Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Selected List of Russian Leaders
Rurik 862-79 Viking prince who founded state of Rus, based in northern city
of Novgorod and populated by eastern Slavs.
Vladimir I 978-1015 Prince who chose Orthodox Christianity as the Russian
state religion, launching widespread cathedral construction. Oversaw emer-
gence of Kievan Rus as major European state.
Ivan III (The Great) 1462-1505 Ended 3 centuries of Mongol dominance over
Russian lands, expanded Russian territories east and north, ordered construc-
tion of the Kremlin's greatest cathedrals.
Ivan IV (The Terrible) 1533-84 First Russian crowned “czar.” Initially a reformer,
he later introduced Russia's first secret police force and terrorized political
opponents.
Boris Godunov 1598-1605 Boyar (nobleman) elected czar by a national
assembly amid a power vacuum in the Kremlin. His death led to another
crisis of succession.
Mikhail I 1613-45 Son of noble Romanov family, elected czar. Romanov
dynasty would stay in power for the next 300 years, until Soviet rule. His
coronation ended the “Time of Troubles.”
Peter I (The Great) 1698-1725 Moved Russian capital to St. Petersburg, a city
he built on a delta on the Baltic Sea. Turned Russia westward, introducing
European architectural styles, art, and attitudes to his isolated nation. Founded
Russian navy.
Elizabeth I 1741-61 Built many of Petersburg's greatest palaces, including the
Winter Palace that houses the Hermitage.
Catherine II (The Great) 1762-96 A German princess who married into the
Romanov dynasty and became one of Russia's most influential leaders.
Expanded Russian territory south and west, oversaw construction of many
crucial Petersburg buildings and institutions.
Alexander I 1801-25 Led Russian army against Napoleon, eventually driving
the Grande Armée back to Paris.
Nicholas I 1825-55 Suppressed uprising by reformist generals (later dubbed
“Decembrists”) soon after his coronation; maintained hard line against dissent.
Alexander II 1855-81 Abolished serfdom, freeing the majority of the popula-
tion and allowing land ownership. Later grew more conservative and was
assassinated by an anarchist.
Alexander III 1881-94 Reactionary leader whose reign was fraught with
revolutionary activity that he sought to suppress.
Nicholas II 1894-1917 Russia's last czar. Resisted increasing calls for reforms
until 1906, after disastrous war with Japan and striking workers led to creation
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