in comparison with European countries. Taking advantage of Western experience, Petr Alekseevich tirelessly created manufactories, factories, shipyards.
To facilitate trade and for access to the Baltic Sea, he won the Northern War, which lasted 21 years, from Sweden, thus “cutting through” the “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 brutal methods and caused numerous uprisings in the country (Streletskoye in 1698, Astrakhan from 1705 to 1706, Bulavinskoye from 1707 to 1709), which, however, were just as ruthlessly suppressed.
Catherine the First (1725 - 1727)
Peter the First died without leaving a will. So, the throne passed to his wife Catherine. Catherine became famous for equipping Bering on a trip around the world, 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 the heir to the throne to appoint the son of Tsarevich Alexei Petrovich, to whom his father, Peter the Great, had passed the death sentence for his aversion to reforms - Peter Alekseevich, and also to agree to his marriage with Menshikov's daughter Maria. Until the age of majority of Peter Alekseevich, Prince Menshikov was appointed the ruler of Russia.
Peter II (1727 - 1730)
Peter II did not rule for long. 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 state affairs with amusement, actually ruled the country. They wished to marry the emperor to Princess E. A. Dolgoruka, 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, so they chose Anna Ioannovna, the Dowager Duchess of Courland, daughter of Ioann Alekseevich, as Empress. But she was crowned on the Russian throne as an autocratic empress and, first of all, having entered into law, she destroyed the Supreme Privy Council. She replaced him with the Cabinet and, instead of the Russian nobles, distributed posts to the Germans Ostern and Minich, as well as to the Courland Biron. The cruel and unjust government was later called "Biron region".
Russia's interference 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 her niece Anna Leopoldovna's son as her heir, and appointed Biron as regent for the baby. However, Biron was overthrown in a short time, and Anna Leopoldovna, whose reign could not be called long and glorious, became the empress. 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 founded the first borrowed banks in Russia, which was 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 fought two wars: with Sweden and the so-called "seven-year", in which Prussia, Austria and France took part. Thanks to the peace treaty with Sweden, part of Finland was ceded to Russia. The "Seven Years" War ended with the death of Empress Elizabeth.
Peter the Third (1761 - 1762)
He was absolutely unadapted to governing the state, but his disposition was complacent. But this young emperor managed to turn against himself absolutely all strata of Russian society, since, to the detriment of Russian interests, he showed a craving for everything German. Peter the Third, not only did he make a lot of concessions with respect 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, were not distinguished by certainty. As a result of the coup, due to his relationship to the empress, he quickly signed an abdication and died soon after.
Catherine the Second (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 peasant uprising of Pugachev, won two Turkish wars, which resulted in the recognition of the independence of the Crimea by Turkey, and Russia withdrew the coast of the Sea of Azov. Russia got the Black Sea Fleet, and in Novorossiya, active construction of cities began. Catherine II established the collegiums of education and medicine. Cadet corps were opened, and for the training of girls - the Smolny Institute. Catherine II, herself possessing literary abilities, patronized literature.
Paul the First (1796 - 1801)
He did not support the transformations initiated by his mother, Empress Catherine, in the state system. Of the achievements of his reign, it should be noted that the life of serfs was greatly facilitated (only a three-day corvee was introduced), the opening of a university in Dorpat, as well as the emergence of new women's institutions.
Alexander the First (Blessed) (1801 - 1825)
The grandson of Catherine II, ascending the throne, vowed to rule 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 sectors of society, which aroused the undoubted respect and love of people. But external political problems distracted Alexander from internal reforms. Russia in an 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 treaty with Russia, went to war against the country. And in the same year, 1812, Russian troops defeated Napoleon's army. Alexander the First established the 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. He made the life of the peasants much easier.
Nicholas the First (1825 - 1855)
He continued the policy of improving peasant life. He founded the Institute of St. Vladimir in Kiev. 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 the result of the suppression of the uprising in Poland and the complete destruction of the Polish constitution. A war was fought with the Turks, who oppressed Greece, as a result of the victory of Russia, Greece gained independence. After breaking off relations with Turkey, which sided with England, Sardinia and France, 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, the great Russian writers and poets lived and worked: Lermontov, Pushkin, Krylov, Griboyedov, Belinsky, Zhukovsky, Gogol, Karamzin.
Alexander II (Liberator) (1855 - 1881)
Alexander II had to end the Turkish war. 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 - Usuriisk. 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.
Alexander the Third (1881 - 1894)
Nicholas II - the last of the Romanovs, ruled until 1917. This ends a huge period of development of the state, when the kings were in power.
After the October Revolution, a new political structure appeared - the republic.
Russia during and after the Soviet Union The first few years after the revolution were difficult. Among the rulers of this period, one can single out Alexander Fedorovich Kerensky.
After the legalization of the USSR as a state and until 1924, Vladimir Lenin was in charge of the country.
Nikita Khrushchev was the First Secretary of the CPSU after Stalin's death until 1964;
- Leonid Brezhnev (1964-1982);
Yuri Andropov (1982-1984);
Konstantin Chernenko, General Secretary of the CPSU (1984-1985); After Gorbachev's betrayal, the USSR was destroyed:
Mikhail Gorbachev, the first president of the USSR (1985-1991); After Yeltsin's drunkard, independent Russia was on the verge of collapse:
Boris Yeltsin, leader of independent Russia (1991-1999);
The current head of state, Vladimir Putin, has been the President of Russia since 2000 (with a break of 4 years, when the state was headed by Dmitry Medvedev) Who are they - the rulers of Russia? All the rulers of Russia, from Rurik to Putin, who have been in power for the entire more than a thousand-year history of the state, are patriots who wanted the flourishing of all the lands of the vast country. Most of the rulers were not random people in this difficult field and each made their own contribution to the development and formation of Russia.
Of course, all the rulers of Russia wanted good and prosperity for their subjects: the main forces were always directed at strengthening the borders, expanding trade, and strengthening the defenses.
Due to the stampede that occurred during his coronation, many people died. So the name "Bloody" was attached to the kindest philanthropist Nicholas. In 1898, caring for world peace, he issued a manifesto, where he called on all countries for the world to completely disarm. After that, a special commission met in The Hague to work out 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 a Bolshevik coup broke out, as a result of which the monarch was overthrown, and then, together with his family, were shot in Yekaterinburg.
The Orthodox Church canonized Nikolai Romanov and his entire family.
Lvov Georgy Evgenievich (1917)
After the February Revolution, he became the Chairman of the Provisional Government, which he headed from March 2, 1917 to July 8, 1917. Subsequently he emigrated to France as a donkey of the October Revolution.
Alexander Fedorovich (1917)
He was the chairman of the Provisional Government after Lvov.
Vladimir Ilyich Lenin (Ulyanov) (1917 - 1922)
After the revolution in October 1917, in a short 5 years a new state was formed - the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (1922). One of the main ideologists and leader of the Bolshevik coup. It was V.I. who proclaimed in 1917 two decrees: the first on the end of the war, and the second on the abolition of private land ownership and the transfer of all territories that had previously belonged to landowners for the use of the working people. He died before he was 54 years old in Gorki. His body rests in Moscow, in the Mausoleum on Red Square.
Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin (Dzhugashvili) (1922 - 1953)
General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party. When the country was established a totalitarian regime and a bloody dictatorship. Forcibly carried out collectivization in the country, driving the peasants into collective farms and depriving them of their property and passports, in fact renewing serfdom. At the cost of hunger, he arranged industrialization. During his reign in the country, arrests and executions of all dissidents, as well as "enemies of the people" were carried out en masse. Most of the country's entire intelligentsia perished in the Stalinist gulags. He won the Second World War by defeating Hitler's Germany with the allies. He died of a stroke.
Nikita Sergeevich Khrushchev (1953 - 1964)
After Stalin's death, having entered into an alliance with Malenkov, he removed Beria from power, and took the place of the General Secretary of the Communist Party. Debunked the personality cult of Stalin. In 1960, at a meeting of the UN Assembly, he called on countries to disarm and asked to include China in the Security Council. But the foreign policy of the USSR has become increasingly harsh since 1961. The agreement on a three-year moratorium on nuclear weapons testing was violated by the USSR. The Cold War began with Western countries and, first of all, with the United States.
Leonid Ilyich Brezhnev (1964 - 1982)
He led a conspiracy against NS, as a result of which he removed him to the post of general secretary. The time of his reign is called "stagnation". A total deficit of absolutely all consumer goods. The whole country is in kilometer-long queues. Corruption is rampant. Many public figures persecuted for dissent are leaving the country. This wave of emigration was later called the "brain drain". The last public appearance of L.I. took place in 1982. He hosted the Parade on Red Square. In the same year he was gone.
Yuri Vladimirovich Andropov (1983 - 1984)
Former head of the KGB. Having become the general secretary, he took up his post accordingly. During working hours, he banned the appearance of adults on the streets without a good reason. Died of kidney failure.
Konstantin Ustinovich Chernenko (1984 - 1985)
Nobody in the country took the appointment of a seriously ill 72 - year - old Chernenko to the post of general secretary seriously. He was considered a kind of "intermediate" figure. He spent most of his reign in the USSR at the Central Clinical Hospital. He became the last ruler of the country who was buried at the Kremlin wall.
Mikhail Sergeevich Gorbachev (1985 - 1991)
The first and only president of the USSR. He began a series of democratic reforms in the country, called "Perestroika". He freed the country from the "Iron Curtain" and stopped the persecution of dissidents. Freedom of speech appeared in the country. Opened the market for trade with Western countries. He ended the Cold War. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Boris Nikolaevich Yeltsin (1991 - 1999)
He was twice elected to the post of President of the Russian Federation. The economic crisis in the country caused by the collapse of the USSR exacerbated the contradictions in the country's political system. Yeltsin's opponent was Vice-President Rutskoi, who, by storming the Ostankino television center and the Moscow mayor's office, staged a coup d'etat, which was suppressed. Was seriously ill. During his illness, the country was temporarily ruled by V.S.Chernomyrdin. Boris Yeltsin announced his resignation in the New Year's address to the Russians. He passed away in 2007.
Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin (1999 - 2008)
Yeltsin appointed acting president, after the elections became the full president of the country.
Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev (2008 - 2012)
The protege of V.V. Putin. He served as president for four years, after which V.V. Putin.
Rurik(? -879) - the founder of the Rurik dynasty, the first Russian prince. Chronicle sources claim that Rurik was called from the Varangian lands by Novgorod citizens to reign together with his brothers - Sineus and Truvor in 862. After the death of the brothers, he ruled over all Novgorod lands. Before his death, he handed over power to his relative, Oleg.
Oleg(? -912) - the second ruler of Russia. He reigned from 879 to 912, first in Novgorod, and then in Kiev. He is the founder of a single ancient Russian state, created by him in 882 with the capture of Kiev and the subordination of Smolensk, Lyubech and other cities. After the transfer of the capital to Kiev, he also subdued the Drevlyans, northerners, and Radimichs. One of the first Russian princes undertook a successful campaign against Constantinople and concluded the first trade agreement with Byzantium. He enjoyed great respect and authority among his subjects, who began to call him "prophetic," that is, wise.
Igor(? -945) - the third Russian prince (912-945), the son of Rurik. The main direction of his activity was the protection of the country from the raids of the Pechenegs and the preservation of the unity of the state. Undertook numerous campaigns to expand the possessions of the Kiev state, in particular against the coal. He continued his campaigns to Byzantium. In the course of one of them (941) he failed, in the course of the other (944) he received a ransom from Byzantium and concluded a peace treaty that consolidated the military-political victories of Russia. Undertook the first successful campaigns of the Russians in the North Caucasus (Khazaria) and Transcaucasia. In 945 he tried twice to collect tribute from the Drevlyans (the order of its collection was not legally fixed), for which he was killed by them.
Olga(c. 890-969) - the wife of Prince Igor, the first female ruler of the Russian state (regent under her son Svyatoslav). Installed in 945-946. the first legislative procedure for collecting tribute from the population of the Kiev state. In 955 (according to other sources, 957) she made a trip to Constantinople, where she secretly adopted Christianity under the name of Helena. In 959, the first of the Russian rulers sent an embassy to Western Europe, to the emperor Otto I. His answer was a direction in 961-962. with missionary purposes to Kiev, Archbishop Adalbert, who tried to bring Western Christianity to Russia. However, Svyatoslav and his entourage refused to Christianize and Olga was forced to transfer power to her son. In the last years of her life, she was actually removed from political activity. Nevertheless, she retained a significant influence on her grandson - the future Prince Vladimir the Saint, whom she was able to convince of the need to adopt Christianity.
Svyatoslav(? -972) - the son of Prince Igor and Princess Olga. Ruler of the Old Russian state in 962-972. He was distinguished by a warlike character. He was the initiator and leader of many aggressive campaigns: on the Oka Vyatichi (964-966), the Khazars (964-965), the North Caucasus (965), Danube Bulgaria (968, 969-971), Byzantium (971). He also fought against the Pechenegs (968-969, 972). Under him, Russia turned into the largest power in the Black Sea. Neither the Byzantine rulers, nor the Pechenegs, who agreed on joint actions against Svyatoslav, could accept this. During his return from Bulgaria in 972, his army, drained of blood in the war with Byzantium, attacked the Pechenegs on the Dnieper. Svyatoslav was killed.
Vladimir I Saint(? -1015) - the youngest son of Svyatoslav, who defeated his brothers Yaropolk and Oleg in an internecine struggle after the death of his father. Prince of Novgorod (from 969) and Kiev (from 980). He conquered the Vyatichi, Radimichi and Yatvingians. He continued his father's struggle with the Pechenegs. Volga Bulgaria, Poland, Byzantium. During his reign, defensive lines were built along the Desna, Sturgeon, Trubezh, Sula and others rivers. Kiev was re-fortified and for the first time built up with stone structures. In 988-990. introduced Eastern Christianity as a state religion. Under Vladimir I, the Old Russian state entered the period of its heyday and power. The international authority of the new Christian state has grown. Vladimir was canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church and is referred to as a Saint. In Russian folklore, he is named as Vladimir Red Sun. He was married to the Byzantine princess Anne.
Svyatoslav II Yaroslavich(1027-1076) - son of Yaroslav the Wise, Prince of Chernigov (from 1054), Grand Duke of Kiev (from 1073). Together with his brother Vsevolod, he defended the southern borders of the country from the Polovtsians. In the year of his death, he adopted a new code of laws - "Izbornik".
Vsevolod I Yaroslavich(1030-1093) - Prince of Pereyaslavl (from 1054), Chernigov (from 1077), Grand Duke of Kiev (from 1078). Together with the brothers Izyaslav and Svyatoslav, he fought against the Polovtsians, took part in the compilation of the Pravda of the Yaroslavichs.
Svyatopolk II Izyaslavich(1050-1113) - grandson of Yaroslav the Wise. Prince of Polotsk (1069-1071), Novgorod (1078-1088), Turov (1088-1093), Grand Duke of Kiev (1093-1113). He was distinguished by hypocrisy and cruelty both in relation to his subjects and to those close to him.
Vladimir II Vsevolodovich Monomakh(1053-1125) - Prince of Smolensk (from 1067), Chernigov (from 1078), Pereyaslavsky (from 1093), Grand Duke of Kiev (1113-1125). ... Son of Vsevolod I and daughter of the Byzantine emperor Constantine Monomakh. He was called to reign in Kiev during the popular uprising of 1113, which followed the death of Svyatopolk P. He took measures to limit the arbitrariness of the usurers and the administrative apparatus. He managed to achieve the relative unity of Russia and the end of strife. He supplemented the codes of laws that existed before him with new articles. He left the "Precept" for his children, in which he called for strengthening the unity of the Russian state, living in peace and harmony, and avoiding blood feud
Mstislav I Vladimirovich(1076-1132) - son of Vladimir Monomakh. Grand Duke of Kiev (1125-1132). From 1088 he ruled in Novgorod, Rostov, Smolensk and others. He took part in the work of the Lyubech, Vitichevsky and Dolobsky congresses of the Russian princes. He took part in campaigns against the Polovtsians. He headed the defense of Russia from its western neighbors.
Vsevolod P Olgovich(? -1146) - Prince of Chernigov (1127-1139). Grand Duke of Kiev (1139-1146).
Izyaslav II Mstislavich(c. 1097-1154) - Prince of Vladimir-Volyn (from 1134), Pereyaslavsky (from 1143), Grand Duke of Kiev (from 1146). Grandson of Vladimir Monomakh. Member of feudal strife. Supporter of the independence of the Russian Orthodox Church from the Byzantine Patriarchate.
Yuri Vladimirovich Dolgoruky (90s of the XI century - 1157) - Prince of Suzdal and Grand Duke of Kiev. Son of Vladimir Monomakh. In 1125 he moved the capital of the Rostov-Suzdal principality from Rostov to Suzdal. Since the beginning of the 30s. fought for southern Pereyaslavl and Kiev. Considered the founder of Moscow (1147). In 1155. seized Kiev for the second time. Poisoned by the Kiev boyars.
Andrey Yurievich Bogolyubsky (c. 1111-1174) is the son of Yuri Dolgoruky. Prince of Vladimir-Suzdal (from 1157). Moved the capital of the principality to Vladimir. In 1169 he conquered Kiev. Killed by boyars in his residence in the village of Bogolyubovo.
Vsevolod III Yurievich the Big Nest(1154-1212) - the son of Yuri Dolgoruky. Grand Duke of Vladimir (from 1176). Severely suppressed the boyar opposition, which took part in the conspiracy against Andrei Bogolyubsky. Subdued Kiev, Chernigov, Ryazan, Novgorod. During his reign, Vladimir-Suzdal Russia reached its heyday. Received the nickname for a large number of children (12 people).
Roman Mstislavich(? -1205) - Prince of Novgorod (1168-1169), Vladimir-Volyn (from 1170), Galician (from 1199). Son of Mstislav Izyaslavich. Strengthened the princely power in Galich and Volhynia, He was considered the most powerful ruler of Russia. Killed in the war with Poland.
Yuri Vsevolodovich(1188-1238) - Grand Duke of Vladimir (1212-1216 and 1218-1238). During the internecine struggle for the Vladimir throne, he was defeated in the Lipitsk battle in 1216. and ceded the great reign to his brother Constantine. In 1221 he founded the city of Nizhny Novgorod. He died during the battle with the Mongol-Tatars on the river. City in 1238
Daniil Romanovich(1201-1264) - Prince of Galician (1211-1212 and from 1238) and Volyn (from 1221), the son of Roman Mstislavich. He united the Galician and Volyn lands. Encouraged the construction of cities (Holm, Lvov, etc.), crafts and trade. In 1254 he received the title of king from the Pope.
Yaroslav III Vsevolodovich(1191-1246) - son of Vsevolod the Big Nest. He reigned in Pereyaslavl, Galich, Ryazan, Novgorod. In 1236-1238 reigned in Kiev. Since 1238 - Grand Duke of Vladimir. He twice traveled to the Golden Horde and Mongolia.
Since ancient times, the Slavs, our direct ancestors, lived in the vastness of the East European Plain. It is still not known exactly when they came there. Whatever it was, but soon they spread widely throughout the great waterway of those years. Slavic towns and villages arose from the Baltic to the Black Sea. Despite the fact that they were of the same clan-tribe, relations between them were never especially peaceful.
In constant civil strife, the tribal princes quickly exalted, who soon became Great and began to rule all of Kievan Rus. These were the first rulers of Russia, whose names have come down to us through the endless series of centuries that have passed since that time.
Rurik (862-879)
The reality of this historical figure is still fiercely debated among scientists. Either there was such a person, or it was a collective character, the prototype of which was all the first rulers of Russia. Either he was a Varangian, or a Slav. By the way, we practically do not know who the rulers of Russia were before Rurik, so in this matter everything is based solely on assumptions.
Slavic origin is very likely, since he could have been nicknamed Rurik for the nickname Sokol, which was translated from the Old Slavic language into Norman dialects precisely as “Rurik”. Whatever it was, but it was he who is considered the founder of the entire Old Russian state. Rurik united (as far as possible) under his hand many Slavic tribes.
However, practically all the rulers of Russia were engaged in this matter with varying degrees of success. It is thanks to their efforts that our country today has such a significant position on the world map.
Oleg (879-912)
Rurik had a son, Igor, but by the time of his father's death he was too young, and therefore his uncle, Oleg, became the Grand Duke. He glorified his name for his belligerence and the luck that accompanied him on the military path. His trip to Constantinople was especially remarkable, which opened incredible prospects for the Slavs from the emerging opportunities for trade with distant eastern countries. His contemporaries respected him so much that they called him "prophetic Oleg".
Of course, the first rulers of Russia were such legendary figures that we most likely will never know about their real exploits, but Oleg was certainly an outstanding personality.
Igor (912-945)
Igor, the son of Rurik, following the example of Oleg, also went on campaigns several times, annexed a lot of lands, but he was not such a successful warrior, and his campaign to Greece turned out to be deplorable. He was cruel, often "ripping off" the defeated tribes to the last, for which he later paid. Igor was warned that the Drevlyans did not forgive him, they advised him to take a large squad on the polyudye. He disobeyed and was killed. In general, the series "The Rulers of Russia" once told about this.
Olga (945-957)
However, the Drevlyans soon regretted their deed. Igor's wife, Olga, first dealt with two of their conciliatory embassies, and then burned the main city of the Drevlyans, Korosten. Contemporaries testify that she was distinguished by a rare intelligence and strong-willed toughness. During her reign, she did not lose a single inch of land that was conquered by her husband and his ancestors. It is known that in her declining years she adopted Christianity.
Svyatoslav (957-972)
Svyatoslav went to his ancestor, Oleg. He was also distinguished by courage, decisiveness, and directness. He was an excellent warrior, tamed and conquered many tribes of the Slavs, often beat the Pechenegs, for which they hated him. Like other rulers of Russia, he preferred (if possible) to agree "amicably". If the tribes agreed to recognize the supremacy of Kiev and paid off with tribute, then even their rulers remained the same.
He joined the until then invincible Vyatichi (who preferred to fight in their impenetrable forests), beat the Khazars, and then took Tmutarakan. Despite the small number of his squad, he successfully fought with the Bulgarians on the Danube. He conquered Andrianople and threatened to take Constantinople. The Greeks preferred to pay off with a rich tribute. On the way back, he died with his squad on the rapids of the Dnieper, being killed by the same Pechenegs. It is assumed that the swords and remnants of equipment were found by his squads during the construction of the Dneproges.
General characteristics of the 1st century
Since the first rulers of Russia reigned on the Grand Ducal throne, the era of constant turmoil and civil strife gradually began to end. Relative order came: the princely squad defended the borders from the arrogant and ferocious nomadic tribes, and they, in turn, pledged to help the warriors and paid tribute at the polyudye. The main concern of those princes was the Khazars: at that time they were paid tribute (not regular, during the next raid) by many Slavic tribes, which greatly undermined the authority of the central government.
Another problem was the lack of consensus. The Slavs who conquered Constantinople were looked upon with contempt, since at that time monotheism (Judaism, Christianity) was already actively established, and the pagans were considered almost animals. But the tribes actively resisted all attempts to interfere with their faith. This is the story of "The Rulers of Russia" - the film quite truthfully conveys the reality of that era.
This contributed to the growth of the number of minor troubles within the young state. But Olga, who converted to Christianity and began to promote and condone the construction of Christian churches in Kiev, paved the way for the baptism of the country. The second century began, in which the rulers of Ancient Russia did many more great deeds.
St. Vladimir Equal to the Apostles (980-1015)
As you know, there was never brotherly love between Yaropolk, Oleg and Vladimir, who were the heirs of Svyatoslav. It did not even help that the father, during his lifetime, determined his own land for each of them. In the end, Vladimir destroyed the brothers and began to rule alone.
The ruler in Ancient Russia, recaptured the red Russia from the regiments, fought a lot and bravely against the Pechenegs and Bulgarians. He became famous as a generous ruler who did not spare gold for gifting people loyal to him. At first, he demolished almost all Christian temples and churches that were built under his mother, and a small Christian community suffered constant persecution from him.
But the political situation developed in such a way that the country had to be brought to monotheism. In addition, contemporaries talk about a strong feeling that flared up in the prince for the Byzantine princess Anna. No one would give her for a pagan. So the rulers of Ancient Russia came to the conclusion about the need to be baptized.
And therefore, already in 988, the baptism of the prince and all his entourage took place, and then the new religion began to spread among the people. Vasily and Constantine, gave Anna to Prince Vladimir. Contemporaries spoke of Vladimir as a strict, tough (sometimes even cruel) person, but they loved him for his directness, honesty and justice. The church still extols the name of the prince for the reason that he began to massively build temples and churches in the country. This was the first ruler of Russia to be baptized.
Svyatopolk (1015-1019)
Like his father, Vladimir during his lifetime distributed lands to his numerous sons: Svyatopolk, Izyaslav, Yaroslav, Mstislav, Svyatoslav, Boris and Gleb. After his father died, Svyatopolk decided to rule independently, for which he issued an order to eliminate his own brothers, but was expelled from Kiev by Yaroslav Novgorodsky.
With the help of the Polish king Boleslav the Brave, he was able to seize Kiev for the second time, but the people received him coolly. He was soon forced to flee the city and then died on the way. His death is a dark story. It is assumed that he took his own life. In popular legends he is nicknamed "the accursed".
Yaroslav the Wise (1019-1054)
Yaroslav quickly became an independent ruler of Kievan Rus. He was distinguished by his great intelligence, he did a lot for the development of the state. He built many monasteries, contributed to the spread of writing. His authorship belongs to "Russkaya Pravda", the first official collection of laws and regulations in our country. Like his ancestors, he immediately distributed allotments of land to his sons, but at the same time severely punished "to live in peace, not to repair intrigues to each other."
Izyaslav (1054-1078)
Izyaslav was the eldest son of Yaroslav. Initially, he ruled Kiev, distinguished himself as a good ruler, but he did not know how to get along with the people very well. The latter also played a role. When he went to the Polovtsy and failed in that campaign, the Kievites simply drove him out, calling on his brother, Svyatoslav, to reign. After he died, Izyaslav returned to the capital city.
In principle, he was a very good ruler, but rather difficult times fell to his lot. Like all the first rulers of Kievan Rus, he was forced to solve a lot of difficult issues.
General characteristics of the 2nd century
In those centuries, several practically independent (the most powerful), Chernigov, Rostov-Suzdal (Vladimir-Suzdal later), Galicia-Volynskoe, stood out from the composition of Rus. Novgorod stood apart. Driving the Veche, following the example of the Greek city-states, he generally did not look at the princes very well.
Despite this fragmentation, Russia was still formally considered an independent state. Yaroslav was able to expand its borders to the very river Rosi. Under Vladimir, the country adopted Christianity, the influence of Byzantium on its internal affairs increased.
So, at the head of the newly created church there is a metropolitan, who was directly subordinate to Constantinople. The new faith brought with it not only religion, but also new writing, new laws. The princes at that time acted in concert with the church, built many new churches, contributed to the enlightenment of their people. It was at this time that the famous Nestor lived, who is the author of numerous written monuments of that time.
Unfortunately, things were far from smooth. An eternal problem was both the constant raids of the nomads and the internal strife, constantly tearing the country apart, depriving it of its strength. As Nestor, the author of "The Lay of Igor's Campaign," put it, "the Russian land groans" from them. The enlightenment ideas of the Church are beginning to appear, but so far the people are not accepting the new religion badly.
Thus began the third century.
Vsevolod I (1078-1093)
Vsevolod the First could well have remained in history as an exemplary ruler. He was truthful, honest, promoted the education and development of writing, he himself knew five languages. But he did not differ in developed military and political talent. The constant raids of the Polovtsians, pestilence, droughts and famine did not contribute to his authority in any way. Only his son Vladimir, later nicknamed Monomakh, kept his father on the throne (a unique case, by the way).
Svyatopolk II (1093-1113)
He was the son of Izyaslav, he was distinguished by a good character, but he was extremely weak-willed in some issues, which is why the appanage princes did not consider him for the Grand Duke. However, he ruled quite well: after listening to the advice of the same Vladimir Monomakh, at the Dolobsky Congress in 1103 he persuaded his opponents to undertake a joint campaign against the "accursed" Polovtsians, after which in 1111 they were utterly defeated.
The war booty was enormous. Polotsk in that battle, almost two dozen were killed. This victory resounded loudly throughout all Slavic lands, both in the East and in the West.
Vladimir Monomakh (1113-1125)
Despite the fact that he was not supposed to occupy the Kiev throne by seniority, it was Vladimir who was elected there by unanimous decision. Such love is explained by the prince's rare political and military talent. He was distinguished by intelligence, political and military courage, he was very courageous in military affairs.
Each campaign against the Polovtsians was considered a holiday (the Polovtsians did not share his views). It is under Monomakh that princes who are overly zealous in matters of independence receive a severe cut. Leaves to posterity "Instructions for Children", where he talks about the importance of honest and selfless service to his Motherland.
Mstislav I (1125-1132)
Following the precepts of his father, he lived in peace with his brothers and other princes, but he was furious at one hint of disobedience and striving for civil strife. So, in anger, he expels the Polovtsian princes from the country, after which they are forced to flee from the discontent of the ruler in Byzantium. In general, many rulers of Kievan Rus tried not to kill their enemies unnecessarily.
Yaropolk (1132-1139)
He is known for his skillful political intrigues, which ultimately turned out badly in relation to the "monomakhs". At the end of his reign, he decides to transfer the throne not to his brother, but to his nephew. The matter almost comes to confusion, but the descendants of Oleg Svyatoslavovich, the "Olegovichi", are still ascending to the throne. Not for long, however.
Vsevolod II (1139-1146)
Vsevolod was distinguished by good inclinations of a ruler, ruled wisely and firmly. But he wanted to transfer the throne to Igor Olegovich, securing the position of the "Olegovich". But the people of Kiev did not recognize Igor, he was forced to take monastic tonsure, and then he was completely killed.
Izyaslav II (1146-1154)
But the inhabitants of Kiev enthusiastically received Izyaslav II Mstislavovich, who with his brilliant political abilities, military valor and intelligence vividly reminded them of his grandfather, Monomakh. It was he who introduced the rule that has remained since then indisputable: if an uncle lives in one princely family, then the nephew cannot receive his throne.
He was in a terrible enmity with Yuri Vladimirovich, the prince of the Rostov-Suzdal land. His name will not say anything to many, but later Yuri will be nicknamed Dolgoruky. Izyaslav twice had to flee from Kiev, but until his death he never gave up the throne.
Yuri Dolgoruky (1154-1157)
Yuri finally gets access to the Kiev throne. Having stayed on it for only three years, he achieved a lot: he was able to pacify (or punish) the princes, contributed to the unification of the fragmented lands under strong rule. However, all his work turned out to be meaningless, since after the death of Dolgoruky, the squabble between the princes flares up with renewed vigor.
Mstislav II (1157-1169)
It was the devastation and quarrels that led to the fact that Mstislav II Izyaslavovich ascended the throne. He was a good ruler, but did not have a very good disposition, and also indulged in princely feuds ("divide and rule"). Andrey Yuryevich, Dolgoruky's son, kicks him out of Kiev. Known in history under the nickname Bogolyubsky.
In 1169, Andrew did not confine himself to the expulsion of his father's worst enemy, simultaneously burning Kiev to the ground. So he at the same time took revenge on the Kievites, who by that time had acquired the habit of expelling the princes at any time, calling to his principality anyone who would promise them "bread and circuses."
Andrey Bogolyubsky (1169-1174)
As soon as Andrei seized power, he immediately moved the capital to his beloved city, Vladimir on the Klyazma. Since then, the dominant position of Kiev immediately began to weaken. Having become at the end of his life harsh and imperious, Bogolyubsky did not want to put up with the tyranny of many boyars, wanting to establish autocratic power. Many did not like this, and therefore Andrei was killed as a result of a conspiracy.
So what did the first rulers of Russia do? The table will give a general answer to this question.
In principle, all the rulers of Russia, from Rurik to Putin, were doing the same. The table can hardly convey all the hardships that our people endured on the difficult path of state formation.
The first accession to Russia took place in 1547, when Ivan the Terrible became 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 went through different periods: the Time of Troubles, palace coups, the assassinations of tsars and emperors, revolutions, years of terror.
The Rurik family tree was cut short on Fyodor 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, in Russia the first socialist state in the world was established. The emperors were replaced by chiefs and general secretaries. At the end of the twentieth century, a course was taken to create a democratic society. Citizens began to elect the president of the country by secret ballot.
John the Fourth (1533 - 1584)
The Grand Duke, who became the first tsar of all Russia. Formally, he ascended the throne at the age of 3, when his father, Prince Vasily the Third, died. He officially accepted the royal title in 1547. The sovereign was known for his harsh disposition, for which he received the nickname Terrible. Ivan the Fourth was a reformer, during his reign the Code of Law of 1550 was drawn up, zemstvo meetings began to be convened, changes were made in education, the army, and self-government.
The increase in the territory of Russia was 100%. The Astrakhan and Kazan Khanates were conquered, the development of Siberia, Bashkiria, and the Don Territory 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)
The middle son of Ivan the Terrible. According to one version, he became the heir to the throne in 1581, when his elder brother Ivan was killed by his father. He went down in history under the name Fyodor 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. The Russian-Swedish war lasted from 1590 to 1595. Russia has returned part of the Baltic Sea coast.
Irina Godunova (1598 - 1598)
Wife of Tsar Fyodor 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 just over a month. Irina Fedorovna led an active social life during her husband's life, even received European ambassadors. But a week after his death, she decided to take a haircut as a nun and go to the Novodevichy Convent. After the tonsure she took the name of Alexander. Irina Fyodorovna was listed as tsarina until her brother Boris Fyodorovich was approved as sovereign.
Boris Godunov (1598 - 1605)
Boris Godunov was the brother-in-law of Fyodor Ioannovich. Thanks to a lucky chance, shown ingenuity and cunning, he became the Tsar of Russia. His promotion began in 1570, when he went to the guardsmen. And in 1580 he was awarded the title of boyar. It is generally accepted that Godunov ruled the state even during the time of Fyodor Ioannovich (he was not capable of this because of his gentle nature).
Godunov's reign 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 suspiciousness and repression of 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.
Fedor Godunov (1605 - 1605)
He was an educated young man. He is considered one of the first cartographers in 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 ruled for a little less than two months, from April 13 to June 1, 1605. Fyodor became tsar 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. Fyodor and his mother were killed in the royal chambers, and their bodies were displayed on Red Square. In a short period of the king's reign, the Stone Order was approved - this is an analogue of the Ministry of Construction.
False Dmitry (1605 - 1606)
This king came to power after the uprising. 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 fugitive monk, Grigory Otrepiev. Others argue that he really could have been Tsarevich Dmitry, who was secretly taken to Poland.
During the year of his reign, he returned many of the repressed boyars from exile, changed the composition of the Duma, and banned bribery. From the side 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 the conspiracy of Vasily Shuisky.
Vasily Shuisky (1606 - 1610)
Representative of the Shuisky princes from the Suzdal branch of the Rurikovich. The tsar was not very popular among the people and depended on the boyars who elected him to rule. He tried to strengthen the army. A new military charter was established. During the time of Shuisky, numerous uprisings took place. The rebel Bolotnikov was replaced by False Dmitry the Second (allegedly False Dmitry the First who escaped in 1606). Part of the regions of Russia swore allegiance to the self-appointed king. Also, the country was besieged by Polish troops. In 1610, the ruler was overthrown by the Polish-Lithuanian king. Until the end of his days he lived in Poland in captivity.
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 Treaty of Smolensk, 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 installed on the throne. His father, Patriarch Filaret, was the informal leader of the country. Officially, he could not be crowned to reign, since he had already been tonsured a monk.
During the time of Mikhail Fedorovich, normal trade and economy were restored, undermined by the Time of Troubles. The "eternal peace" was concluded with Sweden and the Commonwealth. The king ordered an accurate inventory of the local lands to establish a real tax. The regiments of the "new order" were created.
Alexey 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 tax houses was carried out and the male population was enumerated. Alexei Mikhailovich finally attached the peasants to their place of residence. New institutions were founded: orders of Secret Affairs, Accounts, Reitarsky and Bread Affairs. In the time of Alexei Mikhailovich, a church schism began, after the innovations, 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 sparked salt riots.
Fedor Alekseevich (1676 - 1682)
The son of Alexei Mikhailovich and the first wife of Maria Miloslavskaya. He was very painful, like all the children of Tsar Alexei from his first wife. Suffered from scurvy and other illnesses. Fyodor 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 population census was carried out. A direct tax was introduced. Localism was destroyed and rank books were burned. This excluded the possibility of boyars to occupy positions of command on the basis of the merits of their ancestors.
A war was fought with the Turks and the Crimean Khanate in 1676-1681. Left-bank Ukraine and Kiev were recognized for Russia. Repressions against the Old Believers continued. Fyodor left no heirs behind him, 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 had two brothers left, but John was weak in 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 Sophia Alekseevna became their regent. He never dealt with government affairs. All power was concentrated in the hands of the sister and the Naryshkin family. The princess continued to fight the Old Believers. Russia has concluded a profitable "eternal peace" with Poland and an unprofitable treaty with China. She was overthrown in 1696 by Peter the Great and tonsured into 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. He turned Russia towards Western European countries. This is one of the most significant reformers in the country.
Its main bills include: the reform of local self-government and central government, the creation of the Senate and the Collegiums, the Synod and the General Regulations were organized. Peter ordered to re-equip the army, introduced a regular recruitment 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 with the aim of seizing an outlet to the sea: the Azov campaigns, the victorious Northern War, which gave access to the Baltic Sea. Russia expanded eastward and towards the Caspian Sea.
Catherine the First (1725 - 1727)
Second wife of Peter the Great. She took the throne, since the last will of the emperor remained unclear. In the two years of the empress's reign, all power was concentrated in the hands of Menshikov and the Privy Council. During the reign of Catherine the First, the Supreme Privy Council was created, the role of the Senate was minimized. Long wars during the time of Peter the Great affected the country's finances. The price of bread rose sharply, famine began in Russia, and the empress lowered the poll tax. No major wars were fought in the country. The time of Catherine the First 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 ascended the throne at only 11 years old, real power was in the hands of the Menshikovs, and then the Dolgorukovs. 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 the 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 II, the capital was moved to Moscow. The emperor died at the age of 14 from smallpox.
Anna Ioannovna (1730 - 1740)
The fourth daughter of King John the Fifth. She was sent by Peter the Great to Courland and married to the Duke, but she 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 "Bironovschina", after the name of the favorite Biron.
Under Anna Ioannovna, an office of Secret Investigation Affairs was established, which carried out reprisals against the nobles. The fleet was reformed and the construction of ships was restored, which had been slowed down in recent decades. The Empress reinstated 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 for the descendants of her father. Therefore, before her death, she appointed her grand-nephew as her successor, and in case of his death, the subsequent children of Anna Leopoldovna.
The emperor came to 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 in illusion, she was incapable of ruling. Her favorites, Minich, and later Osterman, were overthrown during a new coup, and the little prince was arrested. The emperor spent all his life in captivity, in the Shlisselburg fortress. They tried to free him many times. One of these attempts ended with 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. From the cultural side, her reign went down in history as the era of the 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 Russian-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 all the received territories were given back by Emperor Peter III 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 a number of the emperor's merits were appreciated.
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 of all the conquered territories to Prussia. He died almost immediately after the coup due to unclear circumstances.
Catherine the Second (1762 - 1796)
The wife of Peter the Third, came to power as a result of a palace coup, overthrowing her husband. Its era went down in history as a period of maximum enslavement of the peasants and extensive privileges to the nobles. So Catherine tried to thank the nobles for the power she had received and to strengthen her strength.
The period of government went down in history as "the policy of enlightened absolutism." Under Catherine, the Senate was transformed, the provincial reform took place, and the Legislative Commission was convened. The secularization of the church lands 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, the Crimea, the Black Sea region, Western Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania were annexed. Despite significant successes, the era of Catherine is known as a period of prosperity for corruption and favoritism.
Paul the First (1796 - 1801)
Son of Catherine II and Peter III. The relationship between the empress and her son was 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 prevented women from ruling the country. The senior male representative became the ruler. The position of the nobility was weakened and the position of the peasants improved (a law on 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. Also, Paul was preparing a campaign to India. He was killed in 1801 during a palace coup organized by his son Alexander.
Alexander the First (1801 - 1825)
The eldest son of Paul the First. He went down in history as Alexander the Blessed. He carried out moderate liberal reforms, their developer was Speransky and members of the Secret Committee. The reforms consisted in an attempt to weaken serfdom (decree on free farmers), replacing Peter's collegia 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, drawing 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 hermit.
Nicholas the First (1825 - 1855)
Third son of Emperor Paul. He rose to reign, since Alexander the First left no heirs behind him, 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 toughened 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 were created to track future revolutionaries, the laws of the Russian Empire were codified, the Kankrin monetary reform and the reform of the state peasants were carried out. Russia took part in the wars with Turkey and Persia. At the end of the reign of Nicholas, a difficult Crimean War took place, but the emperor died before reaching 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 infringed 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 reforms of secondary and higher education, the judicial and rural reforms, the improvement of local self-government and military reform, during which the rejection of recruits and the introduction of universal military service took place.
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 was killed in a successful terrorist attack.
Alexander the Third (1881 - 1894)
During his reign, Russia did not fight a single war, for which Alexander III was named Emperor Peacemaker. He held conservative views and pursued a number of counter-reforms, unlike his father. Alexander the Third adopted the Manifesto on the inviolability of autocracy, increased administrative pressure, and abolished university self-government.
During his reign, the law "On cook's children" was adopted. He limited the possibility of education for children from the lower strata. The situation of the freed peasants improved. The Peasant Bank was opened, redemption payments were lowered and the poll tax was canceled. The emperor's foreign policy was characterized by openness and peace.
Nicholas II (1894 - 1917)
The last emperor of Russia and the representative of the Romanov dynasty on the throne. His rule was characterized by a sharp 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 the Duma. Russia became a constitutional monarchy.
By order of Nikolai, 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 dragged 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 together with his family and courtiers in 1918. The imperial family is canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church.
Georgy Lvov (1917 - 1917)
A politician in Russia, he held power from March to July 1917. He was the head of the Provisional Government, bore the title of prince, descended from the distant branches of the Rurikovich. He was appointed by Nicholas II after the signing of 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 involved in the delivery of food and medicine to hospitals. After the failure of 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 training, was a member of the Fourth State Duma, a member of the Socialist Revolutionary Party. Alexander was the Minister of Justice and Minister of War of the Provisional Government until July. Then he became the chairman of the government, retaining the post of military and naval minister. He was overthrown during the October Revolution and fled 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, the First World War ended in 1918. Russia signed a humiliating peace and lost part of the territories of the southern regions (later they became part of the country again). Important decrees were signed on peace, on land and on power. Until 1922, the Civil War continued, in which the Bolshevik army won. A labor reform has passed, a clear working day, mandatory days off and vacation were established. All workers were entitled to a pension. Everyone has the right to free education and health care. The capital was moved to Moscow. The USSR was created.
Along with many social reforms, there was a persecution of religion. Almost all churches and monasteries were closed, property liquidated or plundered. Mass terror and executions continued, an unbearable surplus appropriation system was introduced (a tax in grain and food, which the peasants paid), and a mass exodus of the intelligentsia and the cultural elite. He died in 1924, in recent years he was ill and practically cannot lead the country. This is the only person whose body still lies in an embalmed state on Red Square.
Joseph Stalin (1924 - 1953)
In the course of numerous intrigues, Joseph Vissarionovich Dzhugashvili became the country's leader. Soviet revolutionary, supporter of Marxism. The time of his reign is still considered controversial. Stalin directed the development of the country towards mass industrialization and collectivization. Formed a super-centralized administrative command system. His reign became an example of harsh 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 the prisoners. Stalin's time 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 in chief during the Great Patriotic War. Under his leadership, the Soviet army won a victory in the USSR and reached Berlin, an act of Germany's unconditional surrender 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 reduced in time, ideological censorship decreased. The USSR was actively exploring space and for the first time under Nikita Sergeevich our cosmonauts flew into open space. The construction of residential buildings was actively developing to provide apartments for young families.
Khrushchev's policy was aimed at combating private households. He forbade collective farmers to keep their own livestock. The corn campaign was actively pursued - an attempt to make corn the main grain crop. Virgin lands were mastered en masse. Khrushchev's rule 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 his post as first secretary as a result of a conspiracy.
Leonid Brezhnev (1962 - 1982)
The period of Brezhnev's rule in history has been 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 rate. In 1972, an anti-alcohol campaign took place, 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 CPSU Central Committee was aimed at defusing world tension in connection with the Cold War. In France, a joint statement on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons was signed. In 1980, the Summer Olympics were held in Moscow.
Yuri Andropov (1982 - 1984)
Andropov was the chairman of the KGB from 1967 to 1982, this could not but be reflected in the short stage of his reign. The role of the KGB was strengthened. Special subdivisions were created to supervise the 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. He planned to start modernizing the political apparatus and a number of economic transformations. Andropov died in 1984 as a result of kidney failure due to gout.
Konstantin Chernenko (1984 - 1985)
Chernenko became the leader of the state at the age of 72, already having serious health problems. And he was considered just an intermediate figure. He had been in power for a little less than a year. Historians disagree about the role of Konstantin Chernenko. Some believe that he hindered Andropov's undertakings by concealing corruption cases. Others believe that Chernenko was the successor to the policies 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 controversial. He has received many awards, the most prestigious being the Nobel Peace Prize. Under him, fundamental reforms were carried out and the policy of the state was changed. Gorbachev charted a course for "perestroika" - the introduction of market relations, democratic development of the country, glasnost and freedom of speech. All this led the unprepared country to a deep crisis. Under Mikhail Sergeevich, Soviet troops were withdrawn from Afghanistan, the Cold War ended. The USSR and the Warsaw bloc collapsed.
Russian tsars' reign table
A table presenting 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 diagram gives an idea of the sequence of monarchs.
| Ruler name | The time period of the country's rule |
| John the Fourth | 1533 – 1584 |
| Fyodor Ioannovich | 1584 – 1598 |
| Irina Fedorovna | 1598 – 1598 |
| Boris Godunov | 1598 – 1605 |
| Fedor Godunov | 1605 – 1605 |
| False Dmitry | 1605 – 1606 |
| Vasily Shuisky | 1606 – 1610 |
| Vladislav the Fourth | 1610 – 1613 |
| Mikhail Romanov | 1613 – 1645 |
| Alexey Mikhailovich | 1645 – 1676 |
| Fedor Alekseevich | 1676 – 1682 |
| John the Fifth | 1682 – 1696 |
| Peter the Great | 1682 – 1725 |
| Catherine the First | 1725 – 1727 |
| Peter II | 1727 – 1730 |
| Anna Ioannovna | 1730 – 1740 |
| John the Sixth | 1740 – 1741 |
| Elizaveta Petrovna | 1741 – 1762 |
| Peter the Third | 1762 -1762 |
| Catherine II | 1762 – 1796 |
| Paul the First | 1796 – 1801 |
| Alexander the First | 1801 – 1825 |
| Nikolay the First | 1825 – 1855 |
| Alexander II | 1855 – 1881 |
| Alexander the Third | 1881 – 1894 |
| Nicholas II | 1894 – 1917 |
| George Lvov | 1917 – 1917 |
| Alexander Kerensky | 1917 – 1917 |
| Vladimir Lenin | 1917 – 1924 |
| Joseph Stalin | 1924 – 1953 |
| Nikita Khrushchev | 1953 – 1962 |
| Leonid Brezhnev | 1962 – 1982 |
| Yuri Andropov | 1982 – 1984 |
| Konstantin Chernenko | 1984 – 1985 |
| Mikhail Gorbachev | 1985 — 1991 |