Tsarist+Russia

 Tsar of Russia f rom 1855. Deeply influenced by Russia's defeat in the Crimean War (1854-56), he embarked upon an extensive reform of Russian government and society. Remembered as the 'Tsar Liberator' for his emancipation of the serfs (1861), he was also responsible for reforms relating to the systems of law, local government and military service. He was unwilling, on the other hand, to compromise over the principle of autocracy, an inconsistency that left him isolated from reformers and conservatives alike. His reign saw an increasing degree of radical political opposition, and he was eventually the victim of an assassination by the terrorist group, the People's Will.



Married Dagmar (1847-1928), daughter of Cristina IX of Denmark and sister to Queen Alexandra of Britain, in 1866. Succeeded his father, Alexander II, as Tsar of Russia in 1881. Pursued a reactionary policy, persecuting Jews and promoting Russification. In foreign affairs, Alexander III followed a policy of peace and nonintervention.



Tsar of Russia (1894-1917). He was dominated by his wife, Tsarina Alexandra, who was allegedly under the influence of Rasputin. Nicholas' mismanagement of Russian internal affairs and of the Russo-Japanese war led to the revolution of 1905. Although the revolution was suppressed, the Tsasr was forced to grant limited constitutional reforms. Nicholas took Russia into the First World War, but was forced to abdicate in 1917 after the Russian Revolution. The Tsar and his family were executed in 1918.



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