Russian princes of ancient Russia tree. Kiev princes
The description of history in textbooks and multi-million circulations of fiction in recent decades has been questioned, to put it mildly. The rulers of Russia in chronological order are of great importance in the study of ancient times. People who are interested in their native history begin to understand that, in fact, its real, written on paper, does not exist, there are versions, from which everyone chooses his own, corresponding to his ideas. The story from the textbooks is only suitable for the role of a starting point.
The rulers of Russia in the period of the highest rise of the Ancient state
Much of what is known about the history of Russia - Russia is drawn from the "lists" of chronicles, the originals of which have not survived. In addition, even copies often contradict themselves and the elementary logic of events. Often, historians are forced to accept only their own opinion and claim it as the only correct one.
The first legendary rulers of Russia, who date back to 2.5 thousand years BC, were the brothers Sloven and Rus... They trace their lineage from Noah's son Japheth (hence Vandal, Encourage, etc.). The people of Rus are the Rusichi, the Rus, the people of Slovenia are the Slovenes, the Slavs. On the lake. The Ilmen brothers built the cities of Slovensk and Rusa (now Staraya Rusa). Veliky Novgorod was later built on the site of the burnt down Slovensk.
Descendants of Slovenia are known - Burivy and Gostomysl- the son of Burivy, or the mayor, or the foreman of Novgorod, who, having lost all his sons in the battles, summoned his grandson Rurik to Russia from a related tribe Rus (specifically from the island of Rugen).
Next are the versions written by German "historiographers" (Bayer, Miller, Schletzer) in the Russian service. In the German historiography of Russia, it is striking that it was written by people who did not know the Russian language, traditions and beliefs. Who collected and rewrote chronicles, not preserving, but often deliberately destroying, adjusting the facts to some ready-made version. It is interesting that Russian historiographers over the course of several hundred years, instead of refuting the German version of history, in every possible way adjusted new facts and studies to fit it.
The rulers of Russia according to historical tradition:
1. Rurik (862 - 879)- was called by his grandfather to restore order and end civil strife between Slavic and Finno-Ugric tribes in the territory of modern Leningrad and Novgorod regions. He founded or restored the city of Ladoga (Staraya Ladoga). Rules in Novgorod. After the Novgorod uprising in 864, under the leadership of the voivode Vadim the Brave, he united north-western Russia under his command.
According to legend, he sent (or they left) the warriors Askold and Dir to fight in Constantinople by water. They captured Kiev on the way.
It is not known exactly how the founder of the Rurik dynasty died.
2. Oleg the Prophetic (879 - 912)- a relative or successor of Rurik, who remained at the head of the Novgorod state, either as the guardian of Rurik's son, Igor, or as an eligible prince.
In 882 he went to Kiev. Along the way, it peacefully joins the principality with many tribal Slavic lands along the Dnieper, including the lands of the Smolensk Krivichi. In Kiev, he kills Askold and Dir, makes Kiev the capital.
In 907 he wages a victorious war with Byzantium - a trade agreement, beneficial for Russia, was signed. Nails his shield on the gates of Constantinople. He makes many successful and not very military campaigns (including defending the interests of the Khazar Kaganate), becoming the creator of the state of Kievan Rus. According to legend, he dies from a snakebite.
3. Igor (912 - 945)- fights for the unity of the state, constantly pacifying and annexing the surrounding Kiev lands, Slavic tribes. Fighting since 920 with the Pechenegs. He makes two campaigns against Constantinople: in 941 - unsuccessful, in 944 - with the conclusion of a treaty on more favorable terms for Russia than that of Oleg. He dies at the hands of the Drevlyans, going for a second tribute.
4. Olga (945 - after 959)- Regent under the three-year-old Svyatoslav. The date of birth and origin are not exactly established - either an ordinary varyazh or Oleg's daughter. She brutally and sophisticated revenge on the Drevlyans for the murder of her husband. She clearly established the size of the tribute. Divided Russia into parts ruled by the tiuns. Introduced a system of graveyards - places of trade and exchange. She built fortresses and cities. In 955 she was baptized in Constantinople.
The time of her reign is characterized by peace with the surrounding countries and the development of the state in all respects. The first Russian saint. She died in 969.
5. Svyatoslav Igorevich (959 - March 972)- the date of the beginning of the reign is relative - the mother ruled the country until her death, while Svyatoslav himself preferred to fight and was in Kiev rarely and not for long. Even the first foray of the Pechenegs and the siege of Kiev was met by Olga.
As a result of two campaigns, Svyatoslav defeated the Khazar Kaganate, to which Russia for a long time paid tribute with its soldiers. He conquered and imposed tribute on the Volga Bulgaria. Maintaining ancient traditions and in agreement with the squad, he despised Christians, Muslims and Jews. He conquered Tmutarakan and made the Vyatichi tributaries. In the period from 967 to 969 he successfully fought in Bulgaria under a treaty with the Byzantine Empire. In 969, he distributed Russia among his sons for inheritance: Yaropolk - Kiev, Oleg - Drevlyansky lands, Vladimir (a bastard son from a housekeeper) - Novgorod. He himself went to the new capital of his state - Pereyaslavets on the Danube. In 970 - 971 he fought with the Byzantine Empire with varying success. Killed by the Pechenegs, bribed by Constantinople, on the way to Kiev, as he became too strong an enemy for Byzantium.
6. Yaropolk Svyatoslavich (972 - 11.06.978)- tried to establish a relationship with the Holy Roman Empire and the Pope. He supported Christians in Kiev. Minted his own coin.
In 978 he defeated the Pechenegs. Since 977, at the instigation of the boyars, he began an internecine war with the brothers. Oleg died trampled by horses during the siege of the fortress, Vladimir fled "across the sea" and returned with a mercenary army. As a result of the war, Yaropolk, invited to the negotiations, was killed, and Vladimir took the grand-ducal seat.
7. Vladimir Svyatoslavich (11.06.978 - 15.07.1015)- carried out attempts to reform the Slavic Vedic cult, using human sacrifices. He won back Cherven Rus and Przemysl from the Poles. He conquered the Yatvingians, thereby opening the way for Russia to the Baltic Sea. He imposed a tribute on the Vyatichi and Rodimichi, while uniting the Novgorod and Kiev lands. Made a profitable peace with the Volga Bulgaria.
He captured Korsun in the Crimea in 988 and threatened to go to Constantinople if he did not get the sister of the Byzantine emperor as a wife. Having received a wife, he was baptized in the same place in Korsun and began to spread Christianity in Russia with "fire and sword". During the forced Christianization, the country became depopulated - out of 12 million, only 3 remained. Only Rostov-Suzdal land was able to avoid forced Christianization.
He paid much attention to the recognition of Kievan Rus in the West. He built several fortresses to defend the principality from the Polovtsians. With military campaigns he reached the North Caucasus.
8. Svyatopolk Vladimirovich (1015 - 1016, 1018 - 1019)- With the support of the people and the boyars, he took the Kiev throne. Soon three brothers die - Boris, Gleb, Svyatoslav. An open struggle for the grand-ducal throne begins to be waged by his own brother, Prince of Novgorod Yaroslav. After being defeated by Yaroslav, Svyatopolk flees to his father-in-law, King of Poland Boleslav I the Brave. In 1018, Yaroslav was defeated with Polish troops. The Poles, who began to plunder Kiev, cause popular indignation, and Svyatopolk is forced to disperse them, being left without troops.
Returning with new troops, Yaroslav easily takes Kiev. Svyatopolk, with the help of the Pechenegs, is trying to regain power, but to no avail. Dies, deciding to go to the Pechenegs.
For the murders of the brothers attributed to him, he was nicknamed the Cursed.
9. Yaroslav the Wise (1016 - 1018, 1019 - 20.02.1054)- first settled in Kiev during the war with his brother Svyatopolk. He received support from the Novgorodians, and besides them he had a mercenary army.
The beginning of the second period of the reign was marked by princely strife with his brother Mstislav, who defeated Yaroslav's troops and seized the left bank of the Dnieper from Chernigov. Peace was concluded between the brothers, they went on joint campaigns to the Yas and the Poles, but the Grand Duke Yaroslav until his brother's death stayed in Novgorod, and not in capital Kiev.
In 1030 he defeated the Chud and laid the foundation of the city of Yuryev. Immediately after the death of Mstislav, fearing competition, he imprisons his last brother Sudislav and moves to Kiev.
In 1036, he defeats the Pechenegs, freeing Russia from raids. In subsequent years, he makes trips to the Yatvingians, Lithuania and Mazovia. In 1043 - 1046 he was at war with the Byzantine empire over the murder of a noble Russian in Constantinople. He breaks off the alliance with Poland and gives off his daughter Anna to the French king.
Founding monasteries and building churches, incl. St. Sophia Cathedral, erects stone walls in Kiev. By order of Yaroslav, many books are translated and rewritten. Opens the first school for children of priests and village elders in Novgorod. Under him, the first metropolitan of Russian origin, Hilarion, appears.
Publishes the Church Charter and the first known code of laws of Russia "Russian Truth".
10. Izyaslav Yaroslavich (20.02.1054 - 14.09.1068, 2.05.1069 - March 1073, 15.06.1077 - 3.10.1078)- not beloved by the people of Kiev, the prince, forced to periodically hide outside the principality. Together with his brothers, he creates a code of laws "Pravda Yaroslavichi". The first reign is characterized by joint decision-making by all the Yaroslavich brothers - the Triumvirate.
In 1055, the brothers break the Torks near Pereyaslavl and establish borders with the Polovtsian Land. Izyaslav provides assistance to Byzantium in Armenia, seizes the lands of the Baltic people - goliad. In 1067, as a result of the war with the Polotsk principality, he deceived Prince Vseslav the Sorcerer.
In 1068 Izyaslav refuses to arm the Kievites against the Polovtsians, for which he was expelled from Kiev. Returns with Polish troops.
In 1073, as a result of a conspiracy drawn up by his younger brothers, he leaves Kiev and wanders around Europe for a long time in search of allies. He returns the throne after Svyatoslav Yaroslavovich dies.
He died in a battle with his nephews near Chernigov.
11. Vseslav Bryachislavich (09/14/1068 - April 1069)- Polotsk prince, released from arrest by the people of Kiev, who rebelled against Izyaslav and enthroned to the throne of the Grand Duke. He left Kiev when Izyaslav was approaching with the Poles. He ruled in Polotsk for more than 30 years, without stopping the fight against the Yaroslavichs.
12.Svyatoslav Yaroslavich (22.03.1073 - 27.12.1076)- came to power in Kiev as a result of a conspiracy against his older brother, with the support of the people of Kiev. He devoted a lot of attention and funds to supporting the clergy and the church. He died as a result of surgery.
13.Vsevolod Yaroslavich (1.01.1077 - July 1077, October 1078 - 13.04.1093)- the first period ended with the voluntary transfer of power to brother Izyaslav. The second time he took the grand-ducal place after the death of the latter in the internecine war.
Almost the entire period of the reign was marked by a fierce internecine struggle, especially with the Polotsk principality. Vladimir Monomakh, the son of Vsevolod, distinguished himself in this civil strife, who, with the help of the Polovtsians, conducted several devastating campaigns on the Polotsk lands.
Vsevolod and Monomakh conducted campaigns against Vyatichi and Polovtsi.
Vsevolod married his daughter Eupraxia to the emperor of the Roman Empire. The church-consecrated marriage ended in a scandal and the emperor was accused of performing satanic rituals.
14. Svyatopolk Izyaslavich (04.24.1093 - 04.16.1113)- first of all, having ascended the throne, he arrested the Polovtsian ambassadors, unleashing a war. As a result, together with V. Monomakh, the Polovtsians were defeated at Stugna and Zhelan, Torchesk was burned and three main Kiev monasteries were looted.
The princely feuds were not stopped by the congress of princes in Lyubech held in 1097, which secured the ownership of the branches of the princely dynasties. Svyatopolk Izyaslavich remained the Grand Duke and ruler of Kiev and Turov. Immediately after the congress, he slandered V. Monomakh and other princes. They responded with a siege of Kiev, which ended in an armistice.
In 1100, at the congress of princes in Uvetchitsy, Svyatopolk received Volhynia.
In 1104 Svyatopolk organized a campaign against the Minsk prince Gleb.
In 1103-1111, a coalition of princes led by Svyatopolk and Vladimir Monomakh successfully waged a war against the Polovtsians.
The death of Svyatopolk was accompanied by an uprising in Kiev against the boyars and usurers who were closest to him.
15. Vladimir Monomakh (20.04.1113 - 19.05.1125)- was invited to reign during the uprising in Kiev against the administration of Svyatopolk. He created the "Charter on cuts", which was included in the "Russian Truth", which eased the position of debtors while fully preserving feudal relations.
The beginning of the reign was not without civil strife: Yaroslav Svyatopolchich, who claimed the Kiev throne, had to be expelled from Volyn. The period of Monomakh's rule was the last period of strengthening of the grand ducal power in Kiev. Together with his sons, the Grand Duke owned 75% of the territory of chronicle Russia.
To strengthen the state, Monomakh often used dynastic marriages and his authority as a military leader - the winner of the Polovtsians. During his reign, the sons defeated the Chud, defeated the Volga Bulgars.
In 1116 - 1119 Vladimir Vsevolodovich successfully fought with Byzantium. As a result of the war, as a ransom, he received from the emperor the title "Tsar of All Russia", a scepter, orb, a royal crown (the cap of Monomakh). As a result of the negotiations, Monomakh gave his granddaughter to the emperor.
16. Mstislav the Great (20.05.1125 - 15.04.1132)- originally owned only the Kiev land, but was recognized as the eldest among the princes. Gradually began to control through dynastic marriages and sons of the city of Novgorod, Chernigov, Kursk, Murom, Ryazan, Smolensk and Turov.
In 1129 he plundered the Polotsk lands. In 1131 he deprived of the inheritance and expelled the Polotsk princes, headed by the son of Vseslav the Sorcerer - Davyd.
In the period from 1130 to 1132, he made several campaigns with varying success against the Baltic tribes, including the Chud and Lithuania.
The state of Mstislav is the last informal union of the principalities of Kievan Rus. He controlled all large cities, all the way "from the Varangians to the Greeks", the accumulated military power gave him the right to be called the Great in the annals.
The rulers of the Old Russian state during the fragmentation and decline of Kiev
The princes on the Kiev throne during this period are often replaced and do not rule for long, for the most part they do not show themselves in anything remarkable:
1. Yaropolk Vladimirovich (04.17.1132 - 02.18.1139)- The prince of Pereyaslavl was called to rule the Kievites, but his very first decision to transfer Pereyaslavl to Izyaslav Mstislavich, who had ruled in Polotsk before, caused indignation among the Kievites and the expulsion of Yaropolk. In the same year, the Kievites called on Yaropolk again, but Polotsk, to which the dynasty of Vseslav the Sorcerer returned, was separated from Kievan Rus.
In the internecine struggle that began between the various branches of the Rurikovichs, the Grand Duke could not show firmness and by the time of his death had lost control, except for Polotsk, over Novgorod and Chernigov. Nominally, only Rostov-Suzdal land was subordinate to him.
2. Vyacheslav Vladimirovich (22.02 - 4.03.1139, April 1151 - 6.02.1154)- the first, one and a half week period of reign ended with the overthrow of the throne by Vsevolod Olgovich, the Chernigov prince.
In the second period, it was only an official sign, the real power belonged to Izyaslav Mstislavich.
3. Vsevolod Olgovich (05.03.1139 - 1.08.1146)- the Chernigov prince, forcibly removed Vyacheslav Vladimirovich from the throne, interrupting the rule of Monomashichi in Kiev. Was not loved by the people of Kiev. The entire period of his reign skillfully maneuvered between Mstislavovich and Monomashichi. He constantly fought with the latter, trying not to allow his own relatives to the grand ducal power.
4. Igor Olgovich (1 - 13.08.1146)- received Kiev by his brother's will, which angered the inhabitants of the city. The townspeople summoned Izyaslav Mstislavich to the throne from Pereslavl. After the battle between the contenders, Igor was put in a hole, where he fell seriously ill. Released from there, he was tonsured a monk, but in 1147, on suspicion of conspiracy against Izyaslav, he was executed by vengeful Kievans only because Olgovich.
5. Izyaslav Mstislavich (08.13.1146 - 08.23.1149, 1151 - 11.13.1154)- in the first period, directly apart from Kiev, he ruled Pereyaslavl, Turov, Volyn. In the internecine struggle with Yuri Dolgoruky and his allies, he enjoyed the support of the Novgorodians, Smolyans and Ryazanians. He often attracted the allied Polovtsy, Hungarians, Czechs, Poles into his ranks.
For an attempt to elect a Russian metropolitan without the approval of the patriarch from Constantinople, he was excommunicated.
He had the support of the people of Kiev in the fight against the Suzdal princes.
6. Yuri Dolgoruky (08.28.1149 - summer 1150, summer 1150 - early 1151, 03.20.1155 - 05.15.1157)- Suzdal prince, son of V. Monomakh. Three times sat on the throne of the Grand Duke. The first two times he was expelled from Kiev by Izyaslav and the Kievites. In his struggle for the rights of the Monomashites, he relied on the support of Novgorod - the Seversky prince Svyatoslav (brother of Igor executed in Kiev), Galicians and Polovtsians. The decisive battle against Izyaslav was the Battle of Ruta in 1151. Having lost which, Yuri single-handedly lost all his allies in the south.
The third time he subdued Kiev after Izyaslav and his co-ruler Vyacheslav died. In 1157 he made an unsuccessful campaign to Volhynia, where the sons of Izyaslav settled.
Presumably poisoned by the Kievites.
In the south, only one son of Yuri Dolgoruky, Gleb, was able to gain a foothold in the Pereyaslavl principality isolated from Kiev.
7. Rostislav Mstislavich (1154 - 1155, 12.04.1159 - 8.02.1161, March 1161 - 14.03.1167)- for 40 years the Smolensk prince. He founded the Grand Duchy of Smolensk. The first time he took the Kiev throne at the invitation of Vyacheslav Vladimirovich, who called him co-ruler, but soon died. Rostislav Mstislavich was forced to speak out to meet Yuri Dolgoruky. Having met with his uncle, the Smolensk prince ceded Kiev to an older relative.
The second and third terms of rule in Kiev were divided by the attack of Izyaslav Davydovich with the Polovtsians, which forced Rostislav Mstislavovich to hide in Belgorod, waiting for the allies.
The government was distinguished by calmness, insignificance of civil strife and peaceful resolution of conflicts. Attempts of the Polovtsians to disturb the peace in Russia were suppressed in every possible way.
With the help of a dynastic marriage, he annexed Vitebsk to the Smolensk principality.
8. Izyaslav Davydovich (winter 1155, 05/19/1157 - December 1158, 02/12 - 03/06/1161)- the first time he became the Grand Duke, defeating the troops of Rostislav Mstislavich, but was forced to cede the throne to Yuri Dolgoruky.
The second time he took the throne after the death of Dolgoruky, but was defeated near Kiev by the Volyn and Galich princes for refusing to hand over the applicant to the Galician throne.
The third time he captured Kiev, but was defeated by the allies of Rostislav Mstislavich.
9. Mstislav Izyaslavich (12.22.1158 - spring 1159, 05.19.1167 - 03.12.1169, February - 04.13.1170)- for the first time he became a Kiev prince, expelling Izyaslav Davydovich, but ceded the great reign to Rostislav Mstislavich, as the eldest in the family.
The second time he was called to rule by the people of Kiev after the death of Rostislav Mstislavich. I could not hold on to rule against the army of Andrei Bogolyubsky.
The third time he settled in Kiev without a fight, using the love of the people of Kiev and expelling Gleb Yuryevich, who was imprisoned in Kiev by Andrey Bogolyubsky. However, abandoned by the allies, he was forced to return to Volyn.
He became famous for his victory over the Polovtsians at the head of the coalition forces in 1168.
It is considered the last great Kiev prince who had real power over Russia.
With the rise of the Vladimir-Suzdal principality, Kiev more and more becomes an ordinary appanage, although it retains the name "great". Problems, most likely, need to be looked for in what and how the rulers of Russia did, in the chronological order of their inheritance of power. Decades of civil strife bore fruit - the principality weakened and lost its importance for Russia. Reign in Kiev than the main one. Often Kiev princes were appointed or changed by the Grand Duke from Vladimir.
4. Nikita Sergeevich Khrushchev (04.17.1894-11.09.1971)
Soviet statesman and party leader. First Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee, Chairman of the USSR Council of Ministers from 1958 to 1964. Hero of the Soviet Union, Three times Hero of Socialist Labor. The first laureate of the Shevchenko Prize, years of reign 07.09.1. (Moscow city).
Nikita Sergeevich Khrushchev was born in 1894 in the village of Kalinovka, Kursk province, in the family of the miner Sergei Nikanorovich Khrushchev and Ksenia Ivanovna Khrushcheva. In 1908, having moved with his family to the Uspensky mine near Yuzovka, Khrushchev became an apprentice locksmith at a factory, then worked as a locksmith in a mine and was not taken to the front as a miner in 1914. In the early 1920s, he worked in mines, studied at the working faculty of the Donetsk Industrial Institute. Later he was engaged in economic and party work in Donbass and Kiev. From January 1931 he was at party work in Moscow, in years he was the first secretary of the Moscow regional and city party committees - MK and MGK VKP (b). In January 1938 he was appointed first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Ukraine. In the same year he became a candidate, and in 1939 - a member of the Politburo.
During the Second World War, Khrushchev served as a political commissar of the highest rank (a member of the military councils of a number of fronts) and in 1943 was promoted to lieutenant general; led the partisan movement behind the front line. In the first post-war years, he headed the government in Ukraine. In December 1947, Khrushchev again led the Communist Party of Ukraine, becoming the first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party (Bolsheviks) of Ukraine; held this post until his move to Moscow in December 1949, where he became the first secretary of the Moscow party committee and secretary of the Central Committee of the CPSU (b). Khrushchev initiated the consolidation of collective farms (collective farms). After Stalin's death, when the chairman of the Council of Ministers left the post of secretary of the Central Committee, Khrushchev became the "owner" of the party apparatus, although until September 1953 he did not have the title of first secretary. In the period from March to June 1953, he attempted to seize power. In order to eliminate Beria, Khrushchev entered into an alliance with Malenkov. In September 1953, he took over as First Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee. In June 1953, a struggle for power began between Malenkov and Khrushchev, in which Khrushchev won. At the beginning of 1954, he announced the beginning of an ambitious program for the development of virgin lands in order to increase grain production, and in October of the same year he headed the Soviet delegation in Beijing.
The most striking event in Khrushchev's career was the XX Congress of the CPSU, held in 1956. At a closed meeting, Khrushchev condemned Stalin, accusing him of mass destruction of people and erroneous policies that almost ended in the elimination of the USSR in the war against Nazi Germany. The result of this report was unrest in the countries of the Eastern bloc - Poland (October 1956) and Hungary (October and November 1956). In June 1957, the Presidium (formerly Politburo) of the CPSU Central Committee organized a conspiracy to remove Khrushchev from the post of First Party Secretary. After his return from Finland, he was invited to a meeting of the Presidium, which, by seven votes to four, demanded his resignation. Khrushchev called a plenum of the Central Committee, which overturned the decision of the Presidium and dismissed the "anti-party group" of Molotov, Malenkov and Kaganovich. He strengthened the Presidium with his supporters, and in March 1958 took over as Chairman of the Council of Ministers, taking over all the main levers of power. In September 1960, Khrushchev visited the United States as head of the Soviet delegation to the UN General Assembly. During the assembly, he managed to conduct large-scale negotiations with the heads of government of a number of countries. His report to the Assembly contained calls for general disarmament, the immediate elimination of colonialism and the admission of China to the UN. During the summer of 1961, Soviet foreign policy became increasingly harsh, and in September the USSR broke the three-year moratorium on nuclear weapons testing with a series of explosions. On October 14, 1964, by the Plenum of the CPSU Central Committee, Khrushchev was relieved of his duties as First Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee and a member of the Presidium of the CPSU Central Committee. He was replaced, who became the First Secretary of the Communist Party, and became the Chairman of the Council of Ministers. After 1964, Khrushchev, while retaining his place in the Central Committee, was essentially retired. Khrushchev died in Moscow on September 11, 1971.
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 to collect tribute from the Drevlyans twice (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 reconcile to this. During his return from Bulgaria in 972, his army, drained of blood in the war with Byzantium, was attacked by 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 the years 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), Pereyaslavl (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 "Instructions" 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. Participated in the work of the Lyubech, Vitichevsky and Dolobsky congresses of 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 widely settled along the entire length of 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 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 person.
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 size 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 retinue 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 didn’t even help that the father had assigned his own land for each of them during his lifetime. 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 speak of 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 Polovtsi 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 formally still 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 together 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. The eternal problem was both the constant raids of the nomads, and the internal strife, constantly tearing apart the country, 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 the 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.
Every campaign against the Polovtsians was considered a holiday (the Polovtsians did not share his views). It was under Monomakh that princes who were overly zealous in matters of independence were severely curtailed. 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)
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, consolidating the position of the "Olegovich". But the Kievites 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, son of Dolgoruky, 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.
For almost 400 years of existence of this title, completely different people have worn it - from adventurers and liberals to tyrants and conservatives.
Rurikovich
Over the years, Russia (from Rurik to Putin) has changed its political system many times. At first, the rulers bore the title of prince. When, after a period of political fragmentation, a new Russian state was formed around Moscow, the owners of the Kremlin thought about accepting the royal title.
This was done under Ivan the Terrible (1547-1584). This one decided to marry the kingdom. And this decision was not accidental. So the Moscow monarch emphasized that he was the legal successor It was they who bestowed Orthodoxy on Russia. In the 16th century, Byzantium no longer existed (it fell under the onslaught of the Ottomans), so Ivan the Terrible rightly believed that his act would have serious symbolic significance.
Historical figures such as this king had a great influence on the development of the entire country. In addition to the fact that Ivan the Terrible changed his title, he also captured the Kazan and Astrakhan khanates, starting the Russian expansion to the East.
Ivan's son Fedor (1584-1598) was distinguished by weak character and health. Nevertheless, under him, the state continued to develop. The patriarchate was established. The rulers have always paid much attention to the issue of succession to the throne. This time he stood up especially sharply. Fedor had no children. When he died, the Rurik dynasty on the Moscow throne was suppressed.
Time of Troubles
After the death of Fyodor, Boris Godunov (1598-1605), his brother-in-law, came to power. He did not belong to the reigning family, and many considered him a usurper. Under him, due to natural disasters, a colossal famine began. The tsars and presidents of Russia have always tried to keep the provinces calm. Because of the tense situation, Godunov failed to do this. Several peasant uprisings took place in the country.
In addition, the adventurer Grishka Otrepiev called himself one of the sons of Ivan the Terrible and began a military campaign against Moscow. He really managed to capture the capital and become king. Boris Godunov did not live up to this moment - he died from health complications. His son Fyodor II was captured by False Dmitry's associates and killed.
The impostor ruled for only a year, after which he was overthrown during the Moscow uprising, inspired by disgruntled Russian boyars, who did not like the fact that False Dmitry surrounded himself with Catholic Poles. decided to transfer the crown to Vasily Shuisky (1606-1610). In the Time of Troubles, the rulers of Russia often changed.
The princes, tsars and presidents of Russia had to carefully guard their power. Shuisky did not keep her and was overthrown by the Polish invaders.
The first Romanovs
When, in 1613, Moscow was liberated from foreign invaders, the question arose of who to make the sovereign. In this text, all the kings of Russia are presented in order (with portraits). Now it's time to talk about the accession to the throne of the Romanov dynasty.
The first sovereign of this kind - Michael (1613-1645) - was quite a young man when he was put to rule a huge country. Its main goal was the struggle with Poland for the lands it had seized during the Time of Troubles.
These were the biographies of the rulers and the dates of their reign until the middle of the 17th century. After Michael, his son Alexei (1645-1676) ruled. He annexed the left-bank Ukraine and Kiev to Russia. So, after several centuries of fragmentation and Lithuanian rule, the fraternal peoples finally began to live in one country.
Alexei had many sons. The eldest of them, Theodore III (1676-1682), died at a young age. After him came the simultaneous reign of two children - Ivan and Peter.
Peter the Great
Ivan Alekseevich was unable to govern the country. Therefore, in 1689, the sole reign of Peter the Great began. He completely rebuilt the country in a European manner. Russia - from Rurik to Putin (in chronological order we will consider all the rulers) - knows few examples of such a richly changing era.
A new army and navy appeared. For this, Peter started a war against Sweden. The Northern War lasted 21 years. In the course of it, the Swedish army was defeated, and the kingdom agreed to cede its southern Baltic lands. In this region, St. Petersburg was founded in 1703 - the new capital of Russia. Peter's successes made him think about changing the title. In 1721 he became emperor. However, this change did not abolish the royal title - in everyday speech monarchs continued to be called tsars.
The era of palace coups
The death of Peter was followed by a long period of instability of power. Monarchs succeeded each other with enviable regularity, which was facilitated. At the head of these changes, as a rule, there was a guard or certain courtiers. During this era, Catherine I (1725-1727), Peter II (1727-1730), Anna Ioannovna (1730-1740), Ivan VI (1740-1741), Elizaveta Petrovna (1741-1761) and Peter III (1761-1762) ).
The last of them was of German origin. Under the predecessor of Peter III, Elizabeth, Russia waged a victorious war against Prussia. The new monarch abandoned all conquests, returned Berlin to the king and concluded a peace treaty. By this act, he signed his own death warrant. The guards organized another palace coup, after which the wife of Peter, Catherine II, was on the throne.
Catherine II and Paul I
Catherine II (1762-1796) had a deep state mind. On the throne, she began to pursue a policy of enlightened absolutism. The Empress organized the work of the famous commissioned commission, the purpose of which was to prepare a comprehensive project of reforms in Russia. She also wrote the Mandate. This document contained many considerations about the necessary reforms for the country. The reforms were curtailed when a peasant uprising led by Pugachev broke out in the Volga region in the 1770s.
All the tsars and presidents of Russia (in chronological order we have listed all the royal persons) made sure that the country looked worthy on the external arena. She was no exception. She carried out several successful military campaigns against Turkey. As a result, Crimea and other important Black Sea regions were annexed to Russia. At the end of Catherine's reign, there were three partitions of Poland. So the Russian Empire received important acquisitions in the west.
After the death of the great empress, her son Paul I (1796-1801) came to power. This quarrelsome man was disliked by many in the St. Petersburg elite.
First half of the 19th century
In 1801, the next and last palace coup took place. A group of conspirators dealt with Paul. His son Alexander I (1801-1825) was on the throne. His reign fell on the Patriotic War and the invasion of Napoleon. The rulers of the Russian state have not faced such a serious hostile intervention for two centuries. Despite the capture of Moscow, Bonaparte was defeated. Alexander became the most popular and famous monarch of the Old World. He was also called the "liberator of Europe".
Inside his country, Alexander in his youth tried to implement liberal reforms. Historical figures often change their politics with age. So Alexander soon abandoned his ideas. He died in Taganrog in 1825 under mysterious circumstances.
At the beginning of the reign of his brother Nicholas I (1825-1855) there was an uprising of the Decembrists. Because of this, for thirty years, conservative orders triumphed in the country.
Second half of the 19th century
Here are all the tsars of Russia in order, with portraits. Next, we will focus on the main reformer of the national statehood - Alexander II (1855-1881). He initiated a manifesto for the emancipation of the peasants. The elimination of serfdom allowed the development of the Russian market and capitalism. Economic growth began in the country. The reforms also affected the judiciary, local government, administrative and conscription systems. The monarch tried to raise the country to its feet and learn the lessons that the lost one begun under Nicholas I taught him.
But the radicals were not satisfied with Alexander's reforms. Terrorists attempted several times on his life. They were successful in 1881. Alexander II was killed by a bomb explosion. The news came as a shock to the whole world.
Because of what happened, the son of the deceased monarch, Alexander III (1881-1894), forever became a tough reactionary and conservative. But most of all he is known as a peacemaker. During his reign, Russia did not fight a single war.
The last king
Alexander III died in 1894. Power passed into the hands of Nicholas II (1894-1917) - his son and the last Russian monarch. By that time, the old world order with the absolute power of kings and kings had already outlived its usefulness. Russia - from Rurik to Putin - knew a lot of upheavals, but it was under Nikolai that more than ever happened.
In 1904-1905. the country went through a humiliating war with Japan. The first revolution followed. Although the unrest was suppressed, the king had to make concessions to public opinion. He agreed to establish a constitutional monarchy and parliament.
The tsars and presidents of Russia at all times faced a certain opposition within the state. Now people could elect deputies who expressed these sentiments.
In 1914, the First World War began. No one then suspected that it would end with the fall of several empires at once, including the Russian one. In 1917, the February Revolution broke out, and the last tsar had to abdicate. Nicholas II and his family were shot by the Bolsheviks in the basement of the Ipatiev House in Yekaterinburg.